The following content may contain affiliate links. When you click and shop the links, we receive a commission.
I absolutely love holiday and NYE parties and having an excuse to get a fun dress!! Each year, I go through some of my favorite affordable retailers and try to round up the best affordable holiday cocktail dresses (since many of us don’t want to spend a ton on a dress they may only wear once).
Everything in this haul is under $200, so you won’t break the bank when shopping for a holiday cocktail party this year. If you don’t mind spending a bit more, read this roundup of my favorite Tuckernuck dresses (I found a few holiday dress gems under $200 you’ll see below). They have some great cocktail options for NYE and the holidays. Or if you want to opt for something more casual than a dress, check out this round-up of Fair Isle sweaters for the holidays.
If you’re shopping for a work-related holiday party, I have some tips for finding a festive (but still very appropriate) outfit in this post.
If your pregnant over the holidays like I was a couple of years ago, I shared maternity-specific cocktail dresses for the holidays in this post.
And BTW, if you’re in the mood to make your home feel festive too, read this post on how to decorate your porch for the holidays!
Affordable Holiday Cocktail Dresses for Christmas & New Year’s Eve
Alright, let’s get into the festive cocktail dress options!
Black Cocktail Dresses
Started strong with black or metallic cocktail dresses. Not only are these perfect for the holidays, but they also work well for NYE, which is already on my mind. If you’re shopping for a black dress, I recommend getting something that’s a little more fun with cutouts, an unusual hemline or neckline or with fun fabrics like velvet, lace, or sequins vs. just a plain black cocktail dress.
You can get away with more daring choices during the holidays, especially for New Year’s Eve parties. And I find I’m more daring in something black vs. a bolder color like red. Red with cutouts may be a little too much for me.
With black dresses, I prefer to wear fun shoes and red lips to make the look feel like more festive cocktail attire. These gorgeous jeweled pointy-toe heels would immediately make a simple black dress feel perfect for the holidays. I ordered them last year, and they’re amazing in person. And this is, hands down, the most flattering red lipstick ever. It looks GOOD on everyone.
Little black dresses will serve you well for years to come so it’s worth the effort to find one you love.
Tuckernuck Black Velvet Elodie Dress
The black velvet dress from Tuckernuck I’m wearing below is classy, timeless, and festive. I love the flare at the bottom and the puff sleeves to balance out the fitted silhouette of the rest of the dress. Not to mention, it’s so comfortable, which is perfect if you’re holiday party involves lots of moving or dancing.
I love wearing it with kitten heels and delicate drop earrings. If you’re petite, consider heels with a pointed toe like these from Sam Edelman to elongate the leg.
Amazon Long Sleeve Velvet Ruffles Mini Dress
This Amazon long-sleeve velvet mini is such a classy, fun, and flirty holiday cocktail dress. The long sleeves balance the shorter hem, and the ruffle details add just enough playfulness. I’d throw on tights, black pumps, and a glittery clutch for a festive feel. A dress like this works all holiday long, whether it’s for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or the New Year!
If you prefer a sleeveless option, the Lulus Gorgeous Darling Black Velvet Sleeveless Mock Neck Mini Dress is pretty similar – just without the sleeves for a slightly more modern, polished look.
Both of these come in a handful of festive colors.
Pontee Plissé One-Shoulder Midi Dress
This midi-length Pontee Plissé One-Shoulder Dress is such a great option for NYE parties. Since I’m 40 years old, I tend to opt for midis more often than mini dresses (although for a cocktail party, it is fun to sport a short dress), so I was drawn to this dress. You could dress it up with colorful shoes or keep it sexy with black strappy shoes and some sparkly earrings. You could wear this dress for multiple occasions.
Tuckernuck Black Sequin Carmen Column Midi Dress
The Black Sequin Carmen Midi Dress is all about sleek sparkle. The column silhouette elongates the body, while the sequins catch the light without feeling over the top. Throw a silky shawl over your shoulders, and pair with simple black heels and dangly earrings for a night out.
It’s elegant enough for a work party but still feels celebratory. Here are more festive and professional holiday work party outfits.
Tuckernuck Black Embroidered Calla Dress
For a subtle statement, the Embroidered Calla Dress from Tuckernuck is so charming. The embroidery adds texture and interest without being flashy. Not to mention, the puffed sleeves are absolutely darling and give the perfect feminine flare. I’d pair it with my favorite black platform heels from Loeffler Randall and a small clutch, but you could also add bold earrings for a more playful look.
You can read about the best Loeffler Randall dupes I’ve found if you’re not quite ready to make the investment!
Captivating Figure Black Pearl Beaded Bow Strapless Mini Dress
This Captivating Figure Black Pearl Beaded Bow Strapless Mini Dress is the ideal NYE dress. If you’re busty, this might be a bit too revealing for you, but I think this dramatic beaded dress would be such a fun statement for those with smaller chests. The material is stretchy, which is best for a tight-fitting dress like this.
I’d stick to strappy heels with this dress.
How Much I Care Black Off-the-Shoulder Midi Dress
It’s hard to beat a traditional off-the-shoulder midi dress, especially in black. While this How Much I Care Black Off-the-Shoulder Midi Dress does lean a little more dressy than some shorter options, it would be great for a formal work dinner or nicer NYE party because of the length. I love the ruffled hemline and sweetheart neckline.
You could go black or metallic for shoes, but I think strappy with a narrow heel is definitely the way to go.
Sparkling Stunner Black Rhinestone Cutout Long Sleeve Mini Dress
When I was talking about making sure your black dress has some interest, this is what I meant. This Sparkling Stunner Black Rhinestone Cutout Long Sleeve Mini Dress has such a fun (i.e. dramatic and festive) back. The front is simple and flattering, and I love that you can see the start of the cutouts from the front. I’d stick to black shoes for this dress and really let the back shine.
If the rhinestones feel too flashy for you, this black long-sleeve mini dress has a cutout without any embellishments.
Red Cocktail Dresses
I find that the best holiday cocktail attire dresses are red. Don’t get me wrong, I also love a green or black dress, but something about red during the holidays feels extra festive. If you’re still shopping for Christmas cocktail dresses, look no further than this section.
Always For You Wine Red Puff Sleeve Mini Dress
The Always For You Wine Red Puff Sleeve Mini Dress is a tried-and-true holiday cocktail dress. I ordered it two years ago, and it was one of the most flattering options I discovered that year. The fit is true-to-size, and the texture of the dress adds some interest. I especially love that this dress has a conservative neckline, but it’s not boring.
I styled this dress with black heels, fun gold earrings, and a glittery clutch. This might be my favorite petite holiday dress (I’m 5’1″, so I’m always on the hunt for petite options).
This was such a popular option that it looks to be sold out at the moment, but Lulus does restocks. Add your email to their list to be notified.
Antonio Melani Gabriella Short Sleeve Satin Maxi Dress
This Antonio Malani satin maxi carried at Dillard’s is sleek and effortless. The crew neck is modest yet flattering, and the short sleeves make it easy to layer under a chic coat. Style it with strappy heels like these and a small metallic clutch like this for a polished evening look.
If you’re looking for a comfortable all-night wear, this is the one!
Lulus Classic Elegance Wine Red Velvet Sleeveless Mock Neck Maxi Dress
Velvet plus a deep wine shade is a match made in heaven. The sleeveless mock neck on this velvet maxi is every bit as elegant as it is festive. This might be one of my favorite options for a Christmas cocktail dress.
Dive more into a chic look with black strappy heels and dangly diamond earrings. If it’s cold, a classic wrap or cropped coat works beautifully.
Here are some of my favorite winter coats (dressy and comfortable).
Essential Confidence Wine Red Velvet Mock Neck Jumpsuit
For anyone who wants a non-dress option, this red wine velvet jumpsuit is sophisticated, sexy, and stylish. The velvet fabric and mock neck lend a luxurious feel, while the wide-leg pants add comfort for movement and dancing, and give the jumpsuit a super flattering shape. The open back detail is my favorite detail – stunning.
Pointed-toe pumps and statement earrings are the perfect pairing for a festive and effortless look.
Green cocktail dresses
I love the dark green option for a holiday cocktail dress. It’s so simple to make festive – get a red mani, put on red lipstick, neutral heels and you’re good to go! Green works especially well for Christmas party dresses since green has become such an on-trend, popular color this year. I’ve also linked a cute jumpsuit below that would be quite the statement, as well as some fun mini dresses with beading.
Take a Glance Emerald Green Tiered Mock Neck Midi Dress
This color makes me SO happy! If you’re looking for a fun (yet modest) cocktail dress, this mock neck midi dress is perfect. It’s under $100, runs true-to-size, and can be worn with any heels! The bodice is a little large, so it’s perfect for large busts. Just be sure to steam it. I didn’t before I took these pics and it still pains me.
Exquisite Refinement Emerald Backless Bow Ruffled Maxi Dress
The Emerald Backless Bow Maxi Dress is a showstopper. The open back, oversized back bow, and ruffled details make it the most tasteful blend of sexy and elegant, which is the chef’s kiss of holiday cocktail attire. You will stand out in the best way. With this dress, I would wear ankle strap heels and statement earrings.
This dress also comes in black, which is a great choice if you want something more versatile.
Lulus Emerald Ruched Velvet Mock Neck Maxi Dress
The ruching on the velvet mock neck maxi from Lulus is so flattering, and the velvet fabric looks so luxe. The mock neck keeps it sophisticated while the fit hugs in all the right places.
Style this one with nude or black heels and gold hoops, and allow the dress to be the statement piece. If you’re attending an evening event, a soft updo will let the mock neck shine, and it will be a head turner for sure.
Amazon Cowl Neck Long Formal Dress
This Amazon cowl neck long dress is a budget-friendly option that feels much more expensive than it is. The draped cowl neckline adds softness, and the silhouette is forgiving but elegant.
Strappy heels and statement earrings would be the perfect pairing, or even a chic wrap if it’s chilly outside. It’s a great pick for both office parties and family gatherings.
Affordable Cocktail Dresses & Accessories
Lulu’s has a great selection of affordable cocktail and holiday dresses. Have a little fun and get something a little more bold this year, maybe try some embellishments! A seasonal party is the perfect excuse. If you’re ordering from Lulus, get your true-size-unless I noted otherwise. I found the sizing consistent across the board for the dresses I tried on.
For accessories, Baublebar has a great selection of affordable statement jewelry, and in my experience, fast shipping.
A couple of years ago, I tried on many dresses in this Holiday Cocktail YouTube video (many aren’t available anymore, but there are a few remaining stragglers) so you can see how they fit and move.
What is cocktail attire for a Christmas Party?
Typically, cocktail attire means a balance between formal and casual. It’s not quite as formal as a black tie event where you’d wear gowns, but it’s dressier than dinner with your girlfriends. Most retailers will categorize their dresses as “cocktail dresses” so just look for that.
For a cocktail party, men usually wear a suit and tie, and women wear a dress with heels. However, you can easily get away with wearing dressier boots with heels.
Happy holidays and have fun celebrating!
P.S. If you’re looking for Thanksgiving outfit ideas, I have a few rounded up in this blog post.
SHOP HOLIDAY DRESSES
