Defining the Holiday Outfit

What defines a holiday party outfit most prominently is texture!
Textural pieces like velvet, lace, feathers, sparkle, fur, silk, pleats, ruffle, rhinestones and tulle not only pair well with winter sweaters and knits, but create a party-ready elevation to your outfit that helps blur the line between casual and upscale. Ever been uncertain about the dress code on your party invitation? Keeping your outfit in that festive middle ground is the key to neither appearing overdressed or underdressed. Let texture be your secret weapon for navigating Christmas outfit ideas, New Years Eve party outfits, Hannukkah celebrations and more!

Applying the Texture Rule to Two Common Holiday Dress Codes

Outfit Ideas for “Festive Attire”, The Jolly Black Hole of Party Invitations

If vagueness within the term “Festive Attire” brings you a sense of panic, you’re not alone.
Festive Attire is pretty much a codeword for adding a festive element to your party outfit. This could be a textural piece, a color (red, blue, green, silver, white or gold!), or even jewelry or an accessory reminiscent of the season. That said, it’s a broad term that can really only be filtered by what the event actually is. Identify where the invite states the party is being held, the time of day the party is being held, and who your party host is! Still confused? We’ll dive into some common “Festive Attire” scenarios, but let this be your rule of thumb – In a moment of doubt, it is better to appear overdressed than underdressed.

“Festive attire” parties with close friends in a home environment likely call for a casual outfit with a festive inserted element such as swapping your usual sweater for an ugly sweater, swapping your jeans for leather pants, or swapping a casual skirt for a tulle skirt.

Is your friendly host the excessive type? If your friend has a reputation of dressing their best, blur that casual-elevated line by avoiding casual shoes like sneakers for a heel or heeled bootie, opting for trousers or leather pants over jeans and bringing upscale outfit-elevating jewelry to either wear or remove upon arrival to the event.

Festive Attire at the Office Party

Is there a daytime party, taking place within the office? Try inserting that festive element into your usual work clothes – A sweater with a leather or shimmer skirt instead of your usual skirt, swapping your usual blazer with a velvet one, or opting for a holiday print dress over your usual colors!

“Festive attire” evening events with coworkers in a really nice rented out venue, however, may call for an upscale bend. (Think work appropriate cocktail hour outfits!) Festive elements like a velvet blazer over a blouse and trousers, a satin look in holiday green, or a dress or jumpsuit in holiday texture or pattern are all great choices!

Outfit Ideas for the Cocktail Soiree (Dinner Parties and Evening Celebrations)

Go all out with your party best! Loud outfits in sparkling sequin, colorful mini dresses and two-piece velvet suits with fabulous jewelry and heels are all welcome at this celebratory event.
Is this cocktail soiree a work function? See our above comment on “Festive attire” evening events with coworkers.

Need a stylist’s help looking your best for the holidays? Wardrobe styling services by Meg Gallagher, Personal Stylist Los Angeles can be found here!

Festive Pieces and Accessories for Holiday Party Outfits

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