December is my favorite month to get dressed. Office parties, cocktail evenings, family dinners and New Year's Eve ask for more outfits than any other time of year, and every one of them deserves sparkle, velvet or a color that glows by candlelight. This is my holiday edit: hand beading, metallic velvet, embroidery and jewel tones, each designed by me and made in a limited run.
Order by December 8 for standard delivery before Christmas. For a party on a set date, allow two weeks, or choose 1-day shipping ($35) on orders placed before 1pm EST. Free US shipping on orders over $250.
Sparkle and hand beading
The Bella ($298) is my art deco party dress, hand embroidered on black georgette with soft gold glass beads, and the Jewel ($258) is hand beaded on black net with vintage metal beads. Both are pieces you keep for years. My Opal wrap ($378) is sparkly black and gold georgette with sheer balloon sleeves and a tulip midi skirt ruched at the side.
Velvet for winter evenings
Velvet is the fabric of December. The Velvet Green ($338) is striped metallic stretch velvet with a square neck and an oversized bow, and the Gaudi wrap ($398) is printed velvet in teal, blue and purple with long sleeves, inspired by the stained glass of the Sagrada Família. See all my velvet dresses.
A black dress with one detail
A holiday black dress should have one detail people remember. The Gia ($378) is black georgette with an off-shoulder neckline and woven organza sleeves that catch the light, and the Hera ($358) is a sculptural one-shoulder dress in black with gold accents.
Color for family dinners and Christmas Day
For Christmas lunch or a family dinner, I love a print. The Zoe jacket dress ($358) comes in a forest green, burgundy and pink print with a shell trim, and the burgundy Begum ($288) has full sleeves and a bow. My Mahal maxi ($378) has voluminous sleeves in a print inspired by palace murals in Rajasthan.
For a formal party, the Marquis ($328) pairs electric royal blue with handcrafted floral embroidery. The Duchess kaftan ($298) and the Carolina ($265) bring red, pink and cobalt to any room.
The finishing layer
A jacket turns one dress into two outfits. My Agra jacket ($228) is woven gold jacquard with velvet bows, and the Fleur jacket ($288) is blue cotton tapestry with hand-beaded floral embroidery. Wear either over a simple black dress, or with trousers for the office party.
Not sure of your size? Check the size chart, or have any style made to your measurements. For more ideas, read my guide to holiday party dresses or shop all party dresses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear to a holiday party?
Start with the invitation. A cocktail party calls for a knee-length to midi dress with heels, and a formal party for a floor-length or very dressy midi. Then add one festive detail, like sparkle, velvet, hand beading or a jewel tone. A beautiful jacket over a simple dress works for an office party.
What should I wear to an office holiday party?
Choose a dress you would wear to a special dinner: a midi length, a sleeve or a jacket, and one festive detail such as velvet, metallic thread or embroidery. Save the shortest hemlines for a party with friends, and wear shoes you can stand in for a few hours.
What colors are best for holiday dresses?
Jewel tones lead the season: emerald, burgundy, sapphire, plum and gold. Black with gold or beading is a classic for evening parties, and red and pink bring warmth to Christmas Day. Velvet makes every one of these colors look richer by candlelight.
What should I wear to a New Year's Eve party?
New Year's Eve is the night for full sparkle. Choose sequins, hand beading or a metallic fabric in a length you can dance in. A hand-beaded dress like my Bella or Jewel, or a sparkly wrap like the Opal, is made for midnight.
When should I order for Christmas delivery?
Order by December 8 for standard delivery before Christmas. Most orders are processed within 24 to 48 hours on business days, and standard ground takes 7 to 10 days after that. For a party sooner, 1-day shipping is $35 on orders placed before 1pm EST.
