As a little kid, the holiday season probably meant new toys, letters to the North Pole, or dreidel games. Now that you’re a collegiette™, the gift-giving months have taken on a whole new meaning: party season. Whether you’re attending a huge New Year’s Eve blowout, your family’s annual party, or a small get-together with your best friends before you depart for winter break, we’ve got the perfect dress for you, no matter your budget.
$25 and under
Ravishing in Red
This Forever 21 number is perfect for a holiday date party! The strapless cut and red color are flirty, but the shape and length keep it tasteful. If it’s chilly out, pair it with opaque black tights and black patent heels. The best part of the dress? The pockets! Leave your purse at home for the night and throw in your ID, some cash, your favorite lipgloss and you’re good to go.
Forever 21, $19.80
Professor Plum
A bright purple number is such an unexpected choice for New Year’s Eve, so on a night that’s all about glitz, why not stand out in a sea of black and silver? Keep the dress winter-appropriate with dark colored accessories, like black shoes and a black clutch.
JC Penney, $24.99
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$50 and under
Edged Out
This is a great option for an edgy girl. The cut is sweet, but the deep plum shade and feathers add a bit of a rock vibe. This is also a great option for small-busted girls because the corset cut and the feathers will give the illusion of a fuller bust.
Macy’s $32.99
Not Your Average LBD
The purple accents on this dress add an updated spin on the LBD. It’s a great option if you want to wear a just a hint of color. This dress proves that holiday dressing definitely does not have to mean red and green.
Delia’s, $49.50
Scarlet Fever
I think it’s really important that we have a conversation about how obsessed I am with this dress. It’s everything a holiday dress should be — festive, fun, glamorous, and chic. Pair this with deep, dark gold accessories. (You can totally head to Forever 21 or H&M to pick up pieces like these.) If you know you’re going to be on your feet all night, gold flats would be an adorable and comfortable footwear option to match.
Lulu’s.com, $47
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Lady Lace
Some people will tell you that a holiday dress has to be green, red, or covered in sequins. Those people are dirty liars. A black dress can be just as festive. Steer clear of a simple LBD and look for a dress that has special details, like the lace sleeves on this Nordstom number. With colored tights (like a ruby red or even a luxe cream), this is a great option for a more conservative holiday party, like your family friend’s annual soiree or your boyfriend’s family holiday dinner.
Nordstrom, $42
All That Glitters Is Not Gold
This is a great option for showing off some skin in a way that is still refined. Trade out the silver belt that comes with the dress for a gold or red option and match your shoes to the belt. This creative touch will definitely set you apart from the crowd!
JC Penney, $39.99
Show Some Shoulders
Think showing some skin at a holiday party has to mean going bare-legged in the winter? Think again. Showing shoulders is a great way to add a sexy element, while still staying chic and warm. The sparkling gold fabric? That’s just an added bonus.
Victoria’s Secret, $49.50
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$75 and under
Mrs. Clause Would be Jealous
This dress is great for a holiday party that’s a bit dressier or one where you need to impress. You’ll look so pretty, your boyfriend’s mom won’t even realize you haven’t tried her “famous” fruit cake yet.
Macy’s, $54.99
Shining Superstar
Sometimes wearing more than one trend at a time can leave you looking like a mess, though this dress has three major trends (asymmetrical cut, sequins, and tulle skirt), and still looks put-together.
Kohl’s, $53.40
Sparkle Superstar
You’ll look so ravishing in this sparkly mini-dress your friends will want to use you as the tree topper. (Note: If your friends actually try to do this, you should seriously consider getting new friends).
Delia’s, $59.50
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Rudolph Red
A dress this simple is great for any occasion. You can wear it to any of the holiday parties you get invited to this season! Paired with a black cardi, it’s perfect for a family function. A printed sweater makes it a great option for an ugly (but not that ugly) sweater party, and, on its own, it works for December date night with your boyfriend.
Bloomingdale’s, $54.88
Sequin Skate Star
This is a great option for a girl who is a bit afraid to try sequins, but still wants a glitz-ed out New Year’s Eve dress. The long sleeves and dark navy sequins make this easier to wear than, say, a skintight dress covered in hot pink sequins (which, by the way, you should never wear, no matter the season). Don’t feel obligated to wear high heels if you’re skeptical. The sequins are glam enough so chic flats will still be appropriate.
ASOS.com, $50.32
Deck Yourself With Boughs of Holly
The holiday season is all about standing out and this unique neckline makes that super easy! Go full-on holiday-season with red shoes or rock a gold pair for a more understated look. To avoid looking like Kermit, steer clear of matchy-matchy accessories. Unless, of course, looking like a Muppet is your thing.
Lulu’s.com, $68
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$100 and Under
Long Dress, Long Night
An evening maxi dress in a stunning ruby red shade for less than $75? Yes, please! A floor-length dress is super flattering.
Express, $68.60
White Hot Winter
What was that? Your mom always said you can’t wear white in winter? Well, your mother isn’t going to be at your sorority’s annual holiday party when you are looking amazing in this winter white dress. This unexpected option will be sure to make you stand out.
BCBG, $88
Meet Me Under the Mistletoe
Um, the name of the dress is “Mistletoe Dress.” Need I say anymore about where your crush will want to take you when he spots you in this dress? Yes, it’s a bit cheesy, but there’s only one month of the year where it’s okay to kiss simply because you’re under a plant.
Urban Outfitters, $89
Champagne Lovely
This flowy number is the exact same color as the bubbly drink the holidays are known for. If that’s not enough of a reason to snag this dress, just check out that tiered skirt. Remember when you were little and the best thing about your holiday dress was twirling in it? This dress is perfect for that. Just don’t get too dizzy…
Nastygal.com, $88