Happy (?) Monday, loves!  First things first, the blog now has its own Instagram, so follow @loveandwatergirl please and thank you!

Anyway, the holidays are coming, and with them, an endless array of parties and other festivities.  Say yes to every invite, and wear something fabulous!  Here are my top picks for every occasion…

Casual: The easiest, but least fun (in my opinion) party attire.  You have to make an effort, but you’re probably not going to have a princess moment.  If I have to get out of my leggings and sweatshirts, I’d rather get dressed up to the nines!

Show Me Your Mumu Bohemian Bouquet Mini Dress – SMYM is one of my all-time favorite brands for dresses, and they’re totally feeding my velvet craving with this cute dress.  I’d wear it with black tights and tall black boots.

Otis & Maclain Alexander Turtleneck Dress – The dress version of the sleekest, chicest thing in your wardrobe: the black turtleneck.

Ecote Sascha Bell Sleeve Dress – This dress is so ethereal and romantic.

Cocktail: Both the easiest and hardest kind of attire.  Some people range toward black tie, others towards casual.  These dresses stay firmly in between.

LULU*S Heart Skips a Bead Skater Dress – I love the detailing on this dress.

Lipsy Embellished High Neck Babydoll Swing Dress – Get a head start on wearing Pantone’s stunning new Colors of the Year with this pale pink number.

Kimchi Blue Sabina Ruffle Wrap Dress in Red – You’ll look like a better version of the emoji.

Alice & UO Eden Dress – LBD with a twist!  I love the neckline on this.

Office: Rules of the office holiday party: don’t get drunk and hook up with a coworker, don’t get drunk and photocopy your butt, and don’t wear anything too revealing!  Think of it as having an elf on the shelf, except the elf is making sure you don’t lose your job…

LULU*S Sheer Leader Black Mesh Skater Dress – I love the sheer detailing on this dress.  Its alluring without being inappropriate, and a great non-simple LBD.

ASOS Velvet Mini Shift Dress – Velvet + Collar equals chicest employee at the party.

ASOS Slinky Blouson Sleeve Wrap Dress in Burgundy – This color is the perfect holiday shade without being too bright; you don’t want to match the ornaments on the Christmas tree!

ASOS Tunic Dress In Knit With High Neck – I have been so into turtlenecks this year, so I definitely want this sweater dress.  Camel is such a gorgeous, classic color for a sweater, and you can dress it up or down.

Black Tie: I went to a black tie party last night, and it took me all week to figure out what to wear.  I didn’t want to buy something new, but if I did, I’d get one of these dresses in a heartbeat.  Follow me on Instagram @starrynight64 to see my style!

Amanda Uprichard X Revolve Waverly Maxi Dress – I am all about the silky, flowing gown this year.  Its both unfussy and romantic; think Kate Hudson in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.

Rory Beca Goldens Dress – I love Morticia Adams, and this dress is the perfect way to channel her.

NBD Regal Maxi Dress – This is such an incredible update on the typical black gown.

Jill Jill Stuart Strapless Peony Gown – I would love to wear this Barbie gown someday.  Its like the gown version of one of my favorite Blake Lively looks!

LULU*S What a Night Purple Maxi Dress – I’m not usually a fan of purple, but I really love this regal-looking dress.

Family: Family events are tricky in a few ways.  You want to avoid drama, have fun, and look cute, but not slutty, or risk the wrath of grandma!  Trust me on that one!  Here are a few non-frumpy options.

LULU*S The Secret Gardenia Black Floral Print Dress – Whoever says florals are only for spring hasn’t seen this gorgeous dress.

Topshop Spot Stripe Flippy Dress – The 70s are back in a big way, and this dress actually reminds me a lot of dresses my mom and aunt used to wear.  I love the higher neck and flared bottom.

ASOS Sweater Dress In Ripple Stitch – If you come from a family of women who try to overfeed you within an inch of your life (like mine!), this is the dress for you.  Skip the bodycons, go for a flowy sweater dress with over-the-knee boots, and eat that second piece of pie!

For Love and Lemons Clover Mini Dress – Clearly I am super into floral prints this year.

New Years: If you’re like me, you’ll probably be at a bar/lounge/nightclub on NYE.  Here are some cute party dresses that won’t break the bank, so you won’t mind when champagne gets spilled on you! (Yes, this did happen to me last year)

LULU*S Shining for You Cream Satin One Shoulder Dress – This dress is literally a champagne dream, and looks really comfortable.

LULU*S Feather Dress – I love this fluffy, fringy dress, the end.

KARMA Silky Jersey Slip Dress – Kylie Jenner is a big fan of this online shop, and they have some hot dresses.

Rokoko Faux Marabou Hem Dress – This reminds me of what the Fembots wore in Austin Powers.  Pajama chic!

ASOS Wrap Velvet Romper – How hot is this?  Lace and velvet are such a classic combo, but somehow it feels fresh this season.

So I just saved you hours of online shopping, and procrastinated on finals.  Yay?  Happy holidays, all!

XX, Gabrielle