Friday, September 29, 2023

The 25 Best Holiday Dresses To Prep For All Your Dazzling Parties

With the temperatures dropping and chilly nights awaiting us with glee, you’ve probably been scrambling for your fall knits. But maybe you’re feeling more electric this year? If you’re sensing the festive spirit as your social calendar fills up, we’ve got quite a selection of holiday dresses lined up for you. After another strenuous year, I think we’re all overdue to glow up at all the office soirées, family reunions, and dinner parties that await our RSVPs. 

On our list, you’ll find plenty of holiday party dresses in luxe metallics, sparkly sequins, and glamorous gem tones. Many are trimmed with top fall fashion trends — think plenty of celestial details, such as shimmering embellishments. Just be sure to add to your cart ASAP, so that your show-stopping dress arrives in time — that is, in time for your grand entrance, wink wink. Scroll ahead to see the best holiday dresses for women. It’s never too early to prepare.

The Best Comfortable Holiday Dresses

If you want to stay comfy all night long but still exude that cheerful spirit, glide into one of these cozy sweater dresses or flowy options. Can you really call it the holidays without some tartan or plaid goodness? It’s probably a rule that you ought to wear the classic prints sometime this season.

The Best Long-Sleeve Holiday Dresses

Immerse yourself in our carousel of the best long-sleeve dresses to keep you warm throughout the brisk night. You won’t find stuffy long-sleeve options here. Each number has its own stylish flair of a statement neckline, from off-the-shoulder designs to a V-neck.

The Best Classy Holiday Dresses

Keep it elegant and graceful in lush-colored frocks with delicate bows, lace, and airy puff sleeves. Trust us when we say you’ll want to wear them all to your elevated dinner and holiday parties.

The Best Work Holiday Party Dresses

Phew, how time has flown by. Do you have a list of work events or office parties to RSVP to in the upcoming months? Pick one of our more modest — but still chic — dresses for the party. You can spice up the piece with your favorite fall boots and layer comfortably with a wool coat or leather jacket

The Best Holiday Cocktail Dresses

Tell us you don’t wanna shimmy-shimmy in this all night long. Your only assignment when wearing these sparkling dresses is to find the nearest light source and bask in it like a Greek goddess. Make the pavement your catwalk. 

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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How Fall’s White Skirt Trend Is Defying Fashion’s “No White After Labor Day” Rule

We’ve all heard the saying, “No white after Labor Day.” It’s one of fashion’s many arbitrary — and frankly, classist — rules, and one I’ve never subscribed to. Thankfully, fashion is on my side this fall, with designers pushing a particular white must-have this season: a skirt.

The trend emerged last February when Prada showed its fall/winter 2023 collection, which featured frothy, white maxi skirts with floral embellishments, paired with simple cashmere sweaters. It wasn’t just Prada, though. Designers like Markarian, Nanushka, and Adeam also included variations of white skirts in their fall/winter collections, ranging from leather wrap iterations paired with chunky sweaters, to thigh-high slit skirts worn with elegant satin crop tops. Miu Miu, Prada’s sister brand, also included white sheer skirts with black polka dots in its lineup, styled with semi-nude bodysuits. 

It quickly became clear that white skirts could be as versatile as a black turtleneck. While I’m normally a trend skeptic (shocking for a fashion writer), the fashion insiders’ chatter surrounding the proliferation of white skirts was enough to convince me that a it was worth looking into. For a tailoring fan with almost no skirts in her wardrobe, that was a big step forward: I bought a white pleated skirt. 

Over the past few months, I’ve tested my initial hypothesis and proved this trend is no fad. And I’m not the only one. Throughout fashion month, street style photos show the blossoming of the  white skirt, while celebrities like Olivia Rodrigo, Sofia Richie Grainge, and Lil Nas X have endorsed the trend, ranging from tenniscore takes to red carpet-ready asymmetrical versions. 

With fall’s top trend being “wearability,” as most of fall/winter 2023 collections focused on capsule wardrobes and perfecting classic staples, it’s no surprise that the season’s must-have is a piece that can be considered the bottoms equivalent of a white T-shirt (you could probably wear it with one, too.) It also fits into many of today’s most viral aesthetics, from balletcore-style tutu-like tulle skirts, to quiet luxury’s minimal, maxi takes, and tenniscore, which has propelled pleated mini skirts beyond the court.

And even though the white skirt trend was popularized in the fall/winter collections, it’s an easy transitional piece and just as appropriate for warmer weather. Personally, I’ve styled white skirts with everything from a vest and boots to platform sandals and a slip tank top. 

Dare to break some rules this fall. Fashion’s got your back. 

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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Thursday, September 28, 2023

25 Crossbody Bags We Don’t Want Leaving Our Side

Toss the totes to the side, say sayonara to your shoulder bags, and bid farewell to that overstuffed clutch — at least for now. Today, we're here to make a case for the crossbody bag. Arguably the most low-maintenance member of the purse family, the crossbody is a girl's best friend: It's hands-free, can be layered over just about any outfit, and still looks sleek and cool. And not to sound like your mom, but it's also ridiculously practical. Look ma, no hands!

Above all, though, our favorite thing about the crossbody has got to be its superhero-esque, shape-shifting quality. These bad boys come in just about every size, material, and silhouette imaginable. All they need is that characteristic long strap, and BAM!, we're in business. Ahead, we've rounded up 25 crossbody styles we would like to buy this minute — and just might.

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 or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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Everlane The Luxe Italian Leather Crossbody



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Everlane The Luxe Italian Leather Crossbody, $, available at Everlane

Coach Sammy Top Handle 21


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Coach Sammy Top Handle 21, $, available at Coach

Lo & Sons The Bond


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Lo & Sons The Bond, $, available at Lo & Sons

Charles & Keith Philomena Wrinkled Patent Semi-Circle Crossbody Bag



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Charles & Keith Philomena Wrinkled Patent Semi-Circle Crossbody Bag, $, available at Charles & Keith

Jacquemus Le Grand Bambino Crossbody Bag



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Jacquemus Le Grand Bambino Crossbody Bag, $, available at Farfetch

Ganni Banner Perforated Saddle Bag



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Ganni Banner Perforated Saddle Bag, $, available at Ganni

Reclaimed Vintage Carhartt Messenger Bag


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Carhartt Reclaimed Vintage Carhartt Messenger Bag, $, available at Urban Outfitters

FP Movement Overachiever Sherpa Sling Bag



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FP Movement Overachiever Sherpa Sling Bag, $, available at Free People

& Other Stories Leather Canvas Crossbody Bag


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& Other Stories Leather Canvas Crossbody Bag, $, available at & Other Stories

Lululemon All Night Festival Bag 5L


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Lululemon All Night Festival Bag 5L, $, available at Lululemon

Madewell The Piazza Crossbody Bag


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Madewell The Piazza Crossbody Bag, $, available at Madewell

Mango Textured Chain Bag



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Mango Textured Chain Bag, $, available at Mango

Marc Jacobs Leather Mini Bucket Bag



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Marc Jacobs Leather Mini Bucket Bag, $, available at Nordstrom Rack

AllSaints Half Moon Leather Crossbody Bag



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AllSaints Half Moon Leather Crossbody Bag, $, available at Nordstrom

JW Pei Embossed Crossbody Bag


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JW PEI https://ift.tt/r5xkDdq, $, available at JW PEI

Sézane Milo Classic Bag



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Sézane Milo Classic Bag, $, available at Sézane

The North Face Berkeley Crossbody Bag



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The North Face Berkeley Crossbody Bag, $, available at Amazon

See By Chloé Joan Camera Bag



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See By Chloé Joan Camera Bag, $, available at Revolve

MZ Wallace Crosby Luna


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MZ WALLACE Crosby Luna, $, available at MZ Wallace

Urban Originals Liberty Sling Bag


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Urban Originals Liberty Sling Bag, $, available at Anthropologie

Alo Cross Body Bucket Bag


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Alo Cross Body Bucket Bag, $, available at Alo

Mansur Gavriel Vegan Apple Leather Bucket Bag


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Mansur Gavriel Vegan Apple Leather Bucket Bag, $, available at Mansur Gavriel

Polène Tonka


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Polène Tonca, $, available at Polène

Quince Italian Saffiano Leather Wallet Crossbody


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Quince Italian Saffiano Leather Wallet Crossbody, $, available at Quince

TIJN Flann


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TIJN Flann, $, available at TIJN

AllSaints Half Moon Crossbody


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AllSaints Half Moon Crossbody, $, available at AllSaints

H&M Soft Shoulder Bag


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H&M Soft Shoulder Bag, $, available at H&M

Staud Leather Tote Bag


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Staud Leather Tote Bag, $, available at Farfetch

Coach Tabby Chain Clutch


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Coach Tabby Chain Clutch, $, available at Coach

INNÉ Studios Cruz Satchel Sling


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INNÉ Studios Cruz Satchel Sling, $, available at Madewell

Free People Brunch Date Clutch


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Free People Brunch Date Clutch, $, available at Free People

Brandon Maxwell Mini Kendrick Croc Embossed Leather Trunk Crossbody Bag


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Brandon Blackwood Mini Kendrick Croc Embossed Leather Trunk Crossbody Bag, $, available at Nordstrom

Lululemon Clean Lines Crossbody Bag 2.8L


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Lululemon Clean Lines Crossbody Bag 2.8L, $, available at Lululemon

Mango Natural Fiber Shoulder Bag


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Mango Natural Fiber Shoulder Bag, $, available at Mango

Kate Spade Knott Medium Saddle Bag


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Kate Spade Knott Medium Saddle Bag, $, available at Kate Spade

Dagne Dover Ace Fanny Pack


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Dagne Dover Ace Fanny Pack, $, available at Dagne Dover


Kipling Abanu Multi Convertible Crossbody Bag, $, available at Target


Staud Rey Mini Croc-Effect Leather Tote, $, available at Net-A-Porter


Madewell The Transport Camera Bag: Croc Embossed Leather Edition, $, available at Madewell


Thalia Strates Lenny Bag, $, available at The Folklore

Coach Tabby 13


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Coach Tabby 13, $, available at Coach


rag & bone Small Field Messenger Bag, $, available at SSENSE


Urban Outfitters Lily Crossbody Bag, $, available at Urban Outfitters


Zara Soft Rock Crossbody Wallet, $, available at Zara


Mansur Gavriel Double Crossbody, $, available at Mansur Gavriel


Uniqlo Mini Shoulder Bag, $, available at Uniqlo


Scoop Faux Leather Snake Crossbody Saddle Bag, $, available at Walmart


COS Teddy Fleece Phone Case, $, available at COS


Baggu Sport Crossbody Bag,, $, available at Amazon


& Other Stories Croc Leather Crossbody Bag, $, available at & Other Stories


Rodo Leather Cross-Body Bag, $, available at Matches Fashion


Everlane The Leather Sling, $, available at Everlane


Kate Spade Small Roulette Leather Crossbody Bag, $, available at Nordstrom


Mango Adjustable Cross-Body Bag, $, available at Mango


Coach Emery Crossbody, $, available at Coach


With the baguette shape and embossed leather, you won't find a crossbody that's more of-the-moment.

Vince Camuto Favia Shoulder Bag, $, available at Vince Camuto

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