How to Dress for the Holidays
The holidays are notorious for parties, and knowing what to wear for each occasion can be a little tricky. This article breaks down the best look for every event, ensuring you will look fabulous no matter what the dress code.
General Rules for every Holiday Party
No matter what type of party you are attending this holiday season, there are a few general rules to abide by. First, leave the iconic Christmas images to be displayed on the decorations, not on your clothing. Christmas sweaters are bulky, formless and downright tacky. Unless you are attending a "Cheesiest Christmas Sweater" party, don't even be tempted. Second, don't wear red and green together. Most skin types do not pull these shades off well and when worn together, red and green look a bit cliché. Instead, chose either red or green and mix it with some metallic or neutral pieces.
Office Party
The most important thing to remember when attending an office party is you are still representing the company, which should be reflected in your dress. Try to avoid wearing low cut tops and skirts that are too short. It is unprofessional and inappropriate. As an alternative, try switching up an outfit you would normally wear to work with different shoes and laying pieces. The neutral and monochromatic prints most work attire is comprised of make a great base for a holiday outfit. Add a bright colored pair of heels and some shine in a loose fitting jacket and you have "dress your best" attire perfect for your work party.
Creative Black Tie
Creative black tie events combine trendy and formal. Therefore, you have a wider variety of attire to choose from. Long or short dresses and even evening separates are appropriate for creative black tie occasions. A popular look this winter is a solid-color long dress made from material with some sheen or some draping. A dress like this would serve as kind of a blank canvas and allow the use of accessories to really define your outfit. Matte gold and bronze are very popular this season because they allow you to wear bold pieces without appearing over the top. The combination of the color and cut of the dress with interesting jewelry and high heels produces the perfect look for creative black tie parties.
Casual Dress
The more relaxed environment of a casual dress gathering usually calls for denim. Jeans are so versatile and can still give a classy look with a lot more comfort. There are many different washes of denim however the darker jeans have a more chic look. Find a brightly colored top with some kind of visual interest to wear with your jeans. A ruffle or unique neckline can really enhance an outfit. In addition, make sure the top you choose fits well and can stand on its own even if you find a nice jacket to complete the outfit. Most parties get a little toasty as the crowd builds and if you are able to ditch the jacket you may want the option. Lastly, a jacket can really pull the outfit together so look for something in a rich color that complements your skin tones. Finish the ensemble with some fun high heels and stand out jewelry and you are the talk of the party.
