Affordable Holiday Party Dresses
'Tis the season for swanky holiday parties, but this year, dressing to impress could be tough if you're on a tight budget.
Fret not: People StyleWatch Contributing Style Editor Lori Bergamotto, "Early Show Saturday Edition"'s "barganista" this week, spotlighted some of the hippest and most flattering holiday party dresses on the market -- all going for less than $100.
METALLICS (American Eagle Outfitters brocade strapless dress $70)
Metallics are really versatile and they will easily blend with a lot of accessories you probably already own-which make them a must-have! This particular dress is great on girls who are busty, because the bodice provides necessary support, and the fuller skirt helps to even out their proportions. For pear-shaped women, the shoulder-baring neckline tricks the eye into focusing attention up top and drawing it away from your bottom. Plus, the A-line cut really streamlines your bottom half, as well.
American Eagle Outfitters brocade strapless dress, $69.50; ae.com
Banana Republic chandelier earrings, $29.50; bananarepublic.com
Calvin Klein "Lux" foil leather clutch, $128; macys.com
Nine West "Janika" pump, $59.99; ninewest.com
THE ONE-SHOULDER (Lulu's "On Broadway" dress $48)
A very modern departure from the strapless gown, one-shoulder dresses are very "of the moment" and they're very flattering on most types. This draws the eye up and works extremely well for curvy girls or pear-shaped women, by highlighting the shoulder. These are super easy to accessorize as well-pick a show-stopping heel and a statement bracelet or earrings to complete the look.
Lulu's "On Broadway" dress, $48; lulus.com
Charlotte Russe rhinestone bangles, $11.50; charlotterusse.com
Elie Tahari "Kylie" leather clutch, $348; elietahari.com for stores
Nina "Cylene" sandals, $99.95; ninashoes.com
EMBELLISHMENTS (Arden B. black dress $78)
Ruffles, bows, and other feminine details are trendy this season. The details here sweeten up this sexy short black dress making it look ultra-feminine for the holidays. And, at under $100, you're really getting your money's worth because this style will still look adorable even after the parties die down. And here we've paired this great dress with a statement necklace.
Arden B. bow dress, $78; ardenb.com for stores
Alloy "Juliana" bib necklace, $26.90; alloy.com
Expressions NYC satin hard-case clutch, $50; expressionsnyc.com
Nine West "Jon" pump, $78.95; endless.com
SEQUINS (Topshop sequin dress $90)
Sequined mini-dresses scream party! This is THE DRESS of the holiday season. This one has just the right amount of sparkle to razzle-dazzle your fellow guests without seeming costume-y. The dark blue elevates the whole look giving it a regal vibe. Plus, the long sleeves help balance the shorter hemline, so you won't be showing too much skin. If you like the look, but are worried about the hemline, you can always pair it with tights.
Topshop sequin dress, $90; topshop.com
DKNY tights, $12.50; macys.com
Nina "Electra" pumps, $92.95; ninashoes.com
The Limited ring, $24.50; thelimited.com
Apt. 9 satin clutch, $34; kohls.com