How to Dress For a Holiday Party – Three Looks
The weeks between Thanksgiving and New Years are prime time for holiday parties, and the one time of year when sequins on your clothing is a prerequisite. I generally don’t endorse buying items that aren’t versatile, but I fully support buying one special party dress per year that you can wear to a holiday party (and New Years Eve, if you pick wisely). We all deserve to feel special on these special occasions.
Dresses or skirts are a must.
Sure, you can wear your black pants or dark wash jeans, but holiday parties really call for glamour and femininity, which screams DRESS or flouncy SKIRT to me.
Choose festive colors.
Primary red and green or any variation of these colors are totally allowed. Metallics, especially gold and silver, also make perfect color choices.
Glitter, sequins, jewels and embellishments are required.
It’s pretty hard to overdo it for the holidays. This is the one time of year where I say more is more and there is no need to be subtle. If your dress is all sequins, its OK to still have a sequins bag or shoes or extra sparkly dangly earrings. My general rule of only one bold accessory doesn’t hold for the holidays; competing items are allowed this time of year.
With these rules in mind, here are three looks for different Holiday party scenarios.
The Company Holiday Party
If your office throws an evening holiday party in a restaurant or other semi-formal setting, I would suggest a festive colored dress that is fairly conservative. This emerald green dress is a great choice because its high neckline won’t encourage any cleavage views and the knee length is definitely work appropriate. The embellished neckline is like a built-in necklace, so less jewelry is required. Although bare sleeves might be appropriate depending on the setting, I like the idea of this open gold cardigan to provide full coverage if your office party is more conservative and also for warmth, should the party be cold. Beige pointed-toe pumps with a hint of gold compliment the sweater and create a long leg-line. The embellished clutch and hints of green in the cuff bracelet complete the look.
The Cocktail Party
If you are invited to a cocktail party where showing more skin is appropriate, nothing quite says party like a strapless sweetheart neckline and a fuller skirt. The rich red color is perfect to celebrate the holidays and the rose floral print is feminine and modern. You could definitely pair this dress with a black wrap or shrug if you tend to feel cold, but I showed this dress with a flouncy wool coat so you walk into the party warm and covered, but reveal your fun dress underneath. Since the dress is the star of this look, I paired it with t-strap patent leather pumps that are classic yet stylish, but do not compete with the dress. The black beaded clutch and necklace both add subtle shine while complimenting the black floral print.
A Friend’s Party
If your friend is having a party, you could certainly wear dark jeans, but why not choose something you wouldn’t normally wear and be the best dressed person at the party? This silver skirt is fun, flirty and comfortable and pairs perfectly with a sleeveless embellished blouse. The chain clutch with all shades of metals is modern and works well with the shine in the skirt. A fitted leather jacket and studded boots continue that rocker vibe and chain earrings with a teeny diamond complete the edgy look.