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Your budget is already stretched to the limit during the holiday season. You're burning cash on airfare to visit loved ones, gifts for everyone you know, year-end tips for the people who keep you functioning, and cars/taxis to all those holiday events where you'll wind up getting over-served. On top of all those expenses, you need party dresses, too. Maybe you have something you can recycle out of your closet, but it's always nice to have a few budget-friendly options if you need a new look at the last minute. We've mapped fifteen reliable stores where you can find a holiday look for under $150. From big chains to the local gems, these shops will get you ready for a night out without breaking the bank.
The Union Street Ambiance seems to have more party dress options than this chain's other locations around town. If you only have time to stop at one location for a budget-friendly, sparkly dress, this is your best bet. Additional locations in Noe Valley, Upper Haight, and Inner Sunset.
Though discounted options from Parker and Haute Hippie generally run more expensive than the $150 cap for this roundup, My Roommate's Closet has lots of under $100 options from Eight Sixty. The boutique outlet is worth the trip, but you should budget for time to dig through the racks.
Zara has a reputation for copying runway looks as soon they walk at fashion week. Depending on how you feel about that, you can scoop up the latest trends for your holiday parties at a fraction of the price. If you only have time for one Zara stop in Union Square, opt for the Post Street location; it's larger and usually has a better selection.
Don't dismiss Macy's because it's the chain where you bought your prom dress. The Union Square location is massive and carries lots of party options from designer diffusion lines like Lauren Ralph Lauren and Michael Michael Kors, (which are significantly cheaper than the premium lines). For those who work long hours, Macy's stays open later than any other store in Union Square.
Banana Republic consistently churns out shimmery dresses for holiday parties and considerately prices them under $150. And, with the near-non-stop promotions in the store, you're doing something wrong if you can't find a dress 30-50% off. To ensure that your size is waiting when you arrive, try the reserve in store option on the website.
H&M brought its A-game to the holidays this year. We're talking pouffy skirts, beaded pants, and sequined dresses and skirts at unbelievably cheap prices. While there are three Union Square locations, the Powell flagship generally has the best selection.
Yes, you can find tons of designer labels at Bloomie's, but the in-house Aqua line has some solid options for holiday parties: midriff/skirt separate combos, jumpsuits, traditional dresses. Most pieces are under $150, and many are under $100.
Cary Lane is another great discount option in the city. The store offers deals on designer apparel at up to 80% off the regular retail price, specializing in samples and past season apparel. You'll need an hour or so to peruse the racks and try on options, but there's always something fun waiting for you at the shop. Additional locations in the Inner Sunset and Mission.
Azalea has a fancy new location in the Mission, but the Hayes Valley original holds a special place in our hearts. Most of the dresses trend toward the more casual side, but there are a few under $100 options that could work for the party circuit.
If you dig the retro look, Tatyana on Haight has retro-influenced styles that won't break the bank. For the holidays, the sparkly wiggle dresses (many under $100) are party-ready options.
It's easy to overlook this unassuming store at the corner of Haight and Clayton, but it always has trendy dresses at reasonable prices. Almost everything in the shop is under $100. These won't be your forever clothes, but they'll get you through a party season without repeating an outfit on Facebook.
This Mission boutique filled with "gorgeous little things" also has gorgeous little dresses to get you through your December soirees. Best of all, you can find a killer jumpsuit for under $75!
The gorgeous beaded Mara Hoffman dresses that you see on Mira Mira's social media cost a pretty penny, but Mira also stocks super-cute, budget-friendly Mary Meyer dresses and tunics that would work for office-to-evening ensembles.
While this Inner Sunset spot is more reliable for bags and accessories than dresses, there are a few, inexpensive options that you can dress up in a pinch. Additional locations on Union and Arguello.
For plus-size dresses on a budget, head to Torrid in Stonestown Galleria. Bay Area blogger Chastity Valentine frequently relies on the brand for her headline-grabbing looks, so they're definitely doing something right.
The Union Street Ambiance seems to have more party dress options than this chain's other locations around town. If you only have time to stop at one location for a budget-friendly, sparkly dress, this is your best bet. Additional locations in Noe Valley, Upper Haight, and Inner Sunset.
Though discounted options from Parker and Haute Hippie generally run more expensive than the $150 cap for this roundup, My Roommate's Closet has lots of under $100 options from Eight Sixty. The boutique outlet is worth the trip, but you should budget for time to dig through the racks.
Zara has a reputation for copying runway looks as soon they walk at fashion week. Depending on how you feel about that, you can scoop up the latest trends for your holiday parties at a fraction of the price. If you only have time for one Zara stop in Union Square, opt for the Post Street location; it's larger and usually has a better selection.
Don't dismiss Macy's because it's the chain where you bought your prom dress. The Union Square location is massive and carries lots of party options from designer diffusion lines like Lauren Ralph Lauren and Michael Michael Kors, (which are significantly cheaper than the premium lines). For those who work long hours, Macy's stays open later than any other store in Union Square.
Banana Republic consistently churns out shimmery dresses for holiday parties and considerately prices them under $150. And, with the near-non-stop promotions in the store, you're doing something wrong if you can't find a dress 30-50% off. To ensure that your size is waiting when you arrive, try the reserve in store option on the website.
H&M brought its A-game to the holidays this year. We're talking pouffy skirts, beaded pants, and sequined dresses and skirts at unbelievably cheap prices. While there are three Union Square locations, the Powell flagship generally has the best selection.
Yes, you can find tons of designer labels at Bloomie's, but the in-house Aqua line has some solid options for holiday parties: midriff/skirt separate combos, jumpsuits, traditional dresses. Most pieces are under $150, and many are under $100.
Cary Lane is another great discount option in the city. The store offers deals on designer apparel at up to 80% off the regular retail price, specializing in samples and past season apparel. You'll need an hour or so to peruse the racks and try on options, but there's always something fun waiting for you at the shop. Additional locations in the Inner Sunset and Mission.
Azalea has a fancy new location in the Mission, but the Hayes Valley original holds a special place in our hearts. Most of the dresses trend toward the more casual side, but there are a few under $100 options that could work for the party circuit.
If you dig the retro look, Tatyana on Haight has retro-influenced styles that won't break the bank. For the holidays, the sparkly wiggle dresses (many under $100) are party-ready options.
It's easy to overlook this unassuming store at the corner of Haight and Clayton, but it always has trendy dresses at reasonable prices. Almost everything in the shop is under $100. These won't be your forever clothes, but they'll get you through a party season without repeating an outfit on Facebook.
This Mission boutique filled with "gorgeous little things" also has gorgeous little dresses to get you through your December soirees. Best of all, you can find a killer jumpsuit for under $75!
The gorgeous beaded Mara Hoffman dresses that you see on Mira Mira's social media cost a pretty penny, but Mira also stocks super-cute, budget-friendly Mary Meyer dresses and tunics that would work for office-to-evening ensembles.
While this Inner Sunset spot is more reliable for bags and accessories than dresses, there are a few, inexpensive options that you can dress up in a pinch. Additional locations on Union and Arguello.
For plus-size dresses on a budget, head to Torrid in Stonestown Galleria. Bay Area blogger Chastity Valentine frequently relies on the brand for her headline-grabbing looks, so they're definitely doing something right.
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