Thank you to Saks OFF 5TH & ShopStyle Collective for sponsoring this post.
I’m a girl who loves a pretty dress. And this year, I’m more ready than ever to wear something fabulously twirly or shimmery or sparkly and put on some big-girl shoes and just…do it UP, ya know?
Where am I going?
Well…[thinks]
Does it matter? While I’m hopeful that we’ll have something fun to attend this year…I’ve often thought that getting ready for an event — the hair; the makeup; the pretty, pretty dress — is often more fun than the actual Going Out part of the program.
In either case, I’m ready.

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Seriously Pretty Party Dresses For The Entire Holiday Season
This holiday season, I’m clearly feeling some kind of way because I’m now armed with two dresses. I blame Saks OFF 5TH. It’s all too easy to get lost in the treasure trove that is Saks OFF 5TH…like browsing through a dream closet with all of the high-end brands I typically drool over — but much more affordable.
Oh hey, Cinq a Sept velvet mini dress, as one example. Let’s shimmy.
dress (6) | stockings (s) | shoes | bag
Or perhaps a twirly, jewel-toned number that makes me want to put on long gloves and dance, dahling. Grace Kelly vintage vibes for under $50.

Let’s get into the details, shall we?
1. The Dress I’d Wear To Holiday Parties
Nanette Lapore’s Pleated Blouson Dress is such a stunner (and bananas-affordable at under $50). I love the rich jewel tones (of any of the three available options), and the vintage vibes. This is the kind of dress that looks even better in person (the movement is absolutely gorgeous) and is simply a joy to wear.
To warm it up, I’d lean into the vintage vibe with a ladylike collarless faux fur (like this one), and add sheer black tights (or nude fishnets). This is a wildly feminine dress (I felt like Grace Kelly) but would be appropriate at even more conservative functions, too.
The dress runs TTS, but is very forgiving, so if you are between sizes, size down.
My Top Dress Picks For Holiday Parties
(From Saks OFF 5TH)
2. The Dress I’m Wearing For New Year’s Eve
dress (6) | stockings (s) | shoes | bag
This velvet mini dress by Cinq a Sept is another wildly flattering dress, thanks to the strategically placed bow and ruched detail. And I love that the bow isn’t overly girly; instead, it’s more of an embellished knot.

dress (6) | stockings (s) | shoes | bag
The color is one reason this dress is so good. It’s unexpected and fresh for a holiday party, yet wouldn’t look out of place at a fall or spring event, either. While the rich velvet texture is substantial enough to work with with black accessories (even thick black tights), I do like softening up the look with fishnet stockings in a lighter gray.
Be sure to check out Saks OFF 5TH’s selection of Wolford tights, too. I have pairs that are a…decade old by now. They’re great.
dress (6) | stockings (s) | shoes | bag
This dress runs a little small; I sized up one size for the best fit. And the best way to warm this dress up for NYE? A faux fur jacket would be lovely, but for a really cold night in January (even if it’s Jan 1), I’d probably turn to my trusty parka. I bought this one years ago, and was thrilled to find it back in stock. It’s a good one.

dress (6) | coat (xs) | stockings (s) | shoes | bag
My Top Dress Picks For NYE
(From Saks OFF 5TH)
Dying to know: which one is your fav? And which dress(es) would you buy? I was…pretty darn excited about the selection. Would love to hear your thoughts.
Happy holidays!
xo,
S
A huge thank-you to Saks OFF 5TH and Shopstyle for sponsoring this post! Saks OFF 5TH has quickly become the first places I look for going-out pieces, so this article was a joy to write. As always, all thoughts, opinions and product choices are my own. And readers, thank you for your continued support. It doesn’t go unnoticed and is so very much appreciated.