H&M velvet dress (love this, this and this – more party dresses below) || H&M blouse (more blouses for day below) || Perla Formentini ‘Malta’ pumps c/o || Rebecca Minkoff ‘Love’ bag || blue pouf bag charm
photos by Ashley of Sed Bona
What to do with that holiday party dress, after the holidays?
After the holidays had come and gone, I found myself perusing H&M’s seasonal sale and came across this absolutely stunning velvet dress on sale for just $19.99. Obviously I had to have it. The dress arrived and it was even more stunning than in the photos. Even though I didn’t have an occasion to wear it, I couldn’t bear to send it back. So it hung in my closet for few weeks just dying to be worn. Certainly next season I’ll have reason to wear this make-me-feel-bombshell-beautiful dress, but I just didn’t want to wait. This got me thinking: what to do with those holiday party dresses after the holidays?
Because, you see, after the holidays is the time to buy a holiday dress! There are often still tons of sizes AND they are dirt cheap! The stores want them out. I went ahead and linked a bunch of my favorites below and I don’t think a single one is over $40. In fact, most are under $20. Click around and you’ll see that most are styled fairly casually (i.e. with sneakers or layered over long-sleeve tees. I styled mine in a way that’s still pretty dressed up but would work well for an office function or date night.
Shop more of my favorite party dresses:
This ruffle neck blouse I layered underneath is such a great layering piece and would also look amazing with jeans. And it’s under $20 🙂 I love the textural mix of the crisp poplin, with the soft velvet. I linked a ton of other affordable layering options. Everything from long sleeve tees, to button downs, to tie necks and ruffles. There is definitely something for everyone. Suffice it to say, H&M is kinda killing it.
Shop more layering tops:
And I would be completely remissed if I didn’t mention these Perla Formentini suede pumps. I had been on the hunt for a buckled pair of block heels for months, but kept reading review after review of how uncomfortable they were. While this is a higher price than what I typically spend on shoes they are so worth it! Waaaaaay more comfortable than any of my other heels and so stinking chic. I’ve already styled them with jeans as well, so stay tuned for that post. And I can’t wait to try more of Perla Formentini’s shoes!
What do you guys think? Would you style a more formal dress for day?
