Holiday Party Attire: Daytime Affairs

Holiday celebrations, annual get togethers with friends, or daytime work parties create a lot of outfit opportunities in December. For daytime holiday parties either at work or around town, I need plaid, metallics, festive patterns, and some seasonal mixed media.

Outfit 1

Holiday Outfit 1

Outfit number one is a statement maker, but around the holidays, I think more is always more. I think these pieces make an impact together, but can be worn separately throughout the season for several outfits. I have and love this super soft plaid shirt from JCrew Factory. The fun metallic skirt from Banana provides texture and formality contrast (this from JCrew factory is also festive, or there are some shiny pants and a similar skirt from Loft). The tights are DKNY and the shoes are Vince Camuto.

Outfit 2

HolidayOutfit2

For a whimsical but slightly sleeker look, it would be great to do a non-ugly holiday sweater with a fashion forward pant. Something like this sweater from the Loft (it’s hard to tell but it’s white and navy), another fun Loft option, or a fun fair isle pattern. Even though it’s very trendy, the drapey pant can be both comfortable and flattering. This look would also be great with a velvet or faux leather pant. And then finish it with a classic metallic pointy toe pump or another neutral pump in your closet.

Outfit 3

holidayoutfit3

Outfit number three is a far cozier and casual look, great for a cold day. A cable sweater dress like this one from the Gap can hide a multitude of sins (or christmas cookies) and a cable sweater is festive by default. Pairing it with flat booties and cozy tights makes it extra easy. Top it with an infinity scarf and you’re all set!

Don’t forget: the key to any holiday outfit is the holiday earrings!

Earrings

Coat Shopping

I love a great coat, and here’s why:

1. During the colder months you probably rely on a couple coats to wear everyday. They better be sturdy and classic, but fabulous.

2. Your coat is often the first and last thing your co-workers, friends, and family see you wearing during cold winter days. You want to leave the right impression.

I’m always in the market for a great wool coat that is stylish, classic, work appropriate, and well made. I love a zipper as opposed to buttons, and an asymmetric zipper at that. I say no to hoods, and I tend to go with fitted as opposed to swing or cocoon. I have a red coat that I love, and a black coat that does the job, so I’m always looking to diversify.

Here are a couple coats I’ve been stalking at Nordstrom waiting for a sale. What do you think?

This one by Marc New York meets all of my requirements and it doesn’t even break the bank at full price at $198. It’s probably number one on my list:

MarcNewYork

 

I also love this one by Michael Kors. I’ve decided that grey or blue are my best options to diversify my coat color options. This is a little pricier than above at $27o.

MichaelKors

And then over at Bloomies and a little north of my price range:

This DKNY coat is a little pricey for me at $360, but it does fit all of my criteria, and it pretty fabulous.

DKNY

And can we talk about This DL2 camel coat at $599. I’m not as familiar with Dawn Levy, but I like her already. I cannot get enough of camel in the fall and winter.

DL2

Here’s hoping for a Veterans day coat sale!