There's nothing worse than struggling to find an outfit for a Christmas get together, so we've done the hard work for you.
There's a number of budget-friendly online fashion retailers which are ideal for snapping up affordable and on trend outfits while money is tight this time of year. Though, many shoppers still prefer to splurge on a more timeless, long-standing item.
A pricier purchase has to be an investment, and cheaper options still need to be worth adding to our wardrobes. With that in mind, we've looked at different ways to dress up throughout the festive period without breaking the bank.
READ MORE: River Island shoppers 'absolutely love' £75 sequin blouse that's 'beautiful'
Here's what we discovered on the high street and beyond, to suit all manner of occasions:
The work event
Tabitha Black Plunge Neck Blazer mini dress with utility pockets and belt detail
I have been looking for a versatile blazer dress for this time of year for a little while because, if you didn't already know, you can create many outfits for different occasions with one. A black style isn't usually for me but I wanted to be able to have more options available when it comes to styling it - for example, using light or dark colours and adding accessories.
Club L London is a more luxurious brand which sits between fast fashion and higher end, and it's giving us shoppers more options on affordable items which will last a little longer. This blazer dress was so comfortable and true to size - I got a size 12 because I wanted a bit of room in it to wear thin knitwear underneath for other occasions, too.
You can pick up the blazer still online here for £85.
The work party
New Look Corset Top
This 'Green Satin Peplum Corset Top' is priced at £35 and gives just the right amount of festive vibes. Granted, the colour may not be for everyone, but I think this striking emerald green is a really complementary colour.
The corset top features satin fabric with a zip fastening and a bandeau neckline. Being a big fan of the colour green, I took it off the rack straight away and went to try it on.
As much as I love River Island, I know the sizes aren't always 'true to size' so I opted for a size 14 instead of a 12 given that this was quite a tight corset top. I was a little dubious at first, but as soon as I pulled up the zip fastening, I was obsessed.
I'm a big lover of peplum, because it covers all my lumps and bumps but manages to look really effortless at the same time. The corset top tucked me in really nicely, without being too uncomfortable.
The Christmas markets
Stradivarius Velvet Blazer
We think this outfit is perfect for a Christmassy get together to wander around your local Christmas markets. Beth paired her Stradivarius velvet blazer with this sparkly Primark bag to complete the look- and we are obsessed.
The blazer costs £45.99 online and is true to size. It can work with many different outfits- including Beth's stylish daytime look. Or, you can spruce it up with a mini dress and boots for a lovely evening look.
We especially love Beth's choice of earrings, which really set off the entire look- it's still a casual outfit but looks so stylish and classy for a 'dressed up' festive day or evening with loved ones.
Date night
Hope & Ivy red floral dress
I got this Hope & Ivy dress from ASOS last year and it has definitely stood the test of time. It's my go-to if I haven't got anything new to wear because it works so well for both the summer and winter seasons.
The dress isn't in stock anymore but there are similar dresses you can buy on the ASOS website here. I love this dress because of its colour and fit, it's very boho and looks great paired with my Dr. Martens boots for more of a grunge look. I've also worn it with trainers before for a more casual look.
Featuring long-sleeves, a button down front and a zipped back, the dress fits beautifully and is very true to size. Many people have complimented me on the dress and often ask me where it's from. Hope & Ivy can be an expensive brand when they don't have a sale on, but their dresses are timeless and can be worn all year round. For me that's a massive plus due to it being a money-saver.
Another stand out date night piece we simply had to feature are these incredible boots from online retailer MissPap. When going out for a couple of drinks with your partner, this stylish boot can really help to create a dream outfit.
The Gold Metallic Knee High Boots are such a statement piece that I tend to dress them down with chunky knitwear or a plain dress. This evening in particular, my partner and I were invited for some festive cocktails at the lovely Royal Institute Bar on Colquitt St and I wanted a dressy outfit but nothing too much (she says putting on gold boots!).
But, in my defence, I think a look like this can really work when teamed with a relaxed item on top, such as a jumper or basic t-shirt. The boots I ordered were a size five and fit perfectly - and are nowhere near as uncomfortable as some of the boots I've owned over the years.
You can still purchase them online here for £50.
Ladies night
Vesper Tate Cobalt Sequin Midaxi Dress
If there has ever been a dress which could literally stop traffic, it's this one! I went for the Vesper Tate Cobalt Sequin Midaxi Dress and I was amazed that you can get all of that glamour in a £66 item.
Completely covered in blue sequins, I felt eye-catching all night long. There's a high slit on the thigh to give the dress a little extra oomph and spaghetti straps that keep you held in place.
I was impressed by how the dress hugged my figure, with it really emphasising my bust without it feeling like too much. I do find that Vesper dresses do really cling to your figure so it's important to make sure you've done the quiz to get your best size.
Pairing the figure hugging dress with a silk shawl, I joked that I felt like Kim Kardashian when she wore the Marilyn Monroe dress and had all eyes on her as it stretched over her curvy frame.
I've already had friends begging to try the dress and asking me what size I am, I find that whenever I wear Vesper 247 dresses I'm showered in compliments and for good reason.
Several people asked if I was wearing House of CB, dresses of a similar fashion at the popular retailer typically retail at a staggering £179 - this means shoppers can get the look for over £100 less with Vesper 247.
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