Holiday Party Looks for Less

Well, aren’t you the little social butterfly? Your in-box is drowning in holiday party invitations. You, meanwhile, are drowning in a pile of rejected party dresses on the floor on your closet. And with money tight, a chi-chi shopping spree isn’t in the cards. But take heart—Single Minded Women has rounded up 10 sexy, sassy holiday dresses priced under $100 (really!), which means you can steal the spotlight without having to pull a Winona. Plus, check out our low-fuss hair and makeup tips to help you look like a million bucks on the big night. Think of it as playing Cinderella for the night—minus the midnight curfew.

Silence & Noise Strapless Sateen Dress (http://www NULL.urbanoutfitters NULL.com/urban/catalog/productdetail NULL.jsp?itemdescription=true&itemCount=60&startValue=61&selectedProductColor=&sortby=&id=15356330&parentid=W_COLL_DRESSES2&sortProperties=price&navCount=39&navAction=poppushpush&color=) (shown, left), $58: The ultimate strapless dress comes in three spotlight-stealing jewel tone hues: peacock blue, yellow gold, and scarlet red. Add a statement necklace to up the drama.

London Times Sleeveless Belted Velvet Dress (http://www1 NULL.macys NULL.com/catalog/product/index NULL.ognc?ID=341505&CategoryID=5449), $99: Hello, Grace Kelly! This classic velvet number goes great with pearls.

Ann Taylor Loft One-Shoulder Dress (http://www NULL.anntaylorloft NULL.com/), $69. Red dresses are the stuff sentimental ‘80s songs are made of. This hot little number has “ready to party” written all over it. A necklace will compete with the asymmetrical neckline, so focus your jewelry needs on a fabulous cocktail ring.

Maggy London Silk Chiffon Halter Dress (http://shop NULL.nordstrom NULL.com/), $98: Channel your inner disco diva with this sassy party frock, which boasts a plunging neckline and a skirt made for dancing. Your accessory prescription: dangly gold earrings.

Victoria’s Secret Flirty Little Ruffle-Front V-Neck Dress (http://www2 NULL.victoriassecret NULL.com/commerce/onlineProductDisplay NULL.vs?namespace=productDisplay&origin=onlineProductDisplay NULL.jsp&event=display&prnbr=9G-230937&page=1&cgname=OSCLOPARZZZ&rfnbr=5454), $39: Go the romantic route in this ruffled, rock-bottom-priced stunner. A black velvet headband with a bow detail is a terrific way to play up the dress’s old world essence.

Spiegel Silk Wrap Dress (http://www NULL.spiegel NULL.com/), $89: You don’t need to flash a lot of skin to win over a crowd. Long sleeves, a dramatic collar, and irresistible silk charmeuse will help you look pretty in purple. Add a beloved brooch to the collar to take it to the next level.

Together for Newport News Belted Metallic Sheath Dress (http://www NULL.newport-news NULL.com/), $69: Get glamorous—and festive!—in this dazzling gold jacquard sheath, paired with gold earrings and a matching clutch.

Isaac Mizrahi for Target Short Silk Cowl-Neck Dress (http://www NULL.target NULL.com/), $69.99: You can’t go wrong with a classic little black dress, and this cowl neck draping provides just the right amount of modern-day edge. A dress this elegant deserves some diamond (or faux, whatever) studs to go with.

Aqua Women’s Fringe Dress (http://www1 NULL.bloomingdales NULL.com/catalog/product/index NULL.ognc?ID=131854&CategoryID=13267&PageID=13267*1*24*-1*-1*3) (shown, right), $98: Unleash the Tina Turner within—if just for a night—with this feisty tasseled offering. Jewelry-wise, look for jet-black stone cocktail rings or black pearls—the more vampy, the better.

Top 5 Holiday Hair & Makeup Looks to Try:

1. The Sultry Up-Do. Trade a stiff bun in for a sexy, bedhead-ish bouffant a la Bridgette Bardot. Let a few tendrils hang loose in the front so that they frame your face, and secure with a glitzy brooch or jeweled hair clip. Oh, and don’t forget to tease, tease, tease!
2. A Touch of Metallic. ‘Tis the season to sparkle and shine. Look for gold-flecked or shimmering silver shadows to give your face a 24k glow. A dash of sparkling powder on your décolleté will also be a hit.
3. Head Gear. Headbands—whether resting on the crown or around the forehead—are a trend to be reckoned with right now. Look for a beaded, gem-studded, or ornate feathered version to add a theatrical flourish to your ‘do.
4. Smokey Eyes. It’s time to bring out the big guns: big black shadow, big liner, and big lashes. A sultry dark eye is a diva-worthy no-brainer for a big night out, so layer on the shadow, blend in your favorite liner, and don’t be afraid to dabble with dramatic false lashes. You only live once!
5. Curls, Girls. Forget straightening your locks to death with a flat iron. For instant glam, use a curling iron—the smaller the barrel, the tighter the curl—to create romantic waves.

We LUVLUVLUV IT, and so will you!

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