We don’t normally feature that many short evening dresses here, but this velvet dress from Diane von Furstenberg (one of my favorite designers) is worth a look.

The simple silhouette is all dress up in velvet and sequin details. The square neckline and pleated bell skirt are flattering to most body types.

If you are looking for a hot party dress this holiday season and aren’t going all out for an evening gown, this black velvet dress is a fantastic choice.

Get this Diane von Furstenberg dress now at Neiman Marcus for $698. Limited sizes are available (8, 10).

Photo credit: Neiman Marcus

Red is always a hot choice in evening gowns. This sexy, simple gown from Alberto Makali is perfect for a special night out.

It features an asymmetrical cowl neck, black trim and banded waist. I think this gown would be ideal for bridesmaids in an evening wedding. You can get this red jersey gown right now at Neiman Marcus for $470.

Check out this beautiful gown and the rest of the Alberto Makali collection.

Photo credit: Neiman Marcus

Sleek, simple and sophisticated, this purple gown from the Ralph Lauren Collection features a one-shoulder design and a sexy side split.

With purple one of the hottest colors of fall, you will certainly garner a lot of attention in this dress. If you are looking for a hot evening gown, the Leighton dress is a fantastic choice. You can order it now from Neiman Marcus for just under $2,500. Wear it with a pair of silver or black sandals and very simple jewelry - perhaps just a pair of diamond drop earrings.

Photo credit: Neiman Marcus

I’m not normally a big fan of the bubble dress, but I love this one from Bari Jay.

This strapless Bari Jay bubble dress (style #59833) features a sweetheart neckline and empire waistline. I adore the color combination here of chocolate and plum - perfect for fall. It also comes in cobalt/black.

This dress from Bari Jay’s Shimmer collection which offers a variety of evening dresses, including both mini and full length. You can check out the whole collection at Barijay.com. This dress is priced at $138.

Here are a few more of my favorite short dresses from the collection:

Photo credit: Bari Jay

I love this knee-length white dress with black piping not only for its beauty, but also for its versatility.  You could put a jacket over it and wear it to the office; you could accessorize with wedge sandals and a tote bag and wear it during the day; or you could dress it up with high heels and fine jewelry for the evening.

A shirred waist, rear slit, and hidden back zipper all add to the appeal of this lovely tank dress.  Available at White House Black Market; they ship worldwide.

Photo Courtesy of whitehouseblackmarket.com

I think this mermaid style evening gown from Precious Formals is especially striking in the platinum:

Get it at Peaches Boutique, which ships worldwide. 

Photo Courtesy of peachesboutique.com

If you liked this post, you might also like my previous posts:  Single Shoulder Evening Gown Swirls Around You and Glam Up Your Special Night in Gray & Black Twilight Dress.

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This JS Collections dress is fantastic.  A lot of clothes tend to follow the same pattern, but this one is different while still being in line with current trends.  I love the sleeves on this, the little bows on the sleeves, and the piping; the black floral print against the white background is really exquisite.

Available at Barrie Pace which ships to the United States.  See their women’s clothing sale section, too.

Photo Courtesy of Barrie Pace

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Nordstrom has a list on their site of 10 Things To Add A Glamorous Global Twist to Your Look for Spring 2008.  Want to know what’s in style right now?  Let Nordstrom point the way.

1. The Gladiator:  This look features any kind of shoe reminiscent of ancient rome.  Shoes come in all heights, from heels to flat sandals.  It’s all in the straps.  This L.A.M.B. stiletto heel is made of metallic leather.

Explore more of the Gladiator Look. 

2. Primitive Prints: Animal prints, batik, and geo-ethnic designs define this style.  A good example is the pattern on this Diane von Furstenberg dress, made of silk.

Explore more of the Primitive Prints Look. 

3. Organic Stones and 9. Exotic Rings:  For Organic Stones, look for natural materials (as opposed to precious stones) like crystal, agate, and quartz.  For Exotic Rings, go for big and over-the-top.  This Argento Vivo white cat’s eye pendant dangles from not 1, but 3 gold chains.  The white cat’s eye ring is big, bold, and attention-getting.

Explore more of the Organic Stones Look.

Explore more of the Exotic Rings Look. 

4. Ornamentation: Metal, beads, jewels, sequins – this season’s look features clothes that are decorated and adorned.  Like this cute swing coat from L.A.M.B. with metallic beading.  Pair it with the L.A.M.B. pencil skirt, called Bombshell, pictured below.

Explore more of the Ornamentation Look. 

5. Natural Materials: Look to accessorize with earthy materials like wood, cork, wicker, and bamboo.  This slingback Jessica Simpson pump features blue leather atop a wooden heel.

Explore more of the Natural Materials Look. 

6. Mixed Stack of Bangles:  When it comes to bangle bracelets, choose from a variety of different materials from wood and stone to metal and enamel.  Just make sure that no matter what type of bangle you’re wearing, you have lots of them.  For a glamorous touch, try these Swarovski crystal bangles.

Explore more of the Mixed Stack of Bangles Look. 

7. The Caftan:  The sixties are back in full force, including the caftan.  Try this Tory Burch tunic caftan in a yellow print.

Explore more of the Caftan Look. 

8. Safari Style:  Cargo pockets, khaki, and more animal prints define this look.  These Via Spiga wedge sandals sport a giraffe-print heel.

Explore more of the Safari Style Look.

9. (see #3)

10. Handmade Details: Attention to detail is the name of the game, whether it be embroidery, cut-outs, applique, ruffles, or something else.  Look for clothes with that extra touch.  This Phillip Lim dress features incredibly detailed embroidery and teeny tiny ruffles along the collar and sleeves.

Explore more of the Handmade Details Look.

Nordstrom ships to the United States.

If you liked this post, you might also like my previous post: Designer Dress Has Fresh Look in Gray, White, and Beige.

Photos Courtesy of Nordstrom

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The Audrina dress pictured below features draping reminiscent of ancient statues of greek goddesses, a style that’s very *in* right now.  What I especially like about this dress is that it has the fittied piece beneath the draping.

Available in other colors, as well; get it at Lauren Conrad which ships worldwide.

If you liked this post, you might also like my previous post about another dress with a draped effect:  Mini Dress — Pale Blue and Just Right for You.

Photo Courtesy of Lauren Conrad

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The draping at the neckline and the jewels on the shoulder straps contribute to the chic look of this little black dress.

Notice the ruching on the entire dress and the little upturn at the side seam hem, which show off the figure.  This dress is sexy while still being elegant.  It’s currently on sale.  Complete the look, and pair it with these silver T-strap high heels:

You can get both at Carabella, which ships worldwide (non-U.S. shipments go through a third part; see their shipping page for more information).  They have a lot of clothes on sale right now, so be sure to visit their women’s clothing sale page, too.

Photo Courtesy of Carabella

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