Glitz, glam and the ‘gram—everyone knows the highlight of the holiday season (aside from the presents, obviously) is dressing up for parties. Between attending work events solely for the free booze and making sure to dress to impress in case you happen to run into an ex, our shopping list is just as packed as our schedule. 

Like every modern woman in 2019, we know astrology holds the answer to basically everything. We’ve rounded up the best party dresses for each zodiac sign this holiday season. Thanks to the stars, you’re sure to turn heads and rack up those Insta likes before they disappear for good.

Aries

Majorelle Gerald Mini Dress, $198

We stan a no-B.S. Aries babe, so own who you are in a show-stopping LRD. We’re loving this Majorelle number for the flirty ruching and puff sleeves that have been a recurring star on everyone’s IG feed lately. A fiery chick like you is sure to rock this dress like no one else can. 

Taurus 

Kendall + Kylie Cobain Vegan Leather Dress, $79

Channel that affinity for nature into a chic jade look for this holiday season. It’s so your color and appears to be festive without looking like you tried too hard (we know that’s not your thing). Between the (faux) leather and earthy shade, this mini is the perfect option for a Taurus goddess like yourself. 

Gemini 

Missguided White Feather Mesh Waist Mini Dress, $38

We know, we know—Geminis just want to have fun. Make sure your dress is as playful as you this holiday season. Between the feather trim and mesh insets, you’ll be a knockout in a dress that only someone with as much charismatic charm as you could pull off. This dress deserves a Gemini-style night on the town ASAP. 

Cancer

Lovers + Friends Eye Candy Dress, $178

Put feeling all your feels aside and put your party dress on. The key to the perfect Cancer-worthy dress is just the right amount of romance. This mini is punctuated by romantic sheer sleeves and a waist-emphasizing bow for the perfect balance of sweet and sexy. Lilac is also set to be an “it” color next season, so it never hurts to be ahead of the curve… and definitely ‘gram it first. 

Leo 

River Island Long Sleeve Velvet Dress, $82

No one does bold quite like a Leo, so strut your stuff in a statement-making number. This dress is the definition of glam: hot pink, velvet, and embellished buttons create the ultimate party dress that’s even fabulous enough for a Leo. It’s sure to turn heads, not like you need help with that. 

Virgo

Boohoo Satin Corset Detail Blazer Dress, $18

Cool and calculated, we’d never expect simple from a Virgo, but you’re not one for showy either. Your best bet? Be chic as hell. Take businesswear to party attire with a mini blazer dress. The sheen of the satin and corset bodice bring just enough sex appeal to an otherwise buttoned-up silhouette. 

Libra

For Love & Lemons La Villette Mini Dress, $207

Beauty might as well be your middle name. Utilize that careful eye for finding the sweet side of any situation by opting for a frock with swoon-worthy detail. Between the romantic sleeves, ultra-flattering ruching and regal purple hue, this dress is perfection. I mean there has to be a Libra designing at For Love & Lemons, because this dress is so you. 

Scorpio

ASOS Bardot high low lace mini dress, $206

When it has to do with Scorpio, the words mysterious and sultry come to mind. Be the dark diva you really are this season by opting for a dress with just the right amount of witchy appeal. The high neckline and covered-up sleeves are perfectly juxtaposed with the peek-a-boo deep v and flirty ruffled hemline. Only a Scorpio’s allure could make this the perfect dress for an evening out.

Sagittarius

Reformation Toro Dress, $278

Loud and proud, Sagittarius is never afraid of being undoubtedly themselves. Let your sense of adventure seep into your style by opting for a statement-making animal print. We’re loving this Reformation number’s on-trend tiger stripes (it’s the new leopard print, you know), plunging neckline and high-shine satin. 

Capricorn

Nastygal You’ve Got Chainmail Cowl Dress, $40

You’ve got your eyes on the prize, but it’s okay to take a night off for a bit of fun. Channel your success-driven sensibility into your attire by trying a glam gold number this holiday season. We’re loving this metallic slip dress that quite literally looks like gold. Not to mention, the slinky silhouette and open back are guaranteed to turn up the heat a notch to make your night out well worth it. 

Aquarius

Motel Hime Dress, $71

Channel your free-spirited nature into your style this season by selecting a dress that’s understated yet undeniably cool. A midi slip dress screams “I barely tried, but wow do I look damn good.” The high slits and open back add just the right amount of sexy to an otherwise laid-back dress. Major cool-girl vibes over here. 

Pisces

ASOS DESIGN Fringe Mesh Strappy Maxi Bodycon Dress, $76

Be the creative goddess you are in a dress that’s as unique as you by opting for a fringe frock. We can guarantee you won’t walk into a room and have a “bitch stole my look” moment with a dress like this. The midi length gives a touch of class while the v-neck, bodycon underneath and movement of the fringe are sure to hit in all the right places, if you know what we mean. 

Images: Lumen Photos / Shutterstock.com; Revolve (3); Missguided; ASOS (3); Boohoo; Shopbop (2); Nasty Gal; Princess Polly
Betches may receive a portion of revenue if you click a link and purchase a product or service. The links are independently placed and do not influence editorial content.

You know when you didn’t even realize you wanted something until you see that it’s on sale, then you must have it or you will burst into flames? Well, if you can relate, then you probably already know that aside from it being Ryan Gosling’s birthday, today is also the first day of the Shopbop annual fall sale. Will I have 802 different Shopbop tabs open for three weeks straight? Probably, but you know what, when more than 5,000 just-added styles (I’m talkin’ dresses for holiday parties, I’m talkin’ boots of every heel height, I’m talkin’ jewelry you can actually afford now) are finally up to 50% off, you better believe I’m spending the money I normally spend on rent on Shopbop. 

The best thing about the Shopbop annual fall sale, aside from the fact that it’s happening at all, is that everything will stay on sale until it’s gone. So, if those “The one thing you’ve always wanted in your closet, but could never afford is 50% off for exactly 31 hours!” kind of sales stress you the f*ck out, you should be experiencing some semblance of relief right now. But if you’re feeling overwhelmed on the site because 50,000 pieces is 30,000 more than the amount of seats in Madison Square Garden, then allow me to guide you through the best of the best of the items on sale. You’re welcome.

Shoes

Jeffrey Campbell Atone Bow Sandals, 60 $12-15

You might think it’s too early to start thinking about sandals, especially because the temperatures outside hit below freezing today, but if you think about it, there’s actually no better time than the dead of winter to start stocking up on your summer essentials. These Jeffrey Campbell sandals have cute bows and they come in two colors. Plus they are literally FIFTEEN DOLLARS! Hurry and put these in your cart ASAP.

Sam Edelman “Winona” Rain Booties, $90 $63

I have never owned a pair of rain boots, and my ruined Frye cowboy boots hate me for it. Look, hate on me all you want, but I think rain boots are cute on toddlers and toddlers only. They’re also heavy af, so they’re gonna be a no from me, dawg. However, I got these Sam Edelman rain booties and have to retract my earlier statement, because these are amazing. Unless you’re looking at them up close, they just look like patent leather Western-inspired boots that happen to be waterproof. I’ve worn these with 501 jeans and an oversized sweater and have never been cozier. 

Schutz “Ionara Ankle Strap” Pumps, $180 $126

I am rarely wearing flat shoes, but there is a limit to how high my heels can go without me breaking an ankle. To me, three inches is the perfect height because they aren’t kitten or CFM heels. They’re the perfect balance between the two. They’re also simple and can be worn with a pair of jeans and a white tee shirt or with a sparkly mini dress. They’re also almost impossible to fall down in because the heel is pretty sturdy. Highly recommend for a betch seeking height. 

Diane von Furstenberg “Rhonda” Booties, $398 $199

At least one DVF item should be in every fashion-loving gal’s closet because her stuff is amazing, and also because she herself is an icon. I mean, the woman basically invented wrap dresses and her hair is its own solar system. Anyway, as much as I love DVF, I simply do not have the kind of lifestyle that lets me blow $400 on shoes, but for $200, I can make some small sacrifices. These are great because they’re high enough (three inches) to give you some some serious height, but not so high that you can’t make it on your feet until the end of the day in them. Don’t even get me started on the perfection of the color.

Accessories

DANNIJO “Fiji” Scrunchie, $45 $9

If I got a dollar for every hair tie I’ve lost, I’d have at least $2,000 to my name by now. The idea that someone would pay $45 for a f*cking scrunchie is truly insane to me, but to each her own, right? Scrunchies are making a comeback and I’m definitely down for it, so I would happily pay $9 for this cute metallic one that looks like it’s tied in a bow. TBH if I wore it at the end of a long braid, I would look more like a founding father than this beautiful model does, but she’s def selling it and I may actually buy it.

Kate Spade New York “Small Sunflower Stud” Earrings, $48 $33

Statement earrings are definitely having a moment right now. But just in case the moment eventually passes, you can get these cute earrings for only $33. Contrary to how massive they are, they aren’t heavy at all. I wore them to an offsite meeting with a light wash chambray top tucked into dark wash skinny jeans and black heels and, I have to say, I felt like a J.Crew model… minus the part where I’m 5’10 or taller. Bottom line: they make enough of a statement without overpowering the rest of the outfit. You’ll definitely get a “OMG I love your earrings!” at least twice.

For Love & Lemons “Roxy Inset Stone” Clips, $80 $64

Is it just me, or is everyone with hair wearing those oversized barrettes with pearls on them? Just me? Cool. Cool cool cool cool. Do I love the look? Yes, obviously, but I truly hate buying into a trend that I feel like literally everyone participates in. That’s why I love these barrettes. They’re the same idea as the pearl ones, just, you know, not pearls. The colors also have a sort of vintage feel to them, which is always a fun look to try. If I could get these in every color, you know I would! 

Lizzie Fortunato “Gala” Wristlet, $320 $224

Another reason that I love perusing giant sales like these is because I discovered designers I never would have found otherwise. Sorry, Instagram, I know that’s like, your bread and butter, but y’all dropped the ball on this one. This is obviously not an everyday bag, but it is a personal belief of mine that, much like metallics, animal print is a neutral and should be worn as such. I would wear this bag with a black-dress-cool-coat combo on a Saturday night or to Sunday brunch with that pale pink J.Crew peacoat that literally three out of five women own. It’s just big enough to fit the new iPhone 11 Pro, which, I’m sorry, is an iPad, but small enough to work as a microbag. Ya love to see it.

DRESSES

re:named “Aurora” Mini Dress, $68 $34

I’m a sucker for a fit-and-flare dress and floral prints, so obviously this dress ended up in my cart the second I saw it and ended up on my credit card the second I read the price. This shape is flattering on pretty much every body type, so you may as well just get it and be damn happy that you did. It’s not aggressively pink, so if color scares you (hi, neighbor), you can mute the pink even more than the black does by pairing it with a pair of sheer tights and booties. Loving this already.

alice + olivia “Coley Crew Neck” Dress, $330 $221

Call me crazy, but the ‘60s are making a comeback, and shift dresses with colorful, bold prints are on my radar. Because it’s freezing and will only get colder, I’d probably wear this dress over a black or white fitted sweater—maybe even a turtleneck, who knows? If you don’t want to go full-on mod vibes, you could always wear the dress with a pair of sneakers or flats—as opposed to a pair of patent white platform knee-high boots and a pair of chandelier earrings. The bottom line is that this is giving me major Edie Sedgwick vibes, and I need it in my life now. This is definitely a special occasion dress that you probably couldn’t get away with wearing every few weeks because people will definitely Kate Sanders you and publicly accuse you of being an outfit repeater. Honestly, whatever. At least the outfits I’m repeating are cute. 

Rhode “Ryan” Dress, $445 $333.75

Annnnnd I found my holiday party dress that I will shamelessly wear to more than one holiday party. Even though it looks a little shapeless, it’s actually really flattering because it’s so short. There’s also a very subtle belt action happening at the waist if you want a little more definition. Lastly, generally a dress that’s covered in the brand’s logo isn’t really my go-to look because #modestyiskey, but I will make an exception in this case because Rhode isn’t a super recognizable logo. If it was, like, Chanel, that’d be a different story, but I think this is still a classic and elegant dress. I’d wear this with a pair of very simple pumps (because the dress is obviously a little loud) and a black clutch. 

LOVESHACKFANCY “Violet” Dress, $495 $371

This dress, which is mostly ruched save for the shoulders and hem, has a very retro feel to it. This is such a good look and can be dressed up or down. I’d wear it with flat black leather knee-high boots during the day and then change into a pair of silver heels at night. I mean, who doesn’t love a multipurpose outfit, right? I also love this little number because you can wear it in the winter and in the summer, which, if you live in a city like New York, is saying a lot. Next!

TOPS

Z Supply “The Stripe” Shoulder Tee, $48 $19.20

If you work for a cool company that doesn’t have a strict dress code, definitely get this top. It’s the kind of thing you could wear on a date and say, “Oh, I just came from work” when your date says you look nice. I mean, technically, it’s true. Also, this is the kind of thing someone who likes “dolled-up basics,” as my grandmother calls them, because it’s something you can wear different ways without looking like you’re wearing the exact same outfit. Personally, I’d tuck this one into a pair of high-waisted cropped boyfriend jeans and wear it out with ballet flats. Then the next day, I’d rock it again but with a black flowy midi-length skirt and booties. Should I quit my writing job and become a stylist? LMK, but I feel like yes. 

Eberjey “Sadie Stripe Varsity” Top, $78 $39

Normally, I am personally offended when a T-shirt is more than $15, but this Eberjey one is the one exception because it’s the softest thing I’ve ever felt. It literally feels like a kitten’s ear. Yes, it’s just a T-shirt, but it’s also so much more than that. It’s also cute, so you can also wear it in the company of your Netflix & Chill or whatever the youths are calling it these days. As the photo indicates, they come with a matching shorts, but if you don’t care to look like you’re about to saunter around Cape Cod while you binge Netflix alone, you could obviously just wear your college sweatpants or whatever else is conveniently already on the foot of your bed. These are the kinds of pajamas that I’d want to buy at Anthropologie, but would rather spend money on candles instead. So, all in all, I’m happy to buy it on sale here. 

ONE by DONNI “Tri Fleece” Pullover, $218 $87.20

This reminds me of that fuzzy Patagonia pullover that every single 16-year-old owned in 2010, except this one is way more of-the-moment, meaning it’s not offensive to people’s eyes. As you can see, two of the three colors are neutrals, so you can wear it with anything and, to be perfectly frank, I love it with the white jeans. Can we also talk about this insane deal? It’s basically free! Thanks for the free pullover, ShopBop! For real, though, it’s almost $200 off, so you know I’m adding it to my cart as I type these words. I also like that it’s not aggressively bulky and can be worn as a sweater. 

WAYF “Vincent Intarsia” Sweater, $89 $62.30

Animal print is very in right now, and I’m not mad about it…unless it’s, like, actual animal print. This sweater is cool because it’s almost a turtleneck, but not quite. I also really appreciate a chunky sweater that’s slightly cinched at the waist because, even though it’s a big sweater, it’s still flattering. Because this guy is a little looser, pair it with a pair of skinny jeans. That’s all I’ve got to say about that!

Not to freak you out, but I had to replace at least one of these items on my list because I went back after writing it and realized it had already sold out. So if you like something, don’t hesitate! You have my official permission to impulse buy.

Images: Brooke Cagle / Unsplash; ShopBop
Betches may receive a portion of revenue if you click a link and purchase a product or service. The links are independently placed and do not influence editorial content.

I don’t mean to sound like the Grinch, but office holiday parties are the absolute worst. You have to work all day with these people, have three mental breakdowns in the bathroom (that may or may not be caused by these same coworkers), and then have to socialize with them? You have literally nothing in common with Karen from HR and you know she won’t shut up about her kids. Throw alcohol into the mix, and you’re playing a dangerous game. How do you drink just enough to tolerate Karen, but not so much that you’ll end up blurting out that nobody cares about little Jimmy’s baseball game? Not to mention, your invitation says “dress festively.” What the f*ck does that even mean? More importantly, how can you slut it up to catch the eye of the office hottie without getting reprimanded by your higher-ups? Not to worry, I have plenty of office holiday party outfits for you so that once when Karen stops yapping about how smart her 2-year-old is (doubt it) you can add in how inexpensive your dress is and how you plan on sleeping with Brett in accounting. Just kidding, maybe don’t mention that last part out loud to anyone except Brett in accounting.

Holiday parties are usually great. There is always alcohol and general merriment. However, I am incredibly sick of going to the same parties year after year. Like, sorry, Ugly Sweater Parties were super original 10 years ago, and now it’s basically a holiday requirement. Also? Ugly sweaters are just what I wear now in the winter. So every day is ugly sweater day for me. I’m also over Winter Wonderland, masquerades, and formal attire. Before you choose the most generic holiday parties possible, or God forbid, a party where you make your guests do a craft, try some of these more original and way more fun holiday party themes for your party this year.

1. Après Ski

How I long to be the kind of person that goes on luxurious ski trips and wears obnoxious chic af matchy outfits while getting hammered at the lodge and not skiing. Since I decided to become an artist/writer/broke person as a career, it’s probably not going to happen anytime soon. The sacrifices I make for you people. However, you can totally throw a Après Ski holiday party, where everyone dresses in gorg ski lodge attire. Think cute jackets, matching hats and scarves, fur (fake of course, unless you hate animals, in which case die), and trendy snow boots. You can live your ski bunny dreams to your fullest potential without actually having to freeze your ass off on the slopes all day or pretending to enjoy activities. Don’t forget to serve boozy hot chocolate.

2. Cozy Night In

Instead of having your poor guests wear too-tight holiday dresses and three pairs of Spanx while still sucking in for every photo, have a cozy holiday party. Everyone can wear their warmest flannel PJs or onesies, throw blankets all over the floor, and play holiday movies. You can make warming alcoholic beverages like hot toddies and have a bunch of different popcorn and cookies. It’s easily the best way to hang out with your friends when it’s cold outside and you get to wear fluffy socks instead of stilettos.

3. Anti-Holiday

Maybe it’s because I’m actually The Grinch IRL, but I love the idea of having an anti-holiday party. Everyone must wear black and all decorations must be a “ruined” version of a holiday one, i.e., UV Christmas lights, incorrect animals as reindeer, etc. You can play horror movies in the background and have cute anti-cheer beverages. Everyone gets hammered and complains how much we all really hate the holidays. Think Jessica Biel’s I Hate Valentine’s Day party in Valentine’s Day.

4. Tropical

If you really want to show off your pale winter bod, have a Hawaiian themed holiday party. Prepare to blast the heat in your apartment and have everyone wear beach attire. You need some use of your bikini even though it’s December, right? You can serve tropical drinks and play island music and pretend you’re not living in a place with weather.

5. Post-Holiday Drunch

This is my personal favorite of the holiday party themes. Throw a holiday recovery brunch. Everyone gets drunk and bitches about how insane their family is. As a person that comes from an extremely crazy family, I need this, guys. Pretty much everyone has some drama around the holidays, so nursing your hangover with mimosas and comparing war stories is not only super entertaining, but will make you feel so much better. Who even cares that your ex got engaged or that you’re now the fat sister when you’re commiserating with friends?

It’s fine, guys, I’m fine.

So when you’re planning on making all your friends dress up and come to your place to get sh*t faced, try one of these holiday party themes that you haven’t seen on Instagram for the past five years.

Images: Shutterstock; Giphy (3)

Office holiday parties are literally one of the worst parts of adulthood. You’re expected to look like you’re having a decent time without getting too drunk and ruining your own life. Sure, it was funny on The Office when Meredith got fucking hammered and stripped down for Michael in his office. But like, that was TV and you’ll get fired for that (see: the current sexual harassment reckoning), if you don’t die from embarrassment first. Anyway, I can’t do anything about how you’re going to act, but if you want to at least dress appropriately but still look kinda hot, here’s what to buy from Shopbop.

1. L’Agence Valetta Keyhole Dress

This dress is almost exactly what I’d envision any romantic comedy lead to wear to her holiday office party. It’s cute and has a little keyhole, but it’s not like, too much. Plus it’s pretty versatile, so it doesn’t have to be the dress that sits in your wardrobe forever because you wore it to a boring office party.

2. Shoshana Oliver Velvet Dress

Velvet is super in this season, so you really can’t go wrong with a velvet LBD. This has cutouts and cool sleeves, but is totally appropriate. Now if you get drunk and say something rude, you only have yourself to blame.

3. WAYF Bennet Shift Mini Dress

Sure, this has a high neck and long sleeves, but the sheer overlay with velvet floral details will save you from looking like you’re wearing a literal potato sack.

4. FRAME Velvet Slip Dress

This slip dress is a modest length, but it has slits to spice it up. Plus, it’s got a v-neck that’s high enough for cleavage without running the risk of a nip slip.

5. Mackage Paloma Dress

Leather can be super risky, but this is an office party-appropriate silhouette. There are also knit panels on the side to make it less intense, because nobody wants to look like they’re into BDSM around their coworkers. Especially in this political climate. Speaking of climate, those panels will prob help you sweat less, too. You’re welcs. 

’Tis the season to black out on Champagne and embarrass yourself in formal wear in front of your boss, colleagues, and that one guy with a man bun who works on your floor. Should be lit. That’s right, people, holiday party season is upon us, which means even though there are only three weeks until the end of the year, and I can barely find the motivation anymore to put pants on in the morning, I somehow have to show up dressed to impress, because Carol in HR has a personal vendetta against me and my leggings. Anyway, if there’s anything I’ve learned over the years, it’s that this is the one time of year where you can show up looking extra AF and no one will say shit about it because they think you’re just being festive. Blessings. So here’s all the ways you can look hotter than everyone else at this year’s holiday parties.

1. Rose Gold Everything

You know what they say: The best things in life are free come in rose gold packaging, and holiday makeup is no fucking different. If you want to try out a beauty look that’s slightly different from the holiday norm, then go for a rose gold and bronze look. Smudge some shimmery rose gold shadow along your top and bottom lash lines before finishing it off with a fuckton of eyeliner for a more dramatic effect. 

2. All That Glitters

Would it be the holidays if you didn’t have more glitter on your face and body than the floor of a Forever 21? Hell no. Normally, glitter beauty products are a look reserved for girls who want to piss off their daddies by going to Coachella with their weed dealers, but for the sake of the holidays, we’ll give you a pass. We’re v giving like that. That said, there’s a fine line between “festive” and “cry for help.” Try incorporating glitter into your eye makeup, because nothing says “I’m better than all of you” like glittery lids, which is literally all I can ask for when doing my makeup tbh. We suggest going for a glittery cat eye. It’s less extra and more festive.

3. Matte Red Lips

Bold, red lips are a basic, yet timeless look. And by “basic, yet timeless” I mean be prepared to see every other betch on your newsfeed rocking red lips with captions like, “meet me under the mistletoe” or “might be naughty, might be nice” for the next two to three weeks. We suggest using Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl, because not only is the color highly pigmented but it’ll also outlast you at an open bar. Just saying. 

4. Metallic Smoky Eyes

I never say no to a smoky eye, especially because when done right it makes you look bad AF. And also like you have the actual time and skill to pull off a smoky eye and not just something that kind of resembles a smoky eye but looks more like somebody punched you in the face. And isn’t that what the holidays are all about? Perfection Feeling better than everyone else? Be sure to also add some metallic accents for extra edge. 

Images: Malvestida Magazine / Unsplash; Instagram (4)