Only two days to go before the decade’s officially done-zo, and you’ve got a whole lot of nada to wear for the occasion? Pause, breathe. Then try one of these local shops for the perfect New Year's Eve party dress.
Philanthropist: With 100 percent of profits benefiting Bay Area charities, this Presidio Height shop wows with more than its luxe selection of fete-worthy frocks from such designers as Marchesa, Catherine Malandrino, Alice & Olivia, Vera Wang and 3.1 Phillip Lim.
The Firm: Along with the promise of 20 percent off any party dress through Dec. 31, this Pacific Heights boutique impresses with its selection of versatile frocks from labels such as Milly, Rachel Pally, Singlenavy and Tracy Reese.
Candystore Collective: While most of the merch here tends toward the everyday and the casual, we’ve had plenty of luck picking up night-on-the-town numbers at this Mission ‘hood boutique specializing in independent labels, including Corey Lynn Calter, Yoana Baraschi and Orion.
Sarah Shaw: A few blocks from the main action of Sacramento Street, this Presidio Heights boutique pleases with its well-edited selection of cocktail-ready options from designers such as Robert Rodriguez, Milly, Rebecca Taylor, Diane Von Furstenberg, Jodi Arnold and McGinn. Also, a winter sale means items in the store are currently priced from 25 to 75 percent off.
Seams: In Cow Hollow, this shop dishes out dishy frocks from such designers as Fremont, Lauren Moffat, Rachel Pally and Susana Monaco.
Painted Bird: If it’s a vintage find you seek, go on the hunt in this Mission shop’s assortment of well-priced retro dresses and 80’s-minded wearables.
Looking for more ideas? You’ll find plenty of mainstream shops and small boutiques offering dresses at a variety of price points in earlier Glamwatch coverage San Francisco’s best shops for pretty party dresses.