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It's holiday party time, which means that at least half of you are scrambling around looking for something festive to wear to that one big party. Or those three big parties! And you're also trying to figure out how to pay for holiday travel and gifts and entertaining, which means that the idea of buying a dress you will only wear once is a little stressful.
Am I right?
This year, there are some chic and inexpensive options for festive holiday dressing. If you choose well, you will wind up with a dress that doesn't cost a fortune and that can be worn over and over. So where does a girl shop for a great party dress?
How about Target?
Target has some lovely holiday dresses right now, for under $50. The dress pictured here is a basic sheath, with just a touch of embellishment at the neckline -- wear it to an after-five holiday party with a pair of festive shoes, or to your in-house work party with a tailored jacket. Dress it down for Thanksgiving dinner with a pretty cardigan. The clean, simple line of the dress makes it infinitely versatile. Marian shift dress, $39.99 at Target.com. Available in sizes 2 - 18.
Looking for more inspiration? Dress Barn has a super useful pair of look books, one for sizes 4 - 16 and another for sizes 14 - 24. Their dresses are bright and tailored, and perfect for a festive night out. This year Dress Barn is highlighting bright jewel tones; by pairing them with classic silhouettes, they've created dresses that will last beyond this season.
Don't have time -- or money -- to shop? Dig around in your closet. Have a basic pencil or A line skirt and a crisp button down shirt? Add some cool textured tights for a dramatic after hours party look, or layer on three or four necklaces for a dramatic look.
Look further in your closet -- get out those pieces that you're always saving for a special event and see how you can mix them in with your everyday closet for a fun new look. Pair your velvet skirt with a basic tee and your flat boots for date night; wear your beaded sweater with dark-rinse jeans for a holiday open house.
Be creative, and don't worry about breaking the rules -- Sally McGraw at Already Pretty reminds us that rules are helpful, but personal style comes from within.
Need some help with patterned tights? Style Bakery has simple tips for making this runway look work for the real world.
And don't worry if you're shopping your closet and not the mall this season -- the Mrs. O blog reminds us that even the First Lady is wearing what she already has.
Susan Wagner writes about pragmatic fashion at The Working Closet and chic suburban living at Friday Playdate. She's totally shopping her own closet for the holidays this year.
