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My festive season outfit edit: cocktail dresses, cozy layers and accessories for every budget
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items Every December I want to feel dressed up without spending the whole party tugging at something tight or freezing on the walk from the car. So this is my festive edit of pieces that look polished but are actually comfortable, from a $13 pair of sparkl...
Sections
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Cocktail dresses you can actually dance in
Cozy layers for cold nights out
Accessories that finish the look
Cocktail dresses you can actually dance in
This is my "three parties this week and zero energy" dress. The mock neck and side drape look so much more expensive than the price, and the jersey lining means nothing scratches or clings in the wrong places. I'd wear it with sheer tights and a bloc...
Draped Mock Turtleneck Dress | H&M
Deep red satin just feels like December to me. This one is long with thin straps and a little gathering at the chest, so it skims rather than clings. I'd throw a chunky knit or the fluffy jacket from this list over it for a family dinner, then take i...
V-Neck Satin Dress | Mango
Tommy literally called this the Festive Bouclé Mini Dress, and it earns the name. The bouclé has that cozy, nubby texture that feels wintry and polished at the same time, and the shift shape is easy to wear with no fussy fit. It has two front pockets...
Festive Bouclé Mini Dress | Tommy Hilfiger
Ted Baker florals always get me, and this one is so pretty. The top is a fitted ribbed knit, which is far more comfortable than a stiff structured bodice, and the skirt is covered in raised floral embroidery that moves when you walk. Navy feels wintr...
NICOLE Embroidered Knit Midi Dress | Ted Baker
My splurge pick for anyone who wants one dress to wear on repeat. It's a black stretch knit with a fitted bodice and an asymmetric handkerchief hem, so it looks sharp but you can actually move, sit and eat in it. And it's machine washable, which matt...
Stretch Knit Handkerchief Dress | Michael Kors
If you love a bit of drama but don't want to spend the night pulling your hem down, this is the one. It's the Christian Lacroix collab again, a black midi with long sleeves and this painterly floral print that pools at the floaty, uneven hem, so it f...
Long-Sleeved Midi Dress, Christian Lacroix | Desigual
Cozy layers for cold nights out
This little cream jacket is the easiest way to look put together over almost any dress. It's short, soft and fluffy with a funnel collar that keeps the wind off your neck, and it has discreet side pockets for your phone and lipstick. It's lined, so i...
Fluffy Jacket with Funnel Collar | H&M
A good peacoat is one of those pieces you never regret buying. This Tommy one has gold-tone buttons, little sleeve tabs and a contrast under collar, so it feels classic but not boring. It hits at the hip, which is the perfect length over a short part...
Double-Breasted Peacoat | Tommy Hilfiger
This one is just fun. It's a fine knit zip jacket in shades of red, and the yarn is iridescent so it shifts color as you move, which looks gorgeous under party lights. It's slim and soft with a high neck, more like a dressy cardigan than a coat, so i...
Iridescent Knit Zip Jacket | Desigual
If you're going to invest in one proper coat this winter, I'd look at this one. It's 100% wool, midi length and straight cut, with a mock neck that buttons up so you can skip the scarf on milder nights. The soft gray goes with every dress on this lis...
100% Wool Funnel-Neck Coat | Mango
A cape is my secret weapon over a cocktail dress, because it doesn't crush your sleeves or fight with a full skirt. This one is a black wool blend with roomy side slits for your arms and gold turn-lock hardware, so it looks elegant even over jeans an...
Wool Blend Cape | Michael Kors
Accessories that finish the look
Proof you don't need to spend much to sparkle. These have a little rhinestone flower at the top and dangling rhinestone chains, so they catch the light every time you turn your head. They're light enough to wear all night without sore ears, and at th...
Rhinestone Chain Earrings | H&M
For a softer floral touch, these little gold furled flower studs from Ted Baker are so sweet. They have tiny crystal accents and they're small enough to wear every day, but they still feel special with a party dress. I love them with the NICOLE dress...
FUTURA Flower Stud Earrings | Ted Baker
This pearl clutch is the kind of bag that makes a simple outfit feel finished. It's an oval shape covered in pearl effect beads, with a snap closure and a removable chain, so you can carry it in your hand or wear it over your shoulder when you need y...
Pearl-Effect Clutch | Mango
If you don't want to think about jewelry, this does the layering for you. It's two gold-plated chains at different lengths with a little fluted heart charm with enamel stripe details. It looks lovely with a V-neck or peeking out of a sweater dress, a...
Layered Gold-Plated Necklaces | Tommy Hilfiger
This faux fur bag from the Christian Lacroix collab makes me smile every time I see it. It's a soft multicolor gradient with a short top handle and a magnetic closure, and it instantly adds some fun to a black dress or a plain wool coat. It's a real ...
Medium Fur Bag, Christian Lacroix | Desigual
If you want one bag to carry you through every party and well beyond, this is it. The Hamilton is a Michael Kors classic, and this extra small soft crossbody is textured leather, so it's hard wearing and completely hands free. That matters when you'r...
Hamilton Extra-Small Leather Crossbody | Michael Kors