These 18 Elegant, Holiday Party Dresses Will Make Heads Turn (Secretly Under $50!)

By Chris Wilson 12/04/2025

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It’s party time! We’re partaking in a few casual shindigs, however, some holiday parties on our calendar happen to be refined and upscale. That means joyfully filling cups, creating meaningful moments — and wearing an elegant dress that turns heads.

If you don’t want to spend hundreds on a festive party outfit, we feel you. These 18 sophisticated holiday dresses seriously look designer, but they’re all under $50. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or attending an office-wide celebration, you’ll look and feel like a million bucks. So send out those invites, grab some champagne and get ready to stun in these party-ready finds!

18 Elegant Holiday Party Dresses to Turn Heads — Under $50

1. Classy Act: Feel like a Hamptons socialite in this curve-skimming high-neck dress that makes you look mega wealthy.

2. Bodycon Babe: Stretchy, soft and oh-so slimming, this off-the-shoulder maxi dress is as comfy as it is stunning.

3. Effortlessly Put Together: Channel polished energy in this timeless sweater dress that features gold buttons and intricate seams.

4. Yes, Velvet: You’ll feel like you inherited a trust fund in this stylish cowl-neck midi. It screams ‘rich mom’ from miles away.

5. Square-Neck Stunner: If you’ve got it, flaunt it! This silhouette-enhancing cocktail dress even has mesh sleeves for a sexy twist.

6. Tummy-Hiding: Strategic ruching and a fit-and-flare design make this knee-length dress the most flattering on the list.

7. Loose Pick: If you love shift dresses, you’ll adore this expensive-looking number that drapes in all the right places.

8. Center of Attention: People will think you spent thousands on this bell-sleeve maxi. Bloat-hiding ruching is just a bonus.

9. New Year’s-Ready: Sparkly and festive, you’ll wear this wrap dress for Christmas and New Year’s Eve gatherings alike.

10. Like Loungewear: You’ll look so good in this buttery-soft midi dress that thousands of shoppers love. It rises to every occasion!

11. Old Money: Bows, pleats, puff sleeves, oh my! This elegant cocktail dress could cost $3,000, but we won’t tell that it’s just $30.

12. Wear Everywhere: Need an everyday maxi dress that goes from casual to fancy in minutes? Just add a belt for a high-end flair.

13. Flower Girl: Delicate flower embellishments make this wintery midi dress an instant add-to-cart. We’re wearing it with shapewear for a sleek look.

14. Winter Wedding: You’ll reach for this flowy long-sleeve maxi for weddings, holiday parties and beyond, especially since it secretly cinches the waist.

15. Shiny Chic: This metallic cowl-neck midi garners endless compliments, so be prepared. It’s just $15 right now!

16. Miss Christmas: Velvety ribbed material and a pine green hue make this sassy mini our go-to Christmas dress.

17. Sweater Dress: Love the plush things in life? This mock-neck sweater dress balances comfort, warmth and style, so don’t be surprised if you live in it this winter.

18. Athletic Body Type: If you have broad shoulders, this cowl-neck maxi swoops in and lengthens your torso. We’re obsessed with the open back!

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