

The leaves are changing colors, the air is brisk, and pumpkin spice flavors are in every café—we're in the thick of fall, people. While I couldn't be happier to pull out my fall wardrobe, I can't help but think about what's around the corner. As fashion people here at MC, we're always looking toward the future, and soon, our eyes will be set on holiday party dressing. With multiple holiday festivities and even winter weddings on the horizon come November, it's time to start locking your event attire. It's never too early to plan. Thankfully, there's no better time than the present, with Neiman Marcus throwing a sale that's almost too good to be true.
From now until October 16, Neiman Marcus is offering 25 percent off all sale items, which amounts to upwards of 80 percent off. We're talking designer finds for hundreds of dollars off their original prices, and when occasionwear can get pricy, this sale is too good to pass up. We found 14 standout party dresses, heels, and bags from brands like Stuart Weitzman, Proenza Schouler, Michael Kors, Zac Posen, and more to jumpstart your holiday shopping.
Party dressing doesn't have to mean revealing. With a simple dress like this, you can really let your accessories and beauty shine. I suggest going big with platform sandals, statement earrings, and an updo. Then, once the party season ends, this dress can easily be re-worn for dinner dates or even to the office.
Celebrities from Jennifer Lawrence and Jenna Ortega to Meghan Markle and Kim Kardashian have all sported the Stuart Weitzman Nudist sandal on the red carpet, so now's the time to snap the celeb-loved style while it's on sale. Because these ankle-strap platforms are classic, you can wear them to your holiday parties without a fuss for years to come. I can practically guarantee you'll feel sexy and confident as soon as you enter them.
I couldn't help but let out a giant gasp when I saw this dress. The fun one-shoulder silhouette is nothing short of gorgeous, and the fringe texture makes it even more interesting. This Zac Posen number gives Serena van der Woodsen, especially with platform sandals. For $129, I'd consider that a steal.
Forget holiday parties; I would wear these Proenza Schouler sandals daily. The square toe is incredibly chic, and I love how the tiny silver buckles add a touch of edginess. For anyone who's not the best at walking in heels (myself included), these beauties sport a thicker heel under 4 inches, a more practical option than spiky stilettos.
As the name suggests, this bag will be your best friend at a party or night out. Firstly, it's big enough to carry all your essentials (i.e., phone, credit cards, and lip gloss) on a night out. And with so much bling, it'll certainly add the wow factor to your look. You also have two options to wear it: as a clutch or as a crossbody bag with its long rhinestone strap.
If your holiday plans include an office party, you'll need something more conservative, so might I recommend this Michael Kors pick? This poppy red shade screams "festive," and the A-line silhouette is still flattering without being revealing. The cropped sleeves also allow you to go crazy with accessories.
Please take a moment to notice the sale price on these sandals. With an extra 25 percent off, you get over $800 off on these beauties. And what beauties these sandals are. The grommet detailing on these platforms makes them even more badass than they already are. I suggest pairing these ALAIA heels with a mini dress to make your legs look miles long.
If two things can instantly turn a look party-ready, it's the color black and feathers. While the silhouette may be simple, the details on this dress make it unique. It's made of a crochet knit, has a trim full of feathers, and waits until you see the back. All in all, this dress is begging to be your next party look.
This dress is the way to go for a party look that's a little more fun. The wavy print is nothing short of eye-catching, plus the ruffle asymmetric hemline and one-shoulder top make this silk dress even more unique. The real draw here, though, is the draping detail. It's perfectly placed along the midsection to flatter any body type.
I've always been a fan of Simon Miller bags, but now, even more so since holiday parties have become a fixture in my life. They always have the most fantastic shapes, fun textures, and designs that scream "party." This bedazzled bag is now different. This rhinestone-embellished pick would complete any party look, whether you wear it as a shoulder bag or carry it like a top handle.
An all-mesh dress might sound intimidating, but trust me, it's much more wearable than you think. You can opt for a bodysuit if you prefer more coverage, or go with a separate bra and panties for a sexier vibe. You can even change up the color of your underwear for a different look. However you choose to style this sheer dress, you'll dazzle all night long.
Sure, something black and sparkly might be the first thing that comes to mind for party dressing, but this purple dress proves there's more than one avenue to go. This flirty dress looks like it was plucked right out of a '70s disco club, making it the perfect number to dance all night in. Keep up the '70s theme with mega-platforms and metallic jewelry.
I have found Cinderella's glass slippers in real life, and they come from none other than Stuart Weitzman for under $200, no less. Complete with a chic pointed toe, scallop edges, and shimmery iridescent shade, these heels are fit for a Disney princess and your holiday festivities. Just make sure you don't leave one behind at your ball.
When it comes to occasion wear, dresses shoot to the top of our minds, but allow me to make a case for these pants. Firstly, this Barbie pink shade will make you stand out from your black-clad party-goers. The front slit also lends itself to a glamorous shoe moment, then, think of how many different tops you can pair them with. Did I mention how comfy pants are for dancing?
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Brooke Knappenberger is the Associate Commerce Editor at Marie Claire, where she writes across the board from fashion and beauty to books and celebrities. As a pop culture junkie, Brooke obsessively consumes and writes about the latest movie releases, streaming TV shows, and celebrity scandals. She has over three years of experience writing on fashion, beauty, and entertainment and her work has appeared on Looper, NickiSwift, The Sun US, and Vox Magazine of Columbia, Missouri. Brooke obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri’s School of Journalism with an emphasis on Magazine Editing and has a minor in Textile and Apparel Management.
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