As an admirer of all things sparkling and feminine, I have had a long love affair with holiday dresses! I mean, what other season allows you to don sparkles and sequins and not look like you are going to a 90s disco bash?! When December rolls around and the invitations for holiday parties and events begin to roll in, I begin my search for new holiday dresses to add to my wardrobe.
It’s so much fun to dress festively and I love embracing the holiday season with a little extra glitz and glam! If you’re on the search for the perfect holiday dress to rock at your next Christmas soiree, I’ve rounded up top picks for the best holiday dresses.
‘Tis the season to dress up and be merry!
The A-Lyst for Top Five Holiday Dresses
MILLY Double-Knit Fit + Flare Dress
This dress fits like a glove and is available in several hues, including a gorgeous bright fuschia! When I’m in the mood to forgo traditional holiday colors and add a pop of color to my evening look, this is my top choice. Not only is this dress super comfortable, it can also be easily dressed up or down. For a more casual look, throw on a cropped leather motorcycle jacket and booties.
Free People Ariel Embellished Mini Dress
Boasting the perfect blend of textures; velvet, lace, and beading paired with a daring sheer back, this Free People number marries sophistication with sex appeal. While the embellishment on the front is eye-catching, I can’t help but love the lace detail on the sleeves and back. This dress is perfect for a night at the ballet or Christmas dinner in the city, as it exudes an elegant sexiness, but still leaves something to the imagination.
Kate Spade New York Scattered Rose Silk Knee-Length Dress
Leave it to Kate Spade to add the perfect pop of color and femininity to a dress! If you prefer more modest holiday dresses, this is a fantastic option, as it’s conservative, while still being fashion-forward and attractive. I simply adore the colorful pattern and bell sleeves, and the velvet detail against the delicate silk body of the dress is unexpected and beautiful!
Alice + Olivia Katina Gathered Midi Dress
Fans of wrap dresses (I mean, who doesn’t love a flattering wrap dress!?) will rejoice when they lay their eyes on this glamorous, metallic midi dress by Alice + Olivia. This festive dress is easy to wear and accessorize, and better yet, its silhouette is very forgiving! Pair it with a stunning pair of heels and statement earrings and you are ready to walk out the door to your holiday party. Think holiday chic without being over-the-top!
Ted Baker Cornela Pleated Velvet Dress
Velvet is one of my favorite fabrics for winter and the holiday season because of it’s luxurious look and feel. It provides an instant dose of glam to any holiday party look! Ted Baker is one of my go-to designers for evening wear, as his dresses are classically stylish and always earn compliments. This rich oxblood-colored dress is an excellent choice for an evening affair, especially if you plan on taking a twirl on the dance floor; you can’t beat the natural movement and grace of a pleated skirt!
Outfit Details:
Dress: MILLY Double-Knit Fit + Flare Dress
Heels: Manolo Blahnik Satin Hangisi Pumps
Earrings: CHANEL Rhinestone Earrings (similar here and here)
Bracelet: Rhinestone Bracelet from Isabel Harvey in Wellesley, MA (similar here)
Lipstick: CHANEL Rouge Allure Luminous Intense Lip Colour in Exaltee
Nail Polish: OPI Black Cherry Chutney
The A-Lyst is a Boston-based lifestyle blog curating the very best of style, beauty, food, and travel.