What to Wear for Holiday Parties? Here are our top 10 (+1) holiday dos and don’ts to slay the season!
When deciding what to wear for holiday parties… from your professional office Christmas party to your late-night New Years Eve festivities, we know that you are gearing up for a holiday full of fabulous looks and Instagrammable moments.
Post by Guest Authors, Ranu Coleman and The Azazie Design Team
However, for many women, the holidays are more daunting than exciting as they struggle to find outfits that are unique, flattering, and affordable for their ever-growing social schedule. Luckily, the team at Azazie worked together to compile your top ten holiday dos and don’ts to help guide you through making choices of what to wear for holiday parties that are versatile and make you feel comfortable wherever you spend your holidays!
1. DON’T: Over accessorize
Don’t get us wrong–we’re maximalists at heart and we’re all for going all out with your holiday party looks. At the same time, there is a fine line between getting glam and getting garish. During the holidays it’s all about the sparkles, glitter, and the jewel tones, but make sure you’re not overdoing your themes and becoming a holiday cliché.
2. DO: Incorporate a statement piece or theme
Instead, choose a color theme (ie: a gold dress with matching earrings and even a sparkling gold shadow) or a favorite statement piece (try a sparkling hoop, some glittering heels, or a daring manicure) to pair with your favorite little black dress or color-blocked look.
3. DON’T: Exclude certain fabrics from your search
When thinking of holiday looks the classic choice is to go for a luxurious velvet or sequined number to give your outfit the perfect holiday pizzaz. And while there are some gorgeous looks available, excluding fabrics could mean you’re overlooking some beautiful lace, silk, or patterned outfits that could be a showstopper at your event. When done correctly, a colored lace dress is incredibly chic and can be quite the statement without having all-over sequins or shimmer.
4. DO: Have an image in mind of your ideal look
However, if you don’t narrow down your search of what to wear for holiday parties you’re going to be inundated with pages and pages of search results with the majority of dresses not fitting your style or budget. Pick an ideal silhouette, neckline, or color and start from there. You still may be surprised by what you end up finding, and you’ll avoid all the mindless scrolling.
5. DON’T: Wear something just because it’s ‘trendy’
There’s nothing worse than wearing something during the holidays that makes you feel too far out of your comfort zone. The holidays are first and foremost a time for you to enjoy with your family and friends, eat delicious food, and reflect on the good memories of the year. If you’re hyper-focused on the boldness of your outfit then you won’t be able to enjoy being with your loved ones.
6. DO: Ditch your holiday dress and rock a jumpsuit
With the cold weather coming in hot the thought of wearing a dress might give you the chills (and not in a good way!). Luckily, jumpsuits are a perfect choice when you’re dressing up for the holidays. Plus, not every woman feels comfortable wearing a dress, so a jumpsuit gives women the freedom to look stylish and comfortable.
7. DON’T: Get too “low” at your work holiday party
Although we’re all about body confidence and rocking your figure, you want to be mindful of the crowd and environment at your events. Going to an office party? Maybe wear something a little more modest to maintain some professionality and be mindful of your necklines and hemlines. If you want to stand out at your work event then opt for bright colors, statement jewelry, or a new fun hairstyle to send positive attention your way and show your office that you have beauty AND brains.
8. DO: Pick a silhouette that makes you feel confident
That being said, when deciding what to wear for holiday parties, wear something that makes you feel confident. If you love your legs then pick a dress with a slit. If you have beautiful arms then don’t be afraid to rock a strappy dress. If you feel your best in bodycon then make that fashion choice because it suits you and your style, and nothing is more flattering than feeling good in your look.
9. DON’T: Splurge on a holiday dress you’ll only wear once
It’s easy to get distracted by the expensive designer gowns that promise to give you your most magical New Year’s Eve or a Christmas to remember. We recommend saving your money to buy experiences that you can share with your loved ones or thoughtful gifts that your family will truly appreciate. Your dress will likely be seasonal and spend much of the rest of the year in your closet, so don’t make a financial choice that will lead you into the New Year with serious buyers remorse.
10. DO: Set a budget
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to buy a special look to dazzle your friends and feel confident going into the end of the year. But there’s no fun in wiping out your holiday budget in the meantime. We suggest coming up with a comfortable budget and really sticking to it. A helpful tip is to search by price point so that you’re not accidentally falling in love with a dress or jumpsuit before seeing the tag. Or use websites (like Azazie) that always guarantee affordable and high quality looks.
11. BONUS DO: Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable, confident, and radiant for the holidays!
You do you, girl!
We hope this top-tips style guide will help you slay what to wear for holiday parties!
[divider] . [/divider]About Ranu Coleman
A seasoned marketing and communications leader with deep experience in the retail/fashion space, Ranu Coleman serves as Chief Marketing Officer for Azazie, the direct-to-consumer company focused on high-quality, custom-fit, affordable bridesmaid dresses and wedding gowns. Joining Azazie in February 2018, Coleman leads the marketing team in implementing brand strategy, driving awareness of Azazie’s product offerings and engaging consumers with the brand. Visit online at azazie.com