The holiday party

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It’s that time of year!  A dress code was noticeably absent from my company’s holiday party invite.  The location is one of those classic New York venues that can be transformed into literally anything; on Monday it’s a corporate conference room and by Thursday night it’s a glittering music venue.  With little detail to go on, the office was filled with chatter to see what others were planning to wear.  

Most women decided to go with the safe option:  Change at the office into something fancier.  The party ensemble is too fancy for the office but can be put together easily in the bathroom. This also means comfort throughout the day but battling real estate in front of the mirror at prep time.  

Of course I did a ton of research before I settled on my holiday party outfit.  My strategy was to pair one fancy, game-changing item with items I already have in my closet.  These are some of the items I considered:

  1. Wilfred Croquis Sweater from Aritzia.  Show some tasteful skin.  This would be amazing paired with a leather skirt.

  2. J.Crew Tuxedo blazer with Italian satin lapel.  A tuxedo blazer will elevate any outfit.  If you’re not a fan of changing outfits, top of your day look with this blazer and some heels to fit right in with the evening crowd.  

  3. Express sequin embellished skirt.  Let this skirt do all the talking and shining.  I’d pair this with a solid black tank and maybe a black blazer for a sleek look.

  4. Topshop cutout velvet shift dress.  This dress screams holiday and is office appropriate.  Pair this with your most colorful, daring pair of heels.  

  5. Zara cropped jumpsuit.  This is a departure from the usual dress and a great blank canvas to accessorize in your own, unique way.  Add a fur vest or a metallic belt.  The possibilities are endless.  

  6. J.Crew velvet camisole.  Winner! Velvet is the fabric of the season, but it was this green color that sealed the deal.  I can also pair it with a pair of skinny jeans and maybe a blazer to get more wears past the holiday party.

I was excited to have an opportunity to dress up, but didn’t want to go too over the top.  I decided on a pencil skirt that I’ve worn to the office before, but paired it with this gorgeous green velvet peplum top to boost the fancy level.  Both the velvet and this gingham print feel holiday to me.  This was also the perfect opportunity to wear fancier shoes. 

This particular pair is incredibly special to me because they played a role in my engagement to my husband.  For my birthday he gifted me these beauties.  While he was kneeling to help me into a shoe, he pulled out the ring box.  It was a very special moment.

The most important part of your holiday party ensemble is that you feel comfortable in what you’re wearing.  I may have been on the too-dressy side, but I felt wonderful and confident!  

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