For the folks too far from the equator, the winter can only be mitigated by the amount of shopping, sales, gifts, and parties. Parties! All those summer nights where you can strap on some sandals and shorts and off you go complaining about the heat - yep, those days are on pause for another five months or so. But the parties? They make it all better (and all that you can consume at the parties! ha!).

There are several styles in dresses you can lean on this year. Stripes, sweater knits, and sparkles (beading or sequins - either is just splendid). A dress is always easy to pull off because it's a single item. Plus - break out a pair of opaque tights in a similar color or an always flattering black and you have an outfit to wear for three out of four seasons (summer needs lighter fabrics).

Check out some of the picks below and don't be afraid to click (they're all under $50!):

Day Dresses by As U Wish
Evening Dresses by Ringspun

Striped dresses work great as tunics for day and as party pieces for night. Pair with patterned tights in a similar color scheme, or with some bold accessories to stand out at a party.

Day Dresses by Forever 21
Cocktail Dresses at Macy's

Sweater knit dresses are warm and cozy for those parties where they forget about the heating (or you didn't get any drinks in your system yet). Divide the larger knits with wide belts, and play around with a vest on top, or the opposite and layer the dress over a burnout short or long sleeved tee.

Black Dresses by Newport News
Cocktail Dresses by Forever 21

Can't fathom going to a party and being out-shined by the tree? Break out a beaded or sequin dress and you'll be the light show of the party. Metallic sequins or beads reflect light and color the best; keep that in mind if standing out is your goal. Try to pare down the stockings and accessories to let your dress do all the talking. Add some bad to all the good (corny much? All is forgiven during the holidays!) with some motorcycle boots. Can't resist the glam? Leather (or patent) booties with zippers or studs are a great compromise.

More Sequin Hearts...

Want all three? That can be arranged. Pair a basic tailored blazer above any of the styles. Other no-fails? Opaque stockings and black booties. If you want to dress any of them down, pair with a knit snood hat or an infinite (or any favorite knit) scarf.

Have any company holiday parties on the calendar? Remember to keep the neckline modest - a mock turtleneck with sparkly shoulders can do no harm, and the stockings as sparingly sheer as possible. This way - should you drink a little too much, there are very very few possibilities that your faux pas will be a fashion slip-up.

How will you be dressing to the party?

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