Dressing Dossier // 6 Holiday Party Outfits

Now that you know your Shopping Personality — Jenna is back with 6 festive outfits to give you some ideas for all of your holiday parties. — Meg

‘Tis the season to look your best.  Here are three holiday occasions where the seasonal dress code varies slightly. When faced with ‘what to wear?’ to an upcoming fête be festive, be fun, be yourself. As with any occasion you dress for, keep in mind the location as well as the company you will keep.

WORK HOLIDAY PARTY

Work environments are different for all of us. Co-workers + cocktails outside the office might be something you dread. Maybe you have a “fun” office where a holiday party will feel like an extension of your social life. You’ve heard this before: a work soirée is no place to pass on professionalism. Trust — all that glitters isn’t gold the next morning by the fax machine, or at your next review.  Keep it classy.  That doesn’t mean drab — express yourself in some of the season’s best trends (velvet, lace, embellished skirts, oxblood, patterns, metallics) in a tasteful way.  You want to feel confident … you never know what kind of networking situation will arise.

Think about: cut, length, fit (avoid skin-tight, short, low cut).

Ask Yourself: Would you wear this silhouette (in it’s less-festive-fabric counterparts) to the office? If “yes” you’re golden.

OUTFIT 1: Stella & Dot studs / metallic silk chiffon blouse / wide leg printed pants / envelope clutch / black pumps
OUTFIT 2: red peplum dress / necklace / clutch / silver heels

FAMILY HOLIDAY PARTY

A gathering of family members is reason to celebrate (sure for many it’s more complicated than that, but one thing is simple — you want to look and feel your best). Is it your family? Your significant other’s family? Regardless – have fun with your attire. Again, choose opulent textures, (velvet, sequins, feathers, shimmer) in silhouettes that are a little more adventurous than you would wear to a work event. Instead of a hint of velvet – don a maxi dress. Wear brights, shorter hemlines with patterned tights, or par down textured skirts + knee high boots by wearing them with a crew neck sweater. You know your family best – shine bright. (P.S. You know these holiday photos always last!)

OUTFIT 1: grey sweater / chain necklace / feather skirt / green bag / boots
OUTFIT 2: stud earrings / blazer /  jacquard pants / studded clutch / booties

HOLIDAY PARTY WITH FRIENDS

Ditch the expected looks (that you already wore to the office holiday party). Have fun wearing something bold – if ever there’s a time to do it, festive gatherings with friends is the place. Tis the season for jumpsuits, dazzling gold harem pants, leather or coated skinnies, silk wrap dresses in rich jewel tones, let your adventurous side be your guide. That’s reason enough to celebrate.

OUTFIT 1: Helmut Lang shirt / necklace / River Island clutch / Rag & Bone coated skinny jeans / studded booties
OUTFIT 2: Opening Ceremony pyramid earrings / House of Fraser dress / DANNIJO cuff / Vince Cammuto clutch / SPANX polka dot tights / Zara studded booties 

 — Jenna