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How to Make Your LBD Work for Holiday Parties

The LBD is a staple in every collegiette’s wardrobe, but on the surface, this classic doesn’t look quite as festive as we need it to be this season. With so many holiday parties to go to, you’ll definitely end up reaching for your trusty black dress at some point, so it’s helpful to have some styling tips on hand. With the right accessories (and a killer pair of shoes!) even the most basic LBD can become a holiday masterpiece!

1. Sparkly and sweet


Put a fairytale spin on this classic silhouette by pairing this fit-and-flare Sleeveless Pleated Slim Sheer Black Dress ($30.59 at ABADAY) with a bedazzled belt to highlight your waist, like this Sophie Gem Stretch Waist Belt ($43 at Accessorize). Stay toasty and streamlined in these SPANX High Waisted Tight End Tights ($38 at Revolve Clothing) and finish off the dazzling look with vintage-glam earrings like these Antique Gold & Crystal Drop Earrings ($35 at GILT) and a pair of super sweet and sparkly flats like these Qupid Sequin, Lace & Glitter Cap-Toe Flats ($24.99 at Charlotte Russe). Sugar with just a touch of spice!

2. Edgy accents


If your style is a little more edgy than it is girly, try playing with texture. Pair a shift dress with leather details, like this Twill Shift Dress ($79.99 at Mango) with a statement necklace in a neutral color, like this Chunky Small Bib Statement Necklace ($14.99 at Chicastic). Black and gold is super on-trend this year, so keep the theme going with chunky ankle booties, like these Apollo Booties in Black ($39.99 at Necessary Clothing). Break up the monochrome look by adding a pop of color, like this NARS Jungle Red Semi Matte Lipstick ($26 at NARS). It’s the perfect festive touch to finish off this outfit!

3. Glitzy glam


Nothing says it’s the holidays like some sequins, so center a look around a dramatic jacket in a festive color, like this Kate Crop Sequin Kimono Jacket ($26 at boohoo). Keep the basis of your outfit simple by pairing a bodycon LBD, like this Rosie Strappy Textured Bodycon Dress ($14 at boohoo), with simple SPANX High Waisted Tight End Tights ($38 at Revolve Clothing). Add some glamorous accents with a Classic Oyster Band Watch ($22.80 at Forever 21) and some sky-high pumps, like these Qupid Georgette Glitter Champagne Pump ($49.99 at Heels). Shine on, gorgeous!

 

All you need is a bit of sparkle or a pop of festive color to take your LBD from overdone to out of this world. Which look is your favorite, collegiettes? Let us know!

 

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Sophie Dodd

Middlebury

Sophie is currently a senior at Middlebury College in (very) rural Vermont and loves it. In addition to majoring in English and double minoring in Classics and Film, Sophie loves watching makeup tutorials, buying magazines in bulk, obsessively repainting her nails and catching up on The Vampire Diaries. Oh, and she's completely obsessed with Christmas, coffee, and her two kittens, Luna and Zuzu.