Ten Best Holiday Dresses for 2013

We are in the middle of the holiday season with many social events that are going on. Have you found your ideal dresses yet? If not, here are my top ten picks, listed by the designer name, in alphabetical order.


Carmen Marc Valvo Embroidered Halter Cocktail Dress in Black/Gold ($585)  This black halter dress with gold embroidered leaves is simple yet elegant. The gold color highlights and compliments the black color of the dress well.

Carmen Marc Valvo Embroidered Halter Cocktail Dress in Black/Gold


Carolina Herrera – Strapless Beaded Chiffon Gown ($8,990)  If you are looking for a formal gown for this holiday, I’d suggest the strapless beaded chiffon gown by Carolina Herrera. This is a good replacement for the typical dark gown for evenings. The beads on the silk chiffon will catch attention with every step you take.

Carolina Herrera – Strapless Beaded Chiffon Gown


Dolce & Gabbana – Strapless Crystal-Belt Dress ($3.825)  This strapless Dolce & Gabbana dress emphasizes your neckline. The overall design is classic, but the crystal-mesh bow belt calls out the waistline and makes it one of a kind. This dress will never go out of style.

Dolce & Gabbana – Strapless Crystal-Belt Dress


Erin by Erin Fetherston – Lace-Bodice Combo Party Dress ($330)  This Erin by Erin Fetherston dress is made of metallic-print material, which is perfect for parties. The black lace layered on the top portion of the dress offsets the strong metallic look and adds some fancy elements to the design.

Erin by Erin Fetherston - Lace-Bodice Combo Party Dress


Herve Leger – Scoop-Neck Bandage Dress ($780)  Red dresses are always great for the holidays. Try to pair this sexy Herve Leger dress with Jimmy Choo’s famous Lang Metallic Strappy Sandal in Silver to show off your curves.

Herve Leger – Scoop-Neck Bandage Dress


Kalinka – Pink Metallic Floral Lace Cocktail Dress ($1,395)  Metallic materials are some of the essential elements for the holiday seasons. If you are tired of the typical black dresses, try this Kalinka dress in pink metallic floral lace and scalloped-eyelash trim.

Kalinka – Pink Metallic Floral Lace Cocktail Dress


Kay Unger New York – Illusion Lace Cocktail Dress ($460)  This Illusion Lace Cocktail dress by Kay Unger New York is another red dress I like for this holiday season. It’s not as revealing as the Scoop-Neck Bandage dress by Herve Leger (see above), but it definitely helps you to stand out in the crowd. This dress is made with lace (a popular trend for this year) in a relaxed sheath silhouette, which allows you to indulge yourself with a little bit more hors d’oeuvres without feeling the tightness around your waist.

Kay Unger New York - Illusion Lace Cocktail Dress


ML Monique Lhuiller – Sleeveless Belted Party Dress ($498)  If you want a dress that brightens up your complection at night, this Sleeveless Belted Party Dress in blue is perfect. The design also aims to flatter your figure and show off sexy shoulders.

ML Monique Lhuiller Sleeveless Belted Party Dress


Naeem Khan – High-Neck Ray-Beaded Cocktail Dress ($6,500)  It goes without saying, this light Naeem Khan dress with silver beads all over is a classic and elegant piece. It’s perfect for any evening occasion.

Naeem Khan – High-Neck Ray-Beaded Cocktail Dress


Oscar de la Renta – Scoop-Neck Belted Lace Dress ($2,890, now on  sale for $1,011)  I am very fond of Oscar de la Renta dresses. I think they are very elegant, but often too special for ordinary parties. However, I think this Scoop-Neck Belted Lace Dress is classic and ideal for most holiday occasions.

Oscar de la Renta – Scoop-Neck Belted Lace Dress