What to wear to a casual holiday party
November 13th, 2007Holiday parties at home or at informal festive restaurants are usually smart casual in setting and this calls for a more toned down yet appropriate holiday look (unless a particular dress code is specified on the invitation). You have lots of options when it comes to what to wear.
Here are some ideas:
- A-line day dresses with knee high boots are one of my favourite ensembles and any age group can wear the look. I was having lunch at Seattle’s flagship Nordstrom Grill last week and saw two elderly ladies, both clad in dresses, coats, knee high boots and rather theatrical hats. They looked fabulous and were the perfect example of looking great at every age.
- Sparkly tops always go down well and your pick from shiny girly blouses, shimmery knitted tops and sequined cardigans are all great. Match these tops up with dark wash denims, trouser jeans, a denim skirt or a pair of fab slacks. Be sure to add a smart shoe or boot (heeled or flat), carry a small handbag and leave those gigantic totes to rest for the night.
- A festive skirt with a plain top is a super and versatile option. A button down shirt, simple knitted top or piece of knitwear usually works best with any skirt. Finish the look off with a tailored cropped denim jacket, a pair of heels or boots and a cute clutch bag.
Hose or bare legs are equally appropriate and knee high boots are an excellent way of giving your look more coverage if you’re a little leg shy, or instant drama if that’s what you’re after. Enjoy the festive occasion and relax into the evening with both style and comfort.
A roomy fancy skirt and simple top, or easy A-line jersey dress with fabulous knee-high boots gets my vote as the best casual holiday party looks this year (I’m going to rest my jeans on these occasions). These Stuart Weitzman boots were shown on Oprah’s style and beauty show last week and left quite the impression.
November 13th, 2007 at 8:15 am
Lovely outfits! I hope you will do a blog soon on holiday dress for a black tie party. This is my first, and I am very nervous. I don’t want to overdress or underdress, but obviously want to look sensational. Suggestions not only for the dress, but shoes, hosiery, and jewelry would be appreciated. Thanks! I always enjoy!
November 13th, 2007 at 8:29 am
These are good ideas, most of my holiday events are casual dressy and I have a slew of casual dressy separates which I’m sometimes at a loss for combining, since I don’t really have much occasion to “dress up”. I’m definitely trying the denim jacket with festive skirt!
November 13th, 2007 at 9:41 am
Rhonda,
Last year, Angie did a couple of blog posts on holiday party dressing that were great. You might want to look through her archives to read them. They got me fashionably through the party season last year.
Angie,
I’m glad you did this post. I have my first casual holiday party coming up in a couple of weeks. I’m good for the dress up part, but not the in-home part. Great post. Any ideas on make-up, just to add a little oomph to our low-key everyday faces?
November 13th, 2007 at 1:21 pm
Thanks Christie. What’s in the archives about holiday wear is still relevant. If you browse through the “party wear category” on the RHS of the site, you’ll get to a whole slew of blog entries that might help you along.
I think that dramatic lip colour plays an even bigger part than ever this party season. Purple and rich red hues bring out a dark ensemble perfectly. A sparkly blush is another lovely yet subtle touch.
November 13th, 2007 at 5:08 pm
Do you really think that bare legs are appropriate in wintry climates? When I saw bare legs and strappy shoes at a December wedding last year (or even bare ankles over a chilly past weekend), I thought it looked rather silly for the northern New England region. I know that I am dating myself here, but I just don’t see it as apppropriate dressing.
November 13th, 2007 at 7:20 pm
Bare legs are fine in mild Winter climates like California and Florida……or if you get hot quickly. But when temperatures start to fall ( like they do in New England) it’s appropriate and fun to wear hose. I hope that answers your question. My blog entry needs to satisfy most climates!
November 14th, 2007 at 9:10 am
Of course, Debbie, sometimes to be fashionable, we must endure pain. I wore a sleeveless, short (navy) dress, (pink) slingbacks, and sheer hose (the kind that offer minimal protection) to my (evening, outdoor) February wedding in New York City three years ago. I was cold but gorgeous! ha!
December 18th, 2007 at 12:45 pm
Hey, there!
I’m hosting a casual holiday party and I would love to wear a strapless mini…thinking about adding tights underneath…Shoes are optional because we typically do not wear shoes in my home. Advice?
December 18th, 2007 at 12:47 pm
Oh, and my dress is black, A-line and Strapless (Jcrew find) - soooo cute. I’m having a hard time figuring out how to accessorize it (and as per prv entry) what to wear for ’slippers’.
January 11th, 2008 at 10:52 am
Are bare legs ok in colder climates if you can endure it? I have a black, short sleeve, cocktail dress that is all sequins. I am wearing it with black, patent, peep toed pumps. When I tried it on with black opaques, it looked just too black/dark. My legs still have some color from summer, they are not super dark, but not white either. I live in Chicago, and this party is next weekend. Will I be making a huge fashion no no with a bare leg?
January 12th, 2008 at 9:31 am
Yes bare legs are alright if you can endure it, and yes black opaques would be too dark with your ensemble. Try black sheer hose or very fine black fishnets instead.