Traditional Christmas dresses are relatively modest, with fitted bodices, full skirts and hems that hit around the knee. For formal Christmas Eve dinners or a holiday party, the dresses may be formal or even full length. With all the parties and events surrounding the Christmas holiday, celebrants are faced with many opportunities to dress up and wear fancier clothing. This page contains information about Christmas dresses along with links on where to shop for them online.
A Fancy Christmas Dress on a Budget
It may not be easy to find a bargain on a fancy dress at the department stores during the holidays, but consider this: many holiday outfits are worn only once or twice and then outgrown or discarded. Thrift and consignment stores are full of gently used prom dresses, bridesmaid dresses and holiday dresses for a fraction of the retail price.The Town Talk: Thrifty times: Second-hand shops... (November 18, 2008)
To avoid wearing a dated or out-of-style dress, choose something plain and dress it up with modern accessories. Things to look for in a second hand Christmas dress:
- Fabric: Choose something sumptuous like satin or velvet (or an equivalent in synthetics)
- Color: Deep colors work best for a Christmas dress; reds and greens are especially festive, but don't rule out gold or silver as an option
- Style: A full skirt with a fitted bodice is the traditional style for a Christmas dress, but sleeker styles work as well, as long as the fabric and color are suitable. Avoid summery or strapless styles unless accompanied by a shawl, wrap, or sweater.
References
Fast Facts
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Price
Varies depending on material, design and designer
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Worn to holiday parties and events
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Typically red, black or green, but silver and dark blue work as well
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Christmas dresses can be worn to holiday church functions, including Midnight Mass
