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I absolutely love holiday and NYE parties and having an excuse to get a fun dress!! I was pregnant last year (and I shared maternity-specific cocktail dresses for the holidays in a separate post), so this year I’m extra excited to shop for holiday and NYE cocktail dresses. Each year, I go through some of my favorite affordable retailers and try to round up the best affordable holiday cocktail dresses (since many of us don’t want to spend a ton on a dress they may only wear once).
Everything in this haul is under $100, so you won’t break the bank when shopping for a holiday cocktail party this year. If you don’t mind spending a bit more, read this roundup of my favorite Tuckernuck dresses. They have some great cocktail options for NYE and the holidays. Or if you want to opt for something more casual than a dress, check out this round-up Fair Isle sweaters for the holidays.
If you’re shopping for a work-related holiday party, I have some tips for finding a festive (but still very appropriate) outfit in this post. Last year, I tried on many dresses in this Holiday Cocktail YouTube video (many aren’t available anymore, but there are a few remaining stragglers) so you can see how they fit and move.
And BTW, if you’re in the mood to make your home feel festive too, read this post on how to decorate your porch for the holidays!
Affordable Holiday Cocktail Dresses for Christmas & New Year’s Eve
Alright, let’s get into the festive cocktail dress options!
Black Cocktail Dresses
Started strong with black or metallic cocktail dresses. Not only are these perfect for the holidays, but they also work well for NYE, which is already on my mind. If you’re shopping for a black dress, I recommend getting something that’s a little more fun with cutouts, an unusual hemline or neckline or with fun fabrics like velvet, lace, or sequins vs. just a plain black cocktail dress.
You can get away with more daring choices during the holidays, especially for New Year’s Eve parties. And I find I’m more daring in something black vs. a bolder color like red. Red with cutouts may be a little too much for me.
With black dresses, I prefer to wear fun shoes and red lips to make the look feel like more festive cocktail attire. These gorgeous jeweled pointy-toe heels would immediately make a simple black dress feel perfect for the holidays. I ordered them last year, and they’re amazing in person. And this is, hands down, the most flattering red lipstick ever (shade: chili). It looks GOOD on everyone, and the cooler tone makes teeth look whiter (some reds make them look more yellow).
Little black dresses will serve you well for years to come so it’s worth the effort to find one you love.
Marca Silver Sequin Tie-Back Short Sleeve Shift Dress
This Marca Silver Sequin Tie-Back Short Sleeve Shift Dress was one of the dresses I found and immediately loved last year. I was pregnant, so it fit tighter than it would usually, and I still loved it. I’m thinking it might be a great option to wear this year since it’ll have a more relaxed, boxy fit. It was a little short, especially factoring in the side slit, but if you want a sexier cocktail dress that’s not too revealing, this is a great option. I love this especially for NYE parties since it’s short and flirty.
Last year I paired this dress with black Natalia Loeffler Randall heels that I adore. They’re shockingly comfortable, and the pitch makes them a great option if you’re pregnant but still want to wear heels. I shared all of the best shoes for pregnancy in this blog post.
Pontee Plissé One-Shoulder Midi Dress
This midi length Pontee Plissé One-Shoulder Dress is such a great option for NYE parties. Since I’m 40 years old, I tend to opt for midis more often than mini dresses (although for a cocktail party, it is fun to sport a short dress), so I was drawn to this dress. You could dress it up with colorful shoes or keep it sexy with black strappy shoes and some sparkly earrings. You could wear this dress for multiple occasions.
Captivating Figure Black Pearl Beaded Bow Strapless Mini Dress
This Captivating Figure Black Pearl Beaded Bow Strapless Mini Dress is the ideal NYE dress. If you’re busty, this might be a bit too revealing for you, but I think this dramatic beaded dress would be such a fun statement for those with smaller chests. The material is stretchy, which is best for a tight-fitting dress like this.
I’d stick to strappy heels with this dress.
How Much I Care Black Off-the-Shoulder Midi Dress
It’s hard to beat a traditional off-the-shoulder midi dress, especially in black. While this How Much I Care Black Off-the-Shoulder Midi Dress does lean a little more dressy than some shorter options, it would be great for a formal work dinner or nicer NYE party because of the length. I love the ruffled hemline and sweetheart neckline.
You could go black or metallic for shoes, but I think strappy with a narrow heel is definitely the way to go.
Open Edit Sequin Minidress
This Open Edit Sequin Minidress has such a fun shape in the shoulders. It has cap sleeves and a bateau neck that give it a unique, very chic shape. And the short, fitted silhouette gives it a very sexy balance. I’m tempted to order this myself.
I’d wear strappy black minimalistic heels with this dress so that eyes would be drawn to the dress, not the shoes.
Aquerelle Sweetheart Neck Long Sleeve Sweater Dress
While a sweater dress doesn’t normally fall into a cocktail attire category, this Aquerelle Sweetheart Neck Long Sleeve Sweater Dress does. The low sweetheart neckline that shows off a ton of chest without being too revealing gives this a very sexy edge. The length is perfect for an evening, and the slit adds a bit of drama. I don’t think this dress would work well on someone with a larger bust, but if you have a smaller chest, it would be perfect. Strappy heels are essential for this dress.
If your NYE plans are a bit more laid back but you still want to wear something festive, this sweater dress would be a great option.
Sparkling Stunner Black Rhinestone Cutout Long Sleeve Mini Dress
When I was talking about making sure your black dress has some interest, this is what I meant. This Sparkling Stunner Black Rhinestone Cutout Long Sleeve Mini Dress has such a fun (i.e. dramatic and festive) back. The front is simple and flattering, and I love that you can see the start of the cutouts from the front. I’d stick to black shoes for this dress and really let the back shine.
If the rhinestones feel too flashy for you, this black long sleeve mini dress has a cutout without any embellishments.
Brand New You Silver Sequin Bodycon Mini Dress
This is a non-black dress that still felt appropriate for this category. This sequin mini dress is one of my favorite purchases ever. It fit me like a glove and made me feel SO confident. I loved wearing it to Tommy’s work Christmas party two years ago, and I know it would be awesome for NYE too. I have an XS, and it fits TTS. It’s very fitted, so keep that in mind!
I wore this dress with my favorite black platform heels by Loeffler Randall.
Red Cocktail Dresses
I find that the best holiday cocktail attire dresses are red. Don’t get me wrong, I also love a green or black dress, but something about red during the holidays feels extra festive. If you’re still shopping for Christmas cocktail dresses, look no further than this section.
Always For You Wine Red Puff Sleeve Mini Dress
The Always For You Wine Red Puff Sleeve Mini Dress is a tried-and-true holiday cocktail dress. I ordered it two years ago, and it was one of the most flattering options I discovered that year. The fit is true-to-size, and the texture of the dress adds some interest. I especially love that this dress has a conservative neckline, but it’s not boring.
I styled this dress with black heels, fun gold earrings, and a glittery clutch. This might be my favorite petite holiday dress (I’m 5’1″, so I’m always on the hunt for petite options).
This was such a popular option that it looks to be sold out at the moment, but Lulus does restocks. Add your email to their list to be notified.
Make it Merry Wine Red Velvet Long Sleeve Button-Up Mini Dress
I’ve always LOVED velvet, so when I saw this button-up mini dress in the wine-red colorway last year, I ordered it immediately. I sized up to a medium, and it didn’t quite fit my bump; it was close but still just a little snug, threatening to pop the cut buttons off! However, I loved the long sleeves, the deep v-neck, and the velvet. It felt almost a bit retro, which is fun.
Plum Iconic Moment Plum Purple Bodycon Midi Dress
One of my favorite red dresses to date is a bodycon style I wore years ago for a holiday party (and then again for Valentine’s Day, a wedding, and a work event). Since it’s very old, but I still get questions about it, I was determined to find a similar option. The Iconic Moment Plum Purple Bodycon Midi Dress is as close as I can find, and I LOVE it. Unfortunately, it’s almost sold out, so sign up for a restock! This wine red dress is another great option, and a few more sizes are available. This Sultry Silhouette Burgundy Asymmetrical Bodycon Mini Dress is another similar option.
A bodycon dress is always an easy choice for cocktail parties. They’re tastefully sexy but comfortable. I always style a tight dress with strappy heels or closed toed pumps and dressy earrings.
I’m sharing photos of my old dress below, but you can shop the new (similar) version, here.
Metallic Ruffle Dress
This Metallic Ruffle Dress is from Nordstrom and comes in at just under $100. The silhouette is classic and comfortable with an elastic waist and flutter sleeves. The material has gold accents (great for a holiday cocktail party), and the length is mini without being too tight or short. You could pair this dress with gold shoes like these platform heels from Loeffler Randall. (I own them and love them; they’re shockingly comfortable and easy to walk in.)
Green cocktail dresses
I love the dark green option for a holiday cocktail dress. It’s so simple to make festive – get a red mani, put on red lipstick, neutral heels and you’re good to go! Green works especially well for Christmas party dresses since green has become such an on-trend, popular color this year. I’ve also linked a cute jumpsuit below that would be quite the statement, as well as some fun mini dresses with beading.
Take a Glance Emerald Green Tiered Mock Neck Midi Dress
This color makes me SO happy! If you’re looking for a fun (yet modest) cocktail dress, this mock neck midi dress is perfect. It’s under $100, runs true-to-size, and can be worn with any heels! The bodice is a little large, so it’s perfect for large busts. Just be sure to steam it. I didn’t before I took these pics and it still pains me.
Tie Belt Long Sleeve Plissé Minidress
This green accordion-style mini dress would be a fun winter Christmas cocktail party option. The sleeves are great for cold weather and the color is muted in the best way. I’d style this dress with black shoes and gold or sparkly accessories. The tie waist will make it flattering on any body type.
Velvet Faux Wrap Mini Dress
I’m always pleasantly surprised by Banana Republic Factory. This Velvet Faux Wrap Mini Dress is only $55 and would be a perfect conservative option for a cocktail party. I love anything velvet, and the long sleeves make this the ideal choice for a winter event.
Marlay Emerald Green Ruched Long Sleeve Bodycon Dress
Last, but certainly not least, is this emerald green long sleeve bodycon dress. I LOVE the deep v-neckline, the gathered bodice, and the looping sash. It’s under $100, has a ton of positive reviews, and would be a great option if you love green but don’t want to wear anything that shimmers.
Affordable Cocktail Dresses & Accessories
Lulu’s has a great selection of affordable cocktail and holiday dresses. Have a little fun and get something a little more bold this year, maybe try some embellishments! A seasonal party is the perfect excuse. If you’re ordering from Lulus, get your true-size-unless I noted otherwise. I found the sizing consistent across the board for the dresses I tried on.
For accessories, Baublebar has a great selection of affordable statement jewelry, and in my experience, fast shipping.
What is cocktail attire for a Christmas Party?
Typically, cocktail attire means a balance between formal and casual. It’s not quite as formal as a black tie event where you’d wear gowns, but it’s dressier than dinner with your girlfriends. Most retailers will categorize their dresses as “cocktail dresses” so just look for that.
For a cocktail party, men usually wear a suit and tie, and women wear a dress with heels. However, you can easily get away with wearing dressier boots with heels.
Happy holidays and have fun celebrating!
P.S. If you’re looking for Thanksgiving outfit ideas, I have a few rounded up in this blog post.
SHOP HOLIDAY DRESSES