Monday, December 12, 2022

21 Holiday Dresses That Call For An Extra-Festive Season

The holiday vibe is already feeling way more electric this year — perhaps you, too, are sensing the extra-festive spirit in the chilly air? After a long 2022, we’re all overdue to glow up at all the office soirees, family reunions, and dinner parties that await our RSVPs. And, if you’re the type to impress the crowd with a head-to-toe look, we’ve got quite the selection of holiday dresses ahead.

You can expect plenty of vampy velvets, luxe metallics, little black dresses, sparkly sequins, and glamorous gem tones in frocks that are trimmed with this year’s top trends — think plenty of puff sleeves and cottagecore details. Just be sure to add to cart ASAP so that your outfit arrives in time — that is, in time for your grand entrance, wink wink.

Skims Soft Lounge Shimmer Long Sleeve Dress, $88

If you want to stay comfy all night long but still exude that festive spirit, then glide into one of Skims’ best-selling lounge dresses.

Staud Abstract Dress, $395 $237

Here’s a red leather holiday frock that exudes chic holiday vibes.

Free People Jocelyn Dress, $250

Now, here’s a dress that will carry you straight into whatever New Year’s Eve bash is on the cal.

Saylor Quintana Dress, $341 $204.60

Tell us you don’t wanna shimmy-shimmy in this all night long.

River Island Plus Purple Sequin Feather Mini Dress, $204 $102

It’s a little intergalactic, sure, but it’s also full of feather and sequin fun.

J.Crew Velvet Jeweled Button-Front Mini Dress, $228 $89.50

The holiday dress of your dreams has arrived. J.Crew’s mini features jeweled buttons down the front, luxe velvet fabric, and puff sleeves for a modest yet whimsical dress.

Asos Edition Waisted Broderie Midi Shirt Dress With Puff Sleeve In Black, $190

Did someone say Wednesday Addams’ iconic dance dress?

Torrid Mini Jersey Mock Neck Skater Dress, $69.50 $27.49

This is your fit-and-flare moment. Make the pavement your catwalk.

Eloquii Metallic Plisse One Shoulder Dress, $149.95

Your only assignment when wearing this golden dress is to find the nearest light source and bask in it like a Greek goddess.

Amanda Uprichard Genovia Dress, $229

When in doubt about dressing for the holidays, put a bow on it. Plus, who wouldn’t love an LBD named after the Princess Diaries‘ legendary country?

Reformation Argentina Knit Dress, $198

It’s probably a rule that you ought to wear some kind of emerald green this holiday season. So why not go all out with a shimmering figure-hugging dress with a thigh-high slit?

Selkie The Ritz Dress, $425

Can you really call it the holidays without some tartan goodness? This long frock does it all with its cottagecore puff shoulders and tiered skirt.

Hill House Home The Collector’s Edition Ellie Nap Dress, $175

Surely, this is a nap dress that is going to make all the waking-hours rounds. Get ready to look like an angel this holiday.

Anthropologie The Somerset Maxi Dress: Velvet Edition, $180

Imagine your favorite childhood sleep dress now available in the lushest navy velvet. It’s a keeper, and you’ll want to wear it to all your elevated dinner and holiday parties. Take it from our editors who adore all shades of the luxe style.

Farm Rio Romantic Garden Lenzing Ecovero Viscose Mini Dress, $255

If you’re the type to celebrate the holidays in a warmer climate and need an appropriately tropic-themed dress, Farm Rio has got you covered.

Maya Plus Halter Neck Midi Tulle Dress, $148 $118.50

A little bit of tulle goes a long but impactful way.

Topshop Sequin Disco Shift Minidress, $84

Disco baby. Ring in the new year in this sparkling cherry-red mini for all the good vibes.

Quince 100% Washable Silk Mini Slip Dress, $59.90

Layer comfortably with a turtleneck or leather jacket for a night of festivities. Quince’s silk dress is made out of 100% mulberry silk, which helps maintain body temperature.

Abercrombie & Fitch Vegan Leather Blazer Dress, $110

Stun the entire crowd by opting for vegan leather (you know, instead of the usual holiday materials of velvets, sequins, and satins).

Reformation Twilight Dress, $278 $194.60

As the name of this dress suggests, this look is made for an all-nighter.

Dundas x Revolve Nova Embellished Mini Dress, $378

Because you can never go wrong with an LBD (that sparkles).

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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This story includes Black-owned businesses selected as part of Black+, an initiative by VICE Media Group and the National Urban League to support Black entrepreneurs with free marketing and mentorship opportunities.

We’ve shopped for a lot of hard-to-gift individuals in our lives — our picky sister, the colleague you only see on Zoom, the “I don’t need any gifts” mother-in-law — but the greatest head-scratcher of them all has got to be The Guy. Whether it’s your S.O., fantasy football buddy, or just your impossible-to-buy-for father, he is, without a doubt, the “cool dude” in your life, the one who seems to be on top of the next thing before everyone else is.

No matter who this cool guy is, his mile-high standards and sixth sense for the latest gear make him impossible to shop for. But don’t worry — if you’re determined to defy the odds and knock it out of the park this holiday season, you’ve come to the right place. We observed some of the coolest guys in our own lives for inspiration for all the best Christmas gifts for men. With items that range from a deep Sopranos reference to a pair of luxury loafers, everything on this list should pass muster with your hard-to-please fellow.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

For more can't-miss shopping stories delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our Most Wanted newsletter.

Lululemon Commission Slim-Fit Pant 37" Warpstreme


These performance pants from Lululemon sure look like regular trousers, but they're breathable with a hint of stretch. What guy wouldn't love this comfort?

Lululemon Commission Slim-Fit Pant 37" Warpstreme Online Only, $, available at Lululemon

Union Corduroy Shirt Jacket


This gem from Nordstrom Rack is wildly affordable, utilitarian, and is offered in an array of colors.

Union Corduroy Shirt Jacket, $, available at Nordstrom Rack

Bellroy Tech Case


Get this for the guy who travels a lot or is constantly commuting to the office. This tech case organizes all the essentials like cords, a wireless mouse, chargers, earbuds, and more.

Bellroy Tech Kit, $, available at Bellroy

Omsom The Try 'Em All Set

Send him on a global culinary adventure without ever leaving his kitchen with this sampler box of Southeast and East Asian starter sauces — each one offering quality, hard-to-get ingredients and complex flavors that are normally pretty tricky to conquer unless you travel to a ton of specialty stores. All are vegan and gluten-free.

Omsom The Try 'Em All Set, $, available at Omsom

Jenni Kayne Men's Cashmere Beanie


It's a cashmere beanie from the cashmere queen herself Jenni Kayne, so you know it's bound to be super-warm.

Jenni Kayne Men's Cashmere Beanie, $, available at Jenni Kayne

Chrome Bullet Space Pen


This pen writes upside down and in zero gravity. It also writes underwater and in both below-freezing and hellscape temperatures. Not sure why anyone would need to be writing a memo in those aforementioned conditions, but if you've got a wordsmith on your list, this pen will surely stay with them till the end of time.

Space Pen CHROME BULLET SPACE PEN, $, available at Space Pen

Momofuku Chili Crunch Variety Pack


If his meals need to be kicked up a notch (or three), this Momofuku variety pack is a great place to start.

Momofuku CHILI CRUNCH VARIETY PACK, $, available at Momofuku

Kiehl's Facial Fuel Energizing Tonic For Men


Tell him to splash this on his face before his moisturizer for a next-level morning routine.

Kiehl's Facial Fuel Energizing Tonic For Men, $, available at Sephora

Birkenstock Boston Genuine Shearling Lined Clog


Behold: the perfect winter house slipper. It's easy to slip on for the indoors, substantially soled for quick outdoor errands, and completely lined with shearling for toe-wiggling coziness.

Birkenstock Boston Shearling, $, available at Zappos

Los Angeles Apparel Polar Fleece Half Zip Pullover


This can't-go-wrong pullover also happens to be one of those "steal at any moment from his closet" pieces.

Los Angeles Apparel POLAR FLEECE HALF ZIP PULLOVER, $, available at Los Angeles Apparel

Fantastic Walls Tony Soprano & Pie-Oh-My Wall Art Canvas


Oh! So this is a deep-cut Sopranos reference — but, IYKYK, it's a really good one.

Fantastic Walls Tony Soprano & Pie-Oh-My Wall Art Canvas, $, available at Etsy

Merrell Men's Hydro Runner


Maybe it's time to upgrade your guy's Crocs to something more interesting.

Merrell Men's Hydro Runner, $, available at Merrell

STMNT Upgrade Your Shower Kit


If your guy's shower game is a bit rough, show him the ways of self-care with this kit that includes a hair & body cleansing bar, shampoo, and grooming spray.

STMNT Upgrade Your Shower Kit, $, available at Nordstrom

J.W. Anderson Pigeon Jacquard Zip Fleece


A statement fleece for the fashion guy who aims to stand out.

JW Anderson Pigeon-Pattern Zip-Fastening Hoodie, $, available at Farfetch

Caraway Non-Stick Ceramic-Coated, Mini Fry Pan & Sauce Pan Duo


A great set for the guy who's just getting into cooking and needs reasonably sized wares.

Caraway Non-Stick Ceramic-Coated, Mini Fry Pan & Sauce Pan Duo, Non-Toxic, $, available at Caraway

Saatva Weighted Silk Eye Mask


Designed to rest those tired eyes, this weighted eye mask will have him sleeping peacefully in no time.

Saatva Weighted Silk Eye Mask, $, available at Saatva

Perry Co. Unisex Sunglasses


These square frames are just unique enough to feel fresh but classic enough to transcend the trend cycle.

Perry Co. Unisex Sunglasses, $, available at Perry Co.

Twelve South AirFly Pro Wireless Transmitter


This nifty gadget allows your dude to keep using his wireless headphones even while on the plane. Plug the dongle into the jack, connect it to the earpiece via Bluetooth, and it's good to go for (air) miles.

Twelve South AirFly Pro Wireless Transmitter, $, available at Amazon

Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700


If he doesn't already have a pair of premium headphones, this one is certainly worth the splurge.

Bose Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, $, available at Bose

The Iconics: Your Kitchen's Must-Haves


If you've been keeping up with our kitchen recs, you know that we're all about the easy-to-use pots and pans. But, so often, chefs can't get by on stovetop wares alone — they also need the proper tools. Enter: the ultimate 10-piece utensil set from Material!

Material The Iconics, $, available at Material

Sonos Move


This portable speaker is a must for any guy who loves to entertain. It can also be toted to parks, beaches, camping trips, and more.


Sonos Move, $, available at Sonos

Clarks Wallabee Boot Maple Suede


Trendy footwear is always a nice-to-have but so are the tried-and-true styles that your guy is bound to reach for again and again.

Clarks Wallabee Boot Maple Suede, $, available at Clarks

Shun Premier 6-Piece Slimline Block Set


Perfect for those who are very serious about their cooking, this Shun Premier block set crafted by actual Japanese bladesmiths is the sharp move.


Shun Premier 6-Piece Slimline Block Set, $, available at Sur La Table

Super World The Super Puff Men's Vest


This year, get him one of Aritzia's world-famous Super Puff pieces.

Super World the super puff™ vest men's, $, available at Aritzia

Fredericks & Mae Chopping Block


A stunning slab upon which your guy will be slicing, dicing, and chopping up his produce.

Fredericks & Mae Chopping Block, $, available at Coming Soon

Anova Precision Sous Vide Cooker with WiFi


If your guy is a fan of cooking but is always short on time, a sous vide cooker is going to be the lifesaving kitchen gadget he'll obsess over.


Anova Precision Sous Vide Cooker with WiFi, $, available at Williams Sonoma

Wthn Acupressure Mat Set


This a fabulous under-$100 gift for anyone who experiences back pain and body tension.

Wthn Acupressure Mat Set, $, available at WTHN

Bern Hudson Bike Helmet


If your dude is a biker and could use a stylish upgrade to his head protection, this helmet checks the box.


Bern Hudson Bike Helmet, $, available at Bern

Mejuri Flat Curb Chain Necklace


If your stylish guy is in need of everyday bling, this chain is a golden choice.


Mejuri Flat Curb Chain Necklace, $, available at Mejuri

Tod's City Gommino Leather Penny Loafers


A pair of beautifully designed men's loafers for the refined guy in your life.


Tod's City Gommino Leather Penny Loafers, $, available at Mr. Porter

Warby Parker Winston Glasses


When it comes to specs, classic tortoiseshell is always a solid choice. Consider a new pair of glasses for the guy whose eyewear could use some fine-tuning.

Warby Parker Winston Tortoise Collage I, $, available at Warby Parker

Salomon Trail Running Shoes


Take our word for it — Salomon shoes are set to gain some traction this holiday season.

Salomon X Ultra Pioneer Aero, $, available at Zappos

Away F.A.R Duffle 55L


Luggage brand Away has stepped into a new category of travel bags — and it includes soft duffles made for outdoor travel.

Away F.A.R Duffle 55L, $, available at Away

New York Times Logo Baseball Cap


Gift him the hat that tells the world, "Yeah, I read the news."


The New York Times Stacked Logo Baseball Cap, $, available at New York Times Store

Fellow Clara French Press


Naturally, this one's a gift for the caffeine fiends on your list.

Fellow Clara French Press, $, available at Fellow

Moccamaster 10-Cup Coffee Maker


If he's even more serious about his classic drip, invest in the Rolls Royce of brewers that also comes in 18(!) colors.

Moccamaster, Techniv Moccamaster 53942 KBGV 10-Cup Coffee Maker, $, available at Amazon

Rap Capital: An Atlanta Story by Joe Coscarelli


This book is for the music fanatics on your list. It's written by Joe Coscarelli, the music critic for the New York Times.

Simon & Schuster Rap Capital: An Atlanta Story, $, available at Bookshop

Therabody Theragun Mini


Now smaller and more lightweight than ever! This Theragun Mini is the ideal travel gadget for the guy who needs a handheld massager wherever he goes.

Therabody Theragun mini, $, available at Therabody

Furbo Dog Camera


If he's a dog dad that's back to work IRL, help him keep track of his fur baby with this rotating dog camera that will allow him to virtually hear, speak, and toss treats to his pup.

Furbo Furbo 360° Dog Camera, $, available at Amazon

Hot Ones Truth or Dab The Game


Behold: a "gag" gift for the guy who can actually handle the heat.

HOT ONES Truth or Dab The Game, $, available at Amazon

Thorne Curcumin Phytosome 500 mg


It's never a bad idea to give the gift of good health! These supplements from Thorne can help keep those joints happy and healthy.

Thorne Curcumin Phytosome 500 mg, $, available at Amazon

Ben Medansky Dune Coasters


This set of four terracotta coasters are great for individual hot beverages or arranged together to create a trivet for dinner.

Ben Medansky Dune Coasters, $, available at Areaware

Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Weights and Dumbbells


It's like having easy access to a whole set of weights but in one contraption.

Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Weights and Dumbbells, $, available at Amazon

Golde Make Your Matcha Kit


This well-packaged kit is everything your guy needs for a frothy cuppa matcha.

Golde Make Your Matcha Kit, $, available at Golde

Lego Seinfeld 21328 Building Kit


Can you think of a better way to while away the cold months than hunkering down on this 1,326-piece kit that assembles into the Seinfeld TV set? We thought not.

LEGO Ideas Seinfeld 21328 Building Kit, $, available at Amazon

Gerber Lockdown Drive Pocket Knife


A sleek and compact pocket knife is always a useful gizmo to gift — and this one is equipped with eight handy tools, including a bottle opener!

Gerber LOCKDOWN - DRIVE, $, available at Gerber

StubHub eGift Card


Take him out to the ballgame...or the concert...or the show...or whatever entertainment event he has locked in on the cal.

StubHub StubHub eGift Card, $, available at StubHub

Apple AirTag


If a guy in your life is always misplacing his things, these nifty AirTags are a savior.

Apple AirTag, $, available at Apple

Hydro Flask 32 oz Water Bottle with Straw Lid


For the guy who never hydrates enough, this insulated water bottle is truly awesome.

Hydro Flask 32 oz Water Bottle with Straw Lid, $, available at Amazon

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