By Laurie Montoya

Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink. Let’s face it: It’s hard for a shopper to stay focused on the gift list for others when cruising the aisles - or the web - during December. Christmas is the Super Bowl of shopping, and it’s tough to exercise restraint when every store has their game face on.

To make matters worse, some stores even sink as low as to run a sale.

Well, no worries! Shopperati has it on good authority that you can justify a new holiday outfit (and requisite accessories) each season. And since the party invites are starting to roll in alongside the Christmas cards, you may need to put aside your gift list - just for a moment - and shop for yourself, unless you want to wear last year’s dress on New Year’s Eve.

We know your time is precious, so Shopperati did some of the legwork. Here’s a sampling of some holiday looks to inspire you. And if you feel the need to add some extra items, just go ahead - then give yourself a pat on the back for brilliant multi-tasking!

A stop at Saks Fifth Avenue.com yields some great finds, either to buy or to inspire you. Take a look at this fun, feminine Moschino Cheap and Chic ruffle front trapeze dress. The Italian-made silk frock can be worn to any number of events, and you can vary the style from party to party with accessories (which could help justify the $795 price tag). Why not channel your inner space girl and give it a modern interpretation? Start with a pair of Wolford Satin De Luxe black tights and don a pair of Christian Louboutin patent leather platform shoes. These hotter than thou pumps would also have a long shelf life in your closet (which might justify their price.) 

Finish off the look in a pair of Saks long patent leather gloves, grab this Jalda patent leather clutch in teal or maroon for a shot of color and you are good to go.

Not quite the edgy space girl type? Go the safe route with a pair of sheer hose and classic Dior black satin evening pumps. Either way you’re a knockout.

A couple of clicks later, at Eluxury.com, we found more goodies, like a Tracy Reese scalloped shift on sale for $259 (it was $435). It has a similar style as the Moschino dress, for about $500 less. Also by Tracy Reese - and also on sale - is this silver lame Runway Paper Bag dress for $395 (it was $660). The empire waist and gathered bodice cut a flattering silhouette, and the silver metallic hue is very of-the-moment.

If you’re getting a wee bit weary of all the black and gray, then consider this sexy silk knotted dress by Marc Jacobs. The vibrant red is a fun Christmas choice, but you can also wear it in the summer, making the $298 price tag seem more reasonable. Finish the look with the scallop-trimmed self-tie scarf in a pretty bow.

Over at Target.com, featured designer Erin Fetherston has some fun items in her collection for the young, or young at heart. Her chiffon layer dress in antique white with flirty gold trim is fashion-forward and affordable at $44.99 (also sold in black). Finish off the look with Xhilaration Skyler black patent Mary Jane pumps (at $20 a whole lot less costly than those from Saks) and you practically have a whole holiday wardrobe for well under $150.

At Dillards.com, we saw a great selection of party dresses, including this Max and Cleo belted satin dress in teal. Available for $158, this would look great with some black tights, pumps and a pair of little black gloves. We also came across a Tahari silk shantung belted shirtdress in vibrant red that looks fresh from the runway. It looks a lot more expensive than its $168 price tag says, but we promise not to tell.

Maybe you just need a piece to go with something you already have. On PinkMascara.com we came across a Diane von Furstenberg Graciela silk blouse in gray for $244. The neckline is sexy, the color fashionable and the fabric and tie make it great for a holiday gathering. Want a little more color? Check out Geren Ford’s silk tie blouse for $264. Both would look good paired with the black satin Baroness skirt we found at White House Black Market for $88. Throw on some peep-toe slingbacks, like these by Nine West ($93 at Zappos.com,) and you’ll have created a naughty 1940s secretary vibe.

Digging around a little more on Zappos turned up some of this season’s must have footwear - a pair of Nine West black patent ankle booties ($99.95) to dress up with black tights and a skirt. Want more boot for your money? These Lily Pulitzer suede boots come up to the knee in two shades (sand or brown) for $301.95.

If warmth is what you’re seeking as you traipse from mall to mall, consider Newport News’ reversible knee-length coat (in violet or magenta) for only $39, or the longer version, that falls to the calf. As gray is still the color of the season, surf over to RonHerman.com, where an unstructured Mike and Chris fleece wrap jacket is $265.

Don’t underestimate the power of accessories to transform something you already have in your closet into a party-worthy ensemble for this season. A pair of gloves, a scarf flamboyantly tied into a bow (or perhaps Yaya’s more demure cashmere and lace scarf at Lisa Klein), some new shoes, tights or a patent leather clutch can bring your look up to date.

You say all this self-shopping makes you feel guilty? Then buy just a little something to give your look some sparkle, like simple earrings, perhaps these blue pearl ones by trendy Tarina Tarantino at ElectricLadyland.com.

Whether you buy an entire new outfit, or just add a new touch here and there, you’ll feel better - whether you’re mingling with the moms at your neighbor’s open house, or dancing with someone special on New Year’s Eve.