The holidays are coming, and that means holiday parties.  While I prefer colored dresses in bright reds and jewel tones, I understand that an LBD is the option that’s easiest to find and easiest to re-wear.  Every woman should have one black cocktail dress, but if you’re going black, don’t go boring.

Choose a dress that has a little something extra, like this J.W. Anderson one-shoulder dress.  Because when everyone is wearing black, you still want to stand out in the crowd.

Other examples include this Michael Kors dress with studded trim, this Likely dress with a layered bodice, and this Calvin Klein cape dress.  If you’re looking for something under-$100, I love this Endless Rose dress with lace trim and this Maggy London balloon sleeve dress.

Plus-size?  For something on the sexier side, try this City Chic dress.  If you prefer something more subtle, this flounce sleeve crepe shift from Talbot’s is fun (also in misses).

Petite?  This Maggy London with a sliced neckline is sublime.  I also like this mixed-media lace corset dress from Anthropologie.  Tall?  I really liked this velvet dress with lace accents from ASOS.

Maternity?  A Pea in the Pod has a simple off the shoulder, and I like the scallop trim on this simple sheath.