Affordable dresses for every occasion

Hi friends!  How was your Monday?  Mine was a whirlwind, but they always tend to feel like that!  I’m glad I started with a quick 30-minute workout though.  It definitely helped me “breathe and reboot” if you know what I mean. 😉

I don’t know about you, but after so.many.months in my cozies, I’m looking forward to getting dressed up for a change!

It makes me feel good to get dolled up and remember I’m a woman underneath the daily grind of work, chores and parenting.  It’s a lot, right?!

Today, I have several amazing dresses for you, from casual to dressy, there’s something for every occasion.  I know many of you have intimate Fall/Winter weddings to attend, and I found a few dresses that you’d be stunning in!

All of these dresses are from Nordstrom Rack, which has the same awesome styles as their sister store Nordstrom, but at a fraction of the price- up to 70% off!  Some people don’t realize that you can shop Nordstrom Rack online, but you can- and their website is super easy to navigate with big, clear pictures.  I love that!

For Size Reference: I’m a shorty (5’1) and petite, weighing about 110.  I typically wear size 0p/25 jeans, XS in tops and dresses.

AFFORDABLE FALL/WINTER DRESSES FOR EVERY OCCASION

NAVY LACE DRESS

Nordstrom Rack, Navy Lace Dress Nude Heels

Lace Dress • Similar Heels

You cannot go wrong with an Eliza J dress. I return to this brand again and again for her classic style and perfect fit. Most styles come in petite, but here I’m wearing a regular 2.

This dress is a gorgeous navy cap sleeve lace dress that’s fully lined with delicate fringe at the neckline and hem. I think you’d feel elegant and classy in this, but not at all matronly. It will be perfect for your husband or beau’s holiday work party if that goes forward this year.

Dress Fit: I’m wearing a 2

Nordstrom Rack, Navy Lace Dress

Lace Dress

BLACK LACE DRESS

Lace Dress • Similar Heels

The stress is literally stunning! If you have a gala or fancy event or wedding, you will be the belle of the ball in this!

The black lace overlay is intricately detailed and so beautiful. It’s also a classic style with a V-neck and midi length.  I currently have nowhere to wear this at the moment, but I want to keep it for a ‘just in case!’  I’d be hard-pressed to find a better option later when I need it!

It’s the same dress I wore in my Thanksgiving dining table post.

Dress Fit: I’m wearing an XS

Nordstrom Rack, Lace Dress, Black Heels, Clutch Purse

Lace Dress • Similar Heels • Similar Clutch

LITTLE BLACK DRESS

Little black dress

Dress • Similar Heels

What a perfect little black dress! ♥ It’s a thick stretchy knit with a classic A-line shape. I adore the scallop detail at the neckline and the mini length for showing off those legs! It’s a keeper for sure!  I can’t wait to wear it on my next date night! 😉 

The black is going fast, but it also comes in a slate blue and pretty plum.

Dress Fit: I’m wearing a 0 

BORDEAUX SATIN DRESS

Cabernet Dress

Dress • Similar Heels

If you have a Fall wedding or event to go to, this dress would be perfect! It’s silky goodness that feels so luxurious against your skin.

It has an asymmetrical drape neckline that blouses over the skirt with a slightly high low hem.  It’s one of the those dresses that feels feminine and sultry without being over exposed.

Dress Fit: I’m wearing a 2, prefer 0

Cabernet Dress

Dress • Similar Heels

BANDAGE DRESS

bandage dress

Dress • Heels

I’ve seen these bandage style dresses all over but I’ve never tried one for myself. It’s definitely a sassy body hugging number, but if you want to feel va va voom, go for it!

I’m crazy for this gorgeous teal color which tames it down from an overly sexy black.  The bandage seaming is artfully placed to give you the most flattering silhouette. It’s also super thick and stretchy, holding you in in all the right places.

Bonus, you can wear a regular bra with it!

Dress Fit: I’m wearing an XS

VELVET JUMPSUIT

Nordstrom Rack, Jumpsuit, Black Heels

Velvet  Jumpsuit • Similar Heels

If you’ve been here for long, you know I am definitely team jumpsuit! I think it’s the perfect alternative to a dress and usually very comfortable. This one is amazing for a Fall or Winter event, in a rich, black velvet.  It criss crosses in the back, so wear your hair up!

Jumpsuit Fit: I’m wearing a 0

MOCK NECK DRESS

Nordstrom Rack, Turtleneck Dress, Black Boots, Crossbody

Mock Neck Dress • Boots • Similar Crossbody

For a more casual, but still sassy look, this bodycon dress is a no brainer.  It’s an easy pull-on style that slips over your head and accentuates your curves. It’s the perfect backdrop for a fierce jacket and knee-high boots!  

It’s got a mock neck and ribbed texture and also comes in cabernet.

Dress Fit: This dress runs small, I sized up one to a Small

Moto Jacket

I have this the leather jacket by BLANK NYC in a few different colors and styles and it’s always gets tons of compliments. The workmanship is on point and it’s super stylish from now on through winter. It looks great with the dress but obviously you can wear with jeans also.

I’m wearing the cognac color, but it comes in several, including a basic MUST HAVE black.

Jacket Fit: I’m wearing a Small

SWEATER DRESS

Nordstrom Rack, Sweater Dress, Crossbody, Booties

Dress • Booties • Similar Crossbody

Onto the sweater dresses! I love this easy to wear style, basically a sweater long enough to be worn as a dress and equally as comfortable.  For those of you looking for family photo options, a sweater dress always looks chic. 

This grey cable knit sweater dress is by MaxStudio and has a v-neck and slight A-line shape.  It’s currently fully stocked in sizes XS to XL. 

Dress Fit: I’m wearing an XS

Nordstrom Rack, Sweater Dress, Crossbody, Booties

Dress • Booties • Similar Crossbody

COWL NECK SWEATER DRESS

Nordstrom Rack, White Sweater Dress, Booties, Elastic Belt

Dress • Booties • Similar Belt

This white sweater dress is a winner also! Think about how adorable it would look during the Winter, especially with a red lip!  The cowl neck is nice and oversized and the sleeves have a fun balloon style. I belted it to draw you in at the waist, but you could also wear it loose fitting if you prefer.

Dress Fit: I’m wearing a S-M

BOOTS & BOOTIES

Do you love to wear dresses in the Fall and Winter?  I think they are the perfect combo for boots and booties.  Speaking of, these ankle booties and knee high boots are also from Nordstrom Rack and I’m already wearing both!  They fit TTS.

See more of their boots here.  They have the best deals, especially on cold weather boots like these.

HOW DO YOUR HOLIDAYS LOOK THIS YEAR?

I know some of you were looking for wedding event dresses, but I’m wondering how your holiday party plans have changed this year.  My friends changed their wedding from a big out of town affair to a small backyard event with just a few special friends and family.

Are annual parties still happening, if even in a new socially safe way?

My girlfriend was just telling me that her husband typically has an end of the year party, but they cancelled it this year.

Y’all know we always do a Favorite Things party, but may not have it this year.  Soooo sad!  It’s one of my highlights of the holiday season for sure.  Maybe we’ll do it via Zoom somehow??  Any suggestions are welcome!

Let me know in the comments how your events are looking (or not) this year.  Will you be going out at all or making sure to stay in?  I hear even Santa will be behind a plexiglass snow globe or not visiting at all.  I guess we’ll be mailing Christmas wish lists this year?!

SHOP BY CLICKING THE PHOTOS BELOW

Have a fantastic day friends!

*affiliate links used in collaboration with Nordstrom Rack

You Might Also Like

Meet Megan

Hi! I’m Megan, mom to a thoughtful teenager and spunky young girl. We call Houston home and recently moved into our dream home. I traded my lawyer hat to become a full-time blogger in 2010. I love sharing my passion for affordable fashion, home decor, organization, & fitness to help inspire you to take care of you!

3 Comments

  1. Love all the dresses! Just wish we could go out, dress up and enjoy it! The fav things party would be fun….. Is it too cold in Houston to have it in backyard? With heater lamp or fire? Or in garage spaced out and with door open for better ventilation? Or via Zoom if weather doesn’t cooperate? Hope it works out! Sounds fun.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *