Win Holiday Cheer from Banana Republic

Paillette dress sz 00 reg c/o BR, Louboutin Elisa 100 pumps (similar), Theory blazer, Chanel WOC

With December quickly approaching, I've been giddily compiling holiday outfits (in my head). This week, Banana Republic asked me to style a party look to help promote their NYE contest. I even got to invite a friend! I chose a fab local blogger, Khatu, however our plans for a fun photoshoot together were foiled at the last minute. Nevertheless, here we are each bringing our own spin to this glitzy paillette shift dress.

Khatu is wearing: Paillette dress c/o BR, Nine west clutch, YSL pumps, vintage earrings & belt

Although BR offers a sizeable petites collection, we were both drawn to this statement shift in the regular line. The looser torso worked on me, but we both raised our hems by 5" for it to hit on us like it does on the model. When donning something covered in a busy material, print, or texture, I love keeping it simple with a basic silhouette and short length. I also believe shorter-gam'd gals can get away with showing a little more leg, especially for party time.

For a simple holiday look without breaking the bank, look for little black dresses in fun materials, like sequins (or, if you're crafty...buy sparkly fabric and sew a simple sheath). A longer-length boyfriend blazer would look perfect with a festive mini, but you can also make do with a basic suiting blazer like I did. Accent your look with crystal jewelry or a statement color. If you're trying to ease into the color red, start with classic burgundy and a rich but wearable lipcolor, like my favorite Rimmel Bordeaux.

To join in on the holiday fun, enter Banana Republic's contest to win the ultimate New Year's Eve party for yourself and five friends, including an all-expense paid trip to NYC, party tickets, plus a shopping spree. Two 2nd prize winners will also be randomly selected to win shopping sprees. To enter, just snap a photo of your favorite party outfit and share it per these instructions on Banana Republic's Facebook page. Entries will be accepted until Wednesday, November 23rd. Good luck!

Disclosure: We each received 1 dress c/o BR, and are not affiliated with the company in any other way.