Holidazzle

Fortune favors the brave — the sartorially-brave that is. When dressing up for this season’s round of holiday festivities — the Christmas bash at work, the socially-awkward family reunion that almost always includes a not-so-well-meaning relative who feels the urge to mention your recent weight gain (ahem) during the middle of grace before the midnight meal, the routine get-togethers with friends and out-of-touch, back-from-God-knows-where old cronies over cocktails — don’t scrimp on the wardrobe. Staying solvent during these particularly trying economic times is always a concern, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun during the jolliest months of the year!

There’s been a plethora of adorable diffusion lines by the likes of BCBG Generation, along with cute labels like Kenzie Girl and Max & Cleo, that offer quite a few youthful vibrant takes on the cocktail dress.

Swingy shifts in bold, black satin, ombré sheathes in autumnal hues and playful gem-tinted tank dresses are perfect for making merry. 

The great thing about these lines? You don’t need to take out a bank loan to purchase one of their jewel-toned tiered frocks or printed maxi dresses — which makes them perfect for those of us who aren’t inheriting trust funds anytime soon.