Cheers to That: The Holiday Party Style Guide

Knits By Simon Miller is a perennial favorite of mine – Simon Miller’s knit pieces are comfortable but chic, and mix and match really easily depending on the event. The Zo Zo Top is my go to for any sort of work party, and pairs really well with their Whitsett Pants ($245). The all-black matching set is fashionable but professional, and appropriate for whatever the afterparty holds.

Sequins and metallics were all over the runway this fall, and seem to be here to stay. I love this shiny midi skirt from Rixo – its cut is flattering and material is statement-making, while having enough coverage to make me feel comfortable wearing it to a work event. An essential for those coveting the “best dressed at the office” award.

The perfect Little Black Dress is a must have in any holiday party arsenal. I love this midi dress from Realization Par because of the flirty shoulder – on-trend with this season’s obsession with romantic, femme detailing.

A slightly more daring – but no less classic – LBD option is this adorable mini from Sir. It’s giving Diana’s revenge dress, it’s giving the evil but undeniably glam step-mother in The Parent Trap. What more could you ask for?

A totally luxurious velvet midi from AOS – and at an amazing price. A great combination of elegance & glamor.

If you want to venture away from the chic-but-safe neutral ground of all-black outfits, this shimmery silky halter from Third Form is my pick. Subtly statement making with its low back, the high neck is super flattering. I love how many metallics we’ve been seeing this season, and this is a beautifully understated way to weave silky, shiny textures into your wardrobe.

One thing I ALWAYS forget in dressing for holiday parties is a warm layer. Eventually I will write my full ode to the Agnes B cardigan, available in every color you can imagine & appropriate for every occasion. For now, take this recommendation for their classic cropped Le Petit cardigan in black. The pearlescent buttons dress up its classic shape and I promise you, it will go with anything. Somehow they make what is essentially sweatshirt material look like the chicest fabric ever. If you want to splurge, they also carry this cardigan in sumptuous black cashmere – as an Agnes B collector, it’s probably my single favorite thing that I own. 

I can’t wait to curl up in my Surprise cardigan at the end of a long Friendsgiving party. Nothing is cozier or softer than mohair, the material of choice for this emerging French brand. If Agnes B is the grand dame of French Girl Style, Surprise is the next generation. I’m keeping my eye on their every move!

Another essential in any holiday party survival kit is a few pairs of durable sheer tights. I have several of these control top tights from Sanctuary – they’re sleek and whisper thin, but can stand up to repeated wears throughout the season.

This holiday season, I’m vowing to only wear comfortable shoes. No more pinched toes and steeple-thin heels. Holiday parties are often about standing and chatting, and if you’re going to last the whole season, you need to pace yourself. Luckily, flats were very in this fall and are persisting into the winter season. These Flabelus Mary Janes are adorable, comfortable and come in every color you can imagine.

If you want a little lift but still want to be comfortable, the Simon Miller Bubble Clog is a new classic. For the next month they’re 30% off to celebrate 3 years of the design – a total steal. I have them in the black platform style, but am eying this super fun silver pair as the next entry in my collection.

I’m obsessed with these clogs from No. 6 – the black on black studded look is ultra adaptable, and I love nothing more than a clog + fun sock combo. No. 6’s shoes have a way of making themselves the anchor of your wardrobe, and these are no exception.

And speaking of fun socks – I love how these slim-fitting socks from Le Bon Shoppe add a little sparkle. For those who don’t want to go all out on a tinsel-toned holiday outfit, but still want to be a liiiittle festive. 

Words cannot describe how badly I want this skirt! The beading detail is exquisite, calling to mind the light up dance floors of Studio 54. It’s a little pricey, but so versatile – wear it with the matching top and some kitten heels for a festive look, or dress it down with a t shirt and sneakers for a more casual night out once the holiday season is through.