For fashionistas, putting together party outfits is just as much a holiday tradition as singing carols and wrapping gifts. There’s no better season to show off your style savvy. Just one outfit won’t do; every celebration, from the annual office party to the New Year’s Eve blowout, calls for a fabulous look all its own, complete with the perfect accessories. Forget putting tinsel on the tree and try these tips for glamming up your party wear.
The Office Party
Let’s start with the most difficult style situation. Office holiday parties are a delicate mix of professional and festive, and your outfit should be too. Remember, you’ll still need to negotiate business deals and present the annual report with these folks next week, so don’t go over-the-top with your holiday party outfit.
Try to stick to the same lengths and silhouettes that you wear to the office, but give them a trendy upgrade. A leather pencil skirt is an edgier take on the tradition version and a lace shift dress grabs attention while keeping you appropriately covered.
Amp up your look with the right accessories. You might want to stay professional, but never wear daytime accents to an evening event. Start by figuring out your color palette and select a metal tone, plus a vibrant hue, for a cohesive look. This is also the perfect time to add large pieces that wouldn’t make the cut for your workday look. Select a fun, funky bib or statement necklace and a dramatic stack of bangles. Complete the look with metallic heels and get ready to hear complements from your coworkers all night long.
The Cocktail Party
Cocktail soirees are a chance to create an elegant, sophisticated outfit that is fun and festive. There is no better option than the classic little black dress. But, while an LBD is a style staple, it can also be a bit of a snooze. Jewelry does the work to make this outfit special.
For a low-key party, accessorize with color. Choose pieces in shades that complement each other, but aren’t too matchy. A bold statement necklace and colorful heels bookend the look and let the eye move up and down. Opt for unexpected hues, like pink, orange and blue, rather than traditional Christmas colors. Pairing red and green with a LBD can end up looking like a costume.
For a more formal party, opt for metallic accessories rather than color. Lariat necklaces, like the Ben-Amum Gold Lariat, are sophisticated, on-trend and a bit unexpected. Don’t forget a show off your manicure with a huge cocktail ring.
New Year’s Eve Parties
Arguably the most festive night of the year, New Year’s Eve is the time to bring the drama with accessories. Champagne-soaked celebrations call for lots of sparkle from bright metals, crystals and cubic zirconia. Bigger is better on this epic evening, so look for high-shine statement pieces like the Blu Bijoux Multi Starburst Bib Necklace or the Elizabeth Cole Swarovski Bib Necklace. New Year’s is also the time to go bold, so find that piece that you love but that usually feels like too much and take it for a spin.
