(Formal) Holiday Dressing - YouLookFab Forum

I have two semi-formal holiday parties to attend this year, hosted by my work and my SO's work. Little overlap in attendees so I plan to wear the same outfit.

Although I understand the appeal of festive separates for casual holiday parties, I adore dressing up for formal occasions. I'm hoping to find a new dress this year but have been coming up short on options. So far my best hopes are a dark floral Anthropologie dress which I tried on and liked last year--but it might not be dressy enough--and a silk Club Monaco shift dress that I've never seen in person. I would throw on a sparkly belt and colorful heels with both.

For reference, I also attached the dress I wore to my work holiday party last year, a vintage Anthro piece that I adore. Wish I could find more of that aesthetic! Has anyone seen a unique printed cocktail dress around lately, in a flared or straight (not slim/sheath) shape?

Anthropologie

Marc Bouwer Photostat Floral Dress

$178.00

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Top Pick

Club Monaco

Abarane Print Silk Dress

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Anthropologie

Volary Vines Belt

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Custom Find

by Keix

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Anthropologie

Overwhelmed Aster Dress

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9 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I love the Anthroplogie dress. Don't know if these appeal.

Nordstrom

Donna Morgan Floral Scuba Fit & Flare Dress

$158.00 $94.80

Sale

Adrianna Papell Floral Jersey Fit & Flare Dress

$140.00

Halogen Tie Neck Shift Dress (Regular & Petite)

$98.00 $41.90

Anonymous

I saw this one on WhiteHouseBlackMarket and thought it was so pretty.

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Susie

Veteran

I love that CM silk dress.

kkards

i like the anthro dress.....
but I have to say, I have a thing for velvet...which brought me to the 1st find. and then a nordstrom's "suggested" the 2nd floral.
I also love the retro feel of this red one from modcloth

KUT from the Kloth KUT from the Kloth Burnout Velvet Fit & Flare Dress

$148.00 $59.97

Adrianna Papell Floral Embroidered Mesh Sheath Dress (Regular & Petite)

ModCloth

Prove Your Groove Dress in Ruby Roses

Firecracker (Sharan)

I adore your Anthro pick, KL! You could try a tulle slip under it for extra fullness, to give you more of the silhouette of last year's dress. That would amp up the festive feel, too. The Club Monaco dress is gorgeous, but it doesn't seem to have the aesthetic that you prefer--the fit and flare look and slightly retro or vintage vibe. I also really like kkards' picks for you.

My friend got this dress by Kay Unger in to her boutique, and it is gorgeous. The colors are so much lovelier in real life. I can picture you looking stunning in it.

Keix

@Angie: I have had my eye on the first dress you suggested, the dark floral Donna Morgan, since you first recommended it in a blog post! Alas, I waited too long and it's now sold out, although if it ever pops back in my size I will snag it for casual-dressy wear. I am definitely a small-busted petite The surplice neckline of the second dress isn't the best shape for me, although I love the print; it's sold out as well, I see, so no matter.

@kkards: I'm not usually one for velvet, but after clicking through to a larger photo of the first dress you picked, I'm in surprise love. It's festive yet "different" looking and still hits my dark floral soft spot.

@Firecracker: What a brilliant idea, to add a tulle slip underneath! That would make the Anthro dress pretty much perfect, if it fits (I wasn't able to try on my exact petite size last year, and who knows if the cut is still the same). I really like the Kay Unger dress you linked, as well as this baroque lace frock I found on Nordstrom while looking at the brand... out of my price range, though.

Kay Unger Embroidered Lace Fit & Flare Dress

$500.00 $299.98

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