How To: Dress for Holiday Parties

Its feeling a lot like Christmas and we all know what that means, pumpkin spice lattes from Starbucks, peppermint pedicures and the frantic dash to find the perfect outfit for “that” Christmas party. Whether it’s an office party, a dinner with family or a crazy night on the town with the girls there are a few DOs and DONTs to keep in mind while getting dressed for winter holidays.

DO Keep It Simple Sexy
A Little Black Dress is really perfect for holiday parties. Very cliché, but always classy. Keep the lines simple and the hem short. Wear it with opaque black tights and killer shoe-boots for mile long legs. Don’t forget to pair this simple look with one bold accessory - it is a party after all. Try a statement necklace or an eye-catching cocktail ring.

DON’T Take It Too Serious
Stay away from the obvious Holiday details. Don’t wear a Santa or light-up Christmas tree sweater. Stay away from the traditional Christmas colors (red and green). A better way to show your Christmas spirit is by wearing something ultra sparkly and glittery. Try a heavily beaded or sequin dress in silver or gold. My favorite not-so-obvious yet festive colors are royal purple and silver. If you really do want to incorporate red or green into your holiday look, do it in small doses, especially when it comes to accessories. Try a glittery red bag or red shoes paired with a short white or black shift dress.


DO Be Dramatic with Your Makeup and Hair
Christmas parties are a great time to go the extra mile with makeup and hair. One of my favorite beauty looks from the fall runways is the application of bronze eye shadow on the brow bone instead of the traditional light highlighting color. I suggest you use glitter shadows in gold and silver under your brows to really shine under the lights. As far as hair goes, the bigger the better. Also headbands are huge right now thanks to Gossip Girl and they’re here to stay all the way into next season. Try an up do paired with a bejeweled headband with soft eyes and a bold red lip.


DON’T Forget to Have Fun
There are so many brilliant designs in stores right now and it would be a shame to not have some fun and flaunt something outrageous. Whether it is feather detailing or extremely bright, don’t be scared to try something new. I always say, it’s better to be over dressed than under dressed and most of all…


DO try to make an effort
Have some courtesy and at least look presentable. Your host has spent much time and money to put together the party, and your most fabulous presence is required.