Holiday Party Dresses Under $100

Whether you're attending a winter wedding or a slew of seasonal soirees, you're going to need a party dress to make it through the holidays. You could go for the basic LBD, but why not make things fun? Wear something a little bold or silly, and kick up your heels. After all, the holiday season is the only time of year when grown women are encouraged to dress in head-to-toe sequins, ruffles and shimmering fabrics. With these holiday party dresses under $100 each, your holiday attire can be merry and bright without burning a hole in your budget.

Ruched Jersey Dress - Victoria's Secret, $59

Show off your shape in this slinky dress from Victoria's Secret, without showing too much skin. Though the ruching and gathering on this jersey dress do a good job of highlighting a woman's assets, the clean lines and knee-grazing hem do it in an understated way. This dress is available in black, peacock green, and royal purple, but the silver shade is just right for holiday affairs. Try this one out if you want to tread the line between sweet and sexy without going overboard.

Prelude Strappy Sequin Dress - Kmart, $74.99

Say yes to sequins with this strappy dress. This look from Kmart features sequins in a festive squiggly design, making it a little different than the standard full-scale sequined affair. Even with full lining this dress doesn't offer much protection from the elements, so wear this when you intend to be somewhere warm. To make it a little more cozy, top it off with a black leather jacket and a pair of closed-toe heels or booties.

London Times Cap Sleeve Sheath With Zippers - Macy's, $55.19

Channel Joan Holloway (er, Harris) in this little red dress, featuring '60s-style contrast trim and zippered hip pockets. Beyond the details, this dress is a basic boatneck sheath - appropriate for the office, but still interesting enough for evening. Dress it down with an understated blazer, or bling it up with bangles and dangling earrings. Either way, you'll look classy and chic without going to a lot of trouble.

Reviews say this dress runs a little large, so order a size down unless you're curvy.

Whipped Butter Dress - ModCloth, $77.99

Look like your dress was molded from buttercream frosting, in the best possible way. This strapless cream-colored dress features a sweetheart neckline, delicate belted waist and a rhumba ruffle design. This could be worn as a bridal gown for a city hall or low-key wedding, or as an unusual bridesmaid's gown. The color is also universally flattering, no matter what your skin tone. Go all out with a pair of high heeled pumps in a vintage or stiletto style, but bring along a cropped jacket or shrug to keep your shoulders warm between parties.

Jones New York Silk Cocktail Dress - Macy's, $63.99

A cross between Diane von Furstenburg's classic wrap dress and what June Cleaver wore in the 1950s, this dress has festive written all over it. In gleaming peacock blue silk, this dress looks both stiff and touchable. The wide lapels keep the look suitable for the office, but the playful sash belt is reminiscent of a wrapped present. This dress smoothly navigates a generational gap; it'd look equally chic on a young woman as on the mother of a winter bride. Keep the look classic with a strand of pearls, low-key heels and bold stud earrings.