There is something extra special about dressing up for the holidays. Whether you have a fancy party, a big work event, or you just want to dress up for Christmas Eve service or a New Year’s Eve spent at home, putting on something a bit dressier than usual adds to the holiday magic.
For my everyday style I tend towards jeans, layers, classic pieces in blues, grays, whites (click on the links to see my favorite looks for fall 2014 and fall 2015 and summer 2015).
To up the fancy-factor for the holidays, I’ve (unintentionally) geared towards black, white and gold. I’ve pulled already-owned items to go with newer pieces for five looks for holiday parties. Hopefully these outfits will inspire party outfit choices for you this season!
HOLIDAY PARTY LOOK ONE
Festive skirt + sleek black turtleneck + opaque tights and heels is a classic (see this post for more skirt outfit ideas). I found this skirt at Target and you’ll be surprised at what the fabric feels like. It’s stretchy, super thick and very comfortable. (I can’t find the link online, but I just bought it a few days ago, so it should be in your store).
turtleneck sweater / skirt (target) / tights / heels / necklace / watch
HOLIDAY PARTY LOOK TWO
For the more casual event … I paired a favorite pair of slightly distressed skinny jeans with a silk blouse with the prettiest ruffles along the front and down the arms. Add some heels and that’s it!
I wore this exact outfit for Thanksgiving with my family and my little (and much more fashionable) sister excitedly complimented my ensemble and said, ” Cute! Can we wear pointy heels again?”. Since I’m not so on top of fashion, I didn’t even know they went out :) I say, yes. Yes, we can wear pointy heels.
jeans (similar) / blouse / heels / watch
HOLIDAY PARTY LOOK THREE
Sometimes wearing pants is just the right choice and I like pairing cropped classic black pants with a pretty shirt and sparkly necklace to dress them up.
blouse (similar) / pants / heels (similar) / necklace (similar) / watch
HOLIDAY PARTY LOOK FOUR
For a big dose of holiday sparkle, this sequin pencil skirt is perfect. You could go all out and pair it with a fancier top (maybe something little and black?), but I like the juxtaposition of a classic white button down with the sequins. It could be cute with a white tee shirt and flats, too.
(If you’d like to switch it up, you could also go for the silver pencil skirt, gold sequin pants or swingy skirt. All super cute!)
shirt / skirt /heels (similar) / watch
HOLIDAY PARTY LOOK FIVE
I am always drawn to an a-line shift dress and fell for this one fast with it’s funky geometric pattern. If your weather does not permit bare legs, just add opaque tights.
shift dress /heels /necklace (similar) / bracelet (similar)
So there we are. Five looks for holiday parties. I hope you enjoy this season of celebrating and feel inspired to shop your closet and add in a piece or two to fancy up your wardrobe.
Happy Party Season!
You are my twin! But much better dressed and pulled together! I had to come back here and tell you that. I like outfits #2 & 3.
Well now I need to see a picture of you. I don’t find a twin very often!
Love all of these Emily! Thanks for sharing more of your chic and adorable style : )
How have you found the Mindy Mae clothes run? Bigger, true to size, smaller? Cuute stuff on their site!
I would say they run true to size. Maybe slightly smaller, but pretty true.
May I ask how tall you are? I love the dress, but I find JCrew Factory dresses to generally be too short for me. I’m 5’10”. Wish they listed measurements online!!
I’m 5’7 and this one is just almost too short.
I think I need to go get some heels!
Can I just say how much I appreciate your posts where you put looks together?! I love to shop, but with six little ones, their patience while I look for my clothes is very slim. :-) I think I have lost all sense of fashion! Thanks for the good ideas.
Love the gold skirt with the white top! Would love to know where your black and white stripe rug is from?
Thanks! The rug is from Crate + Barrel (called the Olin rug).
You’re so chic !
Thank you for this post! Bought that shift dress. Just want to say how much I adore your blog. You have such great style and are one very talented lady!
Thanks Karla!
Love that sequin skirt! So fun!!