WHAT TO WEAR TO YOUR HOLIDAY PARTIES
BY ABBY JOYNER ILLUSTRATION BY KENDALL WIFF
Every holiday is an excuse to dress to impress, and the wintery, late-December holiday season is the perfect time to show off your best outfits. However, sometimes picking out the most decadent holiday party outfit can be needlessly stressful. Maybe you will be meeting old friends, seeking out a potential romance, or connecting with family you only see once a year. This guide aims to help relieve some of that stress by sharing five nuggets of inspiration for this winter season.
1. Matching red skirts and tops
Telling someone to wear red for Christmas feels slightly like the scene in “The Devil Wear Prada” when a Vogue employee suggested florals for a spring collection to Miranda Priestly. Yet, the sumptuous color truly never fails when whipping together a party look. A matching mini skirt and halter neck or off-the-shoulder top make a simple but endlessly chic base for any holiday outfit.
2. Elevated office siren
For a more formal event, such as an office party, it is paramount to make a good impression, and what better way than through your clothing? The “office siren” style is one of the hottest trends this year, and transforming the daytime look into something suitable for a classy nighttime occasion demonstrates elegance and sophistication. Wear a nice blazer or chunky sweater, a knee-length skirt, matching tights, and a scarf to strut into any party like a Miu Miu or Saint Laurent model straight off the runway!
3. Bring back some color!
While utterly timeless, the little black dress has become too predictable. It’s time to introduce some color back into the holiday party wardrobe! Slinky, shimmery mini dresses, especially for New Year’s parties, make an excellent focal piece to an outfit. Try out a champagne pink, hues of blue, or emerald green to stand out a little more amongst your fellow partygoers.
4. Never forget accessories
It seems like bows and ribbons have run their course in the micro-trendy world, so it might be time to implement some new accessories into your styling repertoire. A beautiful way to commemorate the winter season is to incorporate winter flowers into your look. Flowers such as a camellia, bush lily, or glory-of-the-snow would be an alluring addition to a hairstyle or jewelry set.
5. Square-toed kitten heels or ballet flats
Shoes may be (in my opinion) the most important and compelling piece to an outfit. They signal to those around you the intention you placed into each element of your look. A square-toed shoe, especially with a slight heel, works great for party occasions because it can easily be dressed up with a dress or skirt, or made casual with a nice pair of jeans. Reminiscent of a ballerina in “The Nutcracker,” these shoes add a sense of whimsy and charm to any look. They are a great versatile option that can make their way through any holiday party — just pick out your favorite color, material, and style.
This list is by no means comprehensive, and it is not a rulebook. Take what inspiration you like, try out some new styles, and be the most stylish person in the room at all of your holiday parties.
