The Holiday Dress Code Dilemma

The neighborhood street wears the night like a black velvet holiday dress adorned with embroidered candy canes and sequined Christmas lights. The darkness is broken only by the subtle glow of streetlights and the twinkle of decorative lights trimming nearby houses. With a slow approach, you navigate toward the home of your holiday party host. Searching for an open spot along the road, you ease your car forward, ensuring that the carefully chosen gift hostess gift doesn't tumble onto the passenger floor mat.

Before stepping out of your car, you steal a glance in the mirror, making sure there's no lipstick on your teeth and every curl is perfectly in place. Satisfied, you unbuckle your seat belt and grab your gift and wine bottle, managing to secure them in one hand as you close the car door.

A slight shuffle and slide on the ice beneath your heels, and you're on your way. The beautifully decorated house greets you as you head up the driveway. You especially love how the garland of mistletoe frames the arch of the front porch. Your hostess went all out this year! You’re hoping you dressed the part too. A jolly Santa Claus statue holds a wooden sign painted with the words "Skip the Jingle, Come On in and Mingle!" in a twirly festive font. You can hear the muffled sounds of holiday cheer just on the other side of the heavy door — the party is already in full swing.

Taking one last glance down at your outfit and a few taps of your feet, knocking off the remaining snow on your shoes, you cross the threshold. The heavy door quietly closes behind you, immersing your senses in the fragrance of evergreen, twinkling lights on multiple Christmas trees, and classic Christmas music. Just then, you reflect on the days leading up to this moment. You can't help but giggle at the mini-dramas that unfolded in your closet, while you hunted for the perfect outfit, one that balanced looking chic, cozy and just festive enough for the occasion. Did you leave the bed piled with clothes, and drawers jumbled in frustration? You did. With a subtle shake of your head at the memory, you think what people would have thought if they saw you just an hour ago.

We all know the small flutter of excitement, albeit with a little fear, from the time we get that ping from a party invite notification to the time you make your entrance. As a personal stylist, each year my Instagram messages are full of people writing to me from a place of fear rather than holiday cheer. They write in hopes that I can offer suggestions on what to wear, and I help them decode the dress code on their invites.

Navigate the journey from the invite to a fabulous entrance, stress-free. ’Tis the season for sparkle, bows and that timeless question: “What am I going to wear to all of this?” Let’s turn that fear into holiday cheer. 

Cocktail Attire

Cocktail attire, distinct from black tie, calls for a step up from casual wear. Choose semi-formal outfits for holiday gatherings with friends—knee-length or midi dresses, or a chic blouse and skirt combo with statement jewelry. Pro Tip: Rock open-toe heels with tights for a winter-friendly look, and consider adding Mary Janes for a trendy look. 

Festive Glam

Embrace festive glam with sequins, glitter or rhinestones in a monochrome color scheme. Experiment with unexpected pairings like hunter green with lime green, red and hot pink, or pair navy blue with light blue. A hot pink belt is my favorite accessory right now because it can effortlessly elevate your festive wardrobe, completing your look by complementing colors like navy blue, maroon, green and red. Belts are back in a big way, so this season add the belt over almost any look. Gentlemen, to achieve a festive glam look, consider a velvet blazer and explore the same monochromatic color scheme.

Business Formal

Business formal exudes professional sophistication, perfect for upscale work parties and networking events. Elevate your day-to-day workwear, showcasing your night-out style. Opt for statement suits in festive colors, prints or fabrics that are on-trend this season. Enhance the look by layering a turtleneck under the suit and adding a belt around your waist on the outside of the jacket for a beyond-stylish look. 

Casual Festive

For casual festive attire, opt for cozy sweaters and embellished tops paired with jeans or stylish pants. While it may not necessarily be an ugly sweater party, feel free to wear one if you’re inclined, unless your host specifies otherwise.

Host and Hostess Gifts 

As a bonus, for those who don’t want to show up with your hands swinging, my favorite hostess gift is what I call the “after-party pamper set.” I curate the gift bag custom for each host, but generally, it includes a festive candle, a bottle of bubble bath, Liquid I.V. (for a shot of hydration after a long night of entertaining) and a pair of cozy slippers. Your hostess will appreciate you!