Holiday Party Dresses Under $50

Holiday season means a lot of invitations: the office party, Friendsgiving, Christmas dinner, a friend's ugly-sweater night and, of course, New Year's Eve. Buying a new dress for each one adds up fast. The good news is that you do not need to spend a lot to look great. Here are our favorite holiday party dresses under $50, grouped by the type of event, plus easy ways to restyle one dress for several parties.

How to Shop Holiday Dresses on a Budget

• Buy one versatile dress, not five trendy ones. Black, red, white and jewel tones can be restyled again and again.
• Let accessories change the look. The same dress with heels and statement earrings, then with boots and a cozy coat, reads as two different outfits.
• Check the details. Interesting sleeves, an open back or texture like lace and pleats make an affordable dress look more expensive.
• Order early. Holiday shipping gets busy, so give yourself time to receive your dress before the party.

For the Office Holiday Party

You want something polished that still feels festive. Sleeves, midi lengths and elegant details are your friends.

• Floral Long Sleeve Button Ruffle Dress: a delicate floral pattern, a slim fit, long sleeves, button details and subtle ruffles. Available in pink and white. Polished, pretty and easy to wear all evening.

  

• Beige Two-Piece Skirt Suit with Plunge Blouse: a skirt and plunge blouse set that looks smart and modern. Wear the pieces together for the party, then separately with jeans or a sweater later.

  

• Long-Sleeved Pleated Hollow Backless Dress: long sleeves and a pleated design up front, with an open back for a little surprise. Available in red and black.

For a Cocktail Party or Holiday Dinner

This is the moment for statement sleeves, elegant silhouettes and a little drama.

• Large Ruffle Sleeve Dress: oversized ruffle sleeves create a striking silhouette. In black it is perfect for a chic dinner; in white it feels fresh and wintery.

  

• Elegant Backless Fitted Waist Dress: a fitted waist and an open back. Choose red for Christmas or white for New Year's. Pair with heels and statement earrings.
• Ruffled Lantern Sleeve Dress: ruffles and voluminous sleeves in pink or brown. A romantic, slightly vintage option for dinner parties.

For New Year's Eve

If there is ever a night for sparkle, this is it.

• Tassel Sequin Midi Dress: shimmering sequins and playful tassels that move when you dance. In white, it is a fresh alternative to the usual black or gold.

  

• Rhinestone A-line Dress: rhinestone detailing on a flattering A-line silhouette. Festive, but comfortable enough to last until midnight.
• Midnight Allure Gown: a long black dress with a flowing silhouette. It is the most "formal" look on this list and ideal for a fancy countdown party.

  

For Casual Gatherings and Christmas Day

Family dinners and daytime get-togethers call for comfort and something a little cozy.

• Plaid Puff Sleeve Dress: a sweet plaid pattern with puff sleeves. Add tights and knee-high boots for a festive, relaxed look.

  

• Pastoral Style Lace Retro Long Dress: delicate lace with a vintage feel. Layer a cardigan or long coat over it for a cold-weather family dinner.
• Square Neck Slim Short Vest Dress: a square neckline and figure-hugging fit, in red or black. Dress it down with sheer tights and ankle boots.

One Dress, Three Parties

Here is how to get more out of a single dress. Take a black or red dress, for example:

1. Office party: add a blazer, closed-toe heels and small gold earrings.
2. Friends' Christmas party: swap the blazer for a faux-fur jacket and add bold earrings.
3. New Year's Eve: wear it with metallic heels, a sparkly clutch and a red lip.

Three different looks, one dress.

Styling Tips That Make an Affordable Dress Look Expensive

• Steam it. Wrinkles are the fastest way to make any dress look cheap. A quick steam makes a big difference.
• Get the fit right. Check the size guide on each product page before you order.
• Choose simple, quality-looking accessories. One pair of good earrings beats lots of small pieces.
• Mind the shoes. Clean, classic shoes (nude, black or metallic) elevate everything.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best color for a holiday party dress?

Red and black are the classics. White and cream feel fresh for New Year's Eve, and jewel tones work well for dinners and cocktail parties.

Can I wear the same dress to several holiday parties?

Of course. Change your shoes, outerwear and jewelry, and most people will not notice. It is the smartest way to dress for the season on a budget.

What should I wear to a holiday party if I don't know the dress code?

A midi dress with sleeves or an elegant neckline is a safe middle ground. You can dress it up with heels or down with boots depending on what you see when you arrive.

Shop more styles in our party dresses and dresses collections.