Holiday Party Looks for Less
By Erin Donnelly
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 (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, $99: Hello, Grace Kelly! This classic velvet number goes great with pearls.
Ann Taylor Loft One-Shoulder Dress, $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, $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, $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, $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, $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, $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 (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:
- 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!
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
- 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.
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