Holiday Party Attire

Figuring out what to wear to a holiday party can be stressful, especially when you’re bombarded by a slew of  winter holiday invitations to cocktail soirees and family celebrations. While appropriate holiday party attire can vary from occasion to occasion, you don’t need to buy a new outfit for each separate event. These simple tips will help you make the most of your holiday party clothes all season long and look stylish at the same time.

Get inspired by these tips for holiday party attire:

• Men: Make sure you have all the staples in your closet such as a pair of dress pants, a pair of casual khakis or chinos, a selection of button down shirts (always unwrinkled and ironed!) that can be worn with or without a tie, a suit jacket, a pair of dress shoes, and a pair of more casual footwear such as loafers. Avoid loud or cheesy ties, sneakers, socks that don’t match your shoes, and ugly Christmas sweaters (unless that’s the theme of the party!).

• Women: Whether you choose a dress or pants, there are many options for holiday party wear. Incorporate some bright and cheery color into your wardrobe; dressing up in holiday reds and greens can be a lot of fun! Wearing both together, however, can veer into costume territory and come off as a bit cliché. You can also add some sparkle to your outfit with jewelry, but keep the advice of Coco Chanel in mind: remove one accessory before you leave the house so your look remains clean and uncluttered. Heels are not always a necessity, except for formal events, so a nice pair of flats can be worn instead. If you live in a location that gets chilly or snowy in the winter months, invest in a good pair of boots and a warm coat that you can wear with your holiday party attire. Last but certainly not least, keep your look sophisticated and refrain from showing off too much, especially if you’re going to be in an office setting where it is important to appear professional.

• Kids: Holiday party outfits for the kids should follow the same guidelines as for parents. There are so many great options available that can also be worn year-round. Boys can wear khakis with a collared shirt or a nice sweater, while holiday parties are the perfect opportunity for girls to don a favorite party dress over a pair of tights. If you’re headed out the door into cold weather, don’t forget hats, mittens, and jackets for everyone!

There are also a few general tips to keep in mind as you choose your holiday attire. Look polished, but not overdone, and always use your judgement skills to determine what holiday party outfit will be appropriate. Finally, feeling comfortable is important. Make sure you are free to enjoy yourself and the holiday party season! Hosting your own soiree? Send one of our free Christmas party invitations!