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Where to buy dresses left to right: Intermix, Britt Ryan, Holiday, Flock
Where to buy dresses left to right: Intermix, Britt Ryan, Holiday, Flock

Find Party Dresses as Shimmery as Tinsel at These 10 Stores

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Where to buy dresses left to right: Intermix, Britt Ryan, Holiday, Flock

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You've decked the halls, sent back the RSVP note, spiked the eggnog, and are now ready to boogie under the mistletoe. Of course, no party prep is complete without a knockout look, so to lend a hand this holiday season, we've assembled your guide to shopping party dresses around Boston. From a black tie gala to your friend's casual apartment get together, these 10 shops can outfit every budget and occasion.


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Mint Julep

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Mint Julep, tucked away in Harvard Square, is home to many festive dresses from contemporary labels including Michelle Obama-approved Tracy Reese and the polished Nanette Lepore. Come here if you have a company party with cocktail attire or a formal Christmas Day brunch on your calendar.

Twilight

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Twilight is devoted to dresses year-round, making it an expert when it comes to necessary holiday styles. Whether you have a casual Secret Santa or a fancy cocktail affair, there is a find for everyone from the broad selection of designers (Nicole Miller, Bailey44, and Clover Canyon among them).

Holiday Boutique

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Holiday is the epitome of girly with its three private lines and feminine frocks made in Massachusetts. Budget-friendly dresses under $150 are available, but the standout pieces from holiday collections like Erin Fetherston and Lauren Moffat will run you several times more.
Now, when it comes to a black tie holiday gala, you really can't go wrong with a designer purchase at Louis. If the budget is big enough, steal the show in a dress from Jason Wu, Peter Pilotto, or Roland Mouret.

INTERMIX

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If formalwear is required to fit your social obligations this month, but you don't have several grand to drop on a single gown, try Intermix for a piece that is still high end but can clock in under $1000.

Daniela Corte

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Along with leggings and swimwear, local designer Daniela Corte can count dresses as a strong suit. Visit her bright garden-level boutique for numerous LBDs and distinctive styles that have walked local runways.

Crush Boutique

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Both Crush locations (the original shop is over on Charles Street) stock trendy mini-dresses poised to become party staples, including vibrant silk styles from Amanda Uprichard and Greylin as well as form-fitting picks from Parker. Psst—they also have Spanx to keep your curves smooth.

Britt Ryan

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Britt Ryan, also a local designer, speaks to a preppy New England sensibility in her Newbury Street space. Her Holiday 2013 collection is jazzed up with metallic textures in classic dress silhouettes.
If your idea of yuletide cheer includes some bar nights and homecoming reunions, Flock has the flirty dresses to keep you looking fresh without spending a month's rent. Find brocade from Ladakh, lace minis from For Love & Lemons, and ground-skimming maxi dresses.
Finally, if Christmas shopping leaves your bank account too depleted for party dress shopping, try Southie's new consignment boutique, Covet. You'll see familiar labels in great condition (Aryn K., Theory, French Connection) with prices low enough to prevent a "Bah humbug" reaction.

Mint Julep

Mint Julep, tucked away in Harvard Square, is home to many festive dresses from contemporary labels including Michelle Obama-approved Tracy Reese and the polished Nanette Lepore. Come here if you have a company party with cocktail attire or a formal Christmas Day brunch on your calendar.

Twilight

Twilight is devoted to dresses year-round, making it an expert when it comes to necessary holiday styles. Whether you have a casual Secret Santa or a fancy cocktail affair, there is a find for everyone from the broad selection of designers (Nicole Miller, Bailey44, and Clover Canyon among them).

Holiday Boutique

Holiday is the epitome of girly with its three private lines and feminine frocks made in Massachusetts. Budget-friendly dresses under $150 are available, but the standout pieces from holiday collections like Erin Fetherston and Lauren Moffat will run you several times more.

Louis

Now, when it comes to a black tie holiday gala, you really can't go wrong with a designer purchase at Louis. If the budget is big enough, steal the show in a dress from Jason Wu, Peter Pilotto, or Roland Mouret.

INTERMIX

If formalwear is required to fit your social obligations this month, but you don't have several grand to drop on a single gown, try Intermix for a piece that is still high end but can clock in under $1000.

Daniela Corte

Along with leggings and swimwear, local designer Daniela Corte can count dresses as a strong suit. Visit her bright garden-level boutique for numerous LBDs and distinctive styles that have walked local runways.

Crush Boutique

Both Crush locations (the original shop is over on Charles Street) stock trendy mini-dresses poised to become party staples, including vibrant silk styles from Amanda Uprichard and Greylin as well as form-fitting picks from Parker. Psst—they also have Spanx to keep your curves smooth.

Britt Ryan

Britt Ryan, also a local designer, speaks to a preppy New England sensibility in her Newbury Street space. Her Holiday 2013 collection is jazzed up with metallic textures in classic dress silhouettes.

Flock

If your idea of yuletide cheer includes some bar nights and homecoming reunions, Flock has the flirty dresses to keep you looking fresh without spending a month's rent. Find brocade from Ladakh, lace minis from For Love & Lemons, and ground-skimming maxi dresses.

Covet

Finally, if Christmas shopping leaves your bank account too depleted for party dress shopping, try Southie's new consignment boutique, Covet. You'll see familiar labels in great condition (Aryn K., Theory, French Connection) with prices low enough to prevent a "Bah humbug" reaction.