3 Wildly Affordable Holiday Dresses That Fit Gloriously And Feel Like Pajamas
And all modeled on a non-model.
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by The Candidly Team
We have highly mixed feelings about dressing up for the holidays. On the one hand, it sounds delightful. We imagine our smoldering, wintery selves spilling into a party in something like this:
Image: Atonement | Universal Pictures
Or this.
Image: Meet Me in St. Louis | MGM
Or THIS!
Image: The Holiday | Columbia Pictures
Sparkly cocktails. Twinkle lights. Mountainous cheeseboards. Mistletoe. What’s not to look forward to here?
Just one thing.
When it comes down to putting our sloth-like, wintery selves into dresses - oof. Less fun.
On second thought, maybe we’ll just stay on our couch in 4 layers of fuzzy blankets and watch this and this and this:
But the dream remains. Every year, we stare into our closets and wish for an easy, flattering holiday dress that will allow us to make an entrance while still feeling as comfy in our bodies as when we are in our house clothes.
Well, as you may have guessed, this entire article exists because we found 3 such dresses. Quite frankly, they took us by surprise. Like most dresses, we found them when we weren’t looking. They’re effortless, comfortable, chic and have plenty of with holiday allure. But most crucially, they’re flattering.
Oh wait, maybe even more crucially … they’re affordable! Not cheap and cheesy. Insane quality and far less than $200.
Countdown if you please 10-9-8 … you get the idea.
1. If You Want Something Classic Yet Distinct That Skims Over Curves
WHAT: Nation Milley Raglan Midi*
Why we love it:
If you’re an apple-shape, you will fall in love with this dress. The sleeves completely cover the arms but have this magical way of falling that doesn’t add bulk (like so many puffed or spacious sleeves do). The entire dress also skims over your belly, so you can help yourself to copious amounts of cranberry-brie and never feel that stupid urge to suck in.
How to wear it:
This is the right time for a very comfy, sturdy, holiday heel. The dress has some Gatsby-esque throwback elements that make a Mary Jane heel you can dance all night in like THIS*, a perfect fit.
Price: $71
2. If You Want Something Stunning And Sleek That Doesn’t Make You A Lick Self-Conscious
WHAT: Nation Rebecca Midi Dress*
Why we love it:
The idea of wearing a slinky, fitted dress lingers in our deepest desires, but most feel like they’re made for 6ft models with sticks for arms, small, perky boobs, concave bellies, and zero hips/butts/thighs. This one has a magically soft, ribbed material that’s thick enough to cover every lump and bump and make us feel completely held in. The ruching is so flattering on your midsection without ever clinging, and the sleeves cover the thickest part of the arm. Last but not least, the high neckline means we can wear whatever comfy bra we like. Bless!
How to wear it:
There are many ways to do it. The dress is a pretty neutral green (though it also comes in black*), so you can dress it up with a very comfy, low stiletto like THIS* or wear it with a tall, slouchy winter boot like THIS*.
The fabric feels very high-end but is soft and stretchy so if you want to make it extra fancy, you can accessorize with statement gold earrings like THIS* or your fave petite, splurge bag*.
Price: $220
3. If You Want Something Sweet And Sentimental But Also Just A Smiiiiiiiiidge Sexy
WHAT: J.Crew Factory Tartan Mini Shirt-Dress*
Why we love it:
This dress is for those of us who have long wanted to dip a toe in something more festive but have also felt a bit fearful of overdoing it and looking like our own grandmother. This tartan dress is a great balance and is deeeeeeply fun to wear. It’s hourglass without being tight, and because it’s short (though not too short), it comes off very chic and cocktail and cute. If anything you’ll look younger in it.
How to wear it:
Tights and closed toes shoes are the way to go if you’re anywhere that has an actual winter. We keep our jewelry and accessories super minimal to make the full look more understated and chic.
Price: $69.50
At The Candidly, we try a lot of stuff so you don’t have to. We only recommend things we truly love, and that we think you’ll love, too. All products are chosen independently by our creative team, and all details reflect the price and availability of products at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to, The Candidly may earn a commission.
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