We’re knee-deep in holiday season, now, so I hope you have some cute boots! On the heels of Christmas and Hanukkah, which begins the 24th and ends on New Year's Day, holiday parties are crowding our calendars with promises of eggnog and cheer. If nothing else, this means you need a chic winter wardrobe, and the style consciousness to dazzle day and night, socially and professionally.
So, what to wear? You may or may not have the time, cash and patience to buy four to five new outfits. But stress not—I’m here to tell you that dressing for the holidays doesn’t have to be a pain.
Here are 6 holiday party looks that are both stylish and easy-going, and some tips on recreating them with whatever resources you’ve got!
Cozy but Chic
Sometimes you want to be glamorous and edgy, but stay cozy at the same time. On occasions like this, I recommend dressing up your favorite sweater! I rented this amazing Elizabeth and James sweater through Rent the Runway, then paired it with leather pants and booties--perfect for a holiday party at the office, a soiree with family, or even a night out on the town. Leather (or faux-leather!) adds the perfect amount of avant-garde flair to any outfit, don’t you think? Add a hat, and the look is complete.
Bohemian Babe
If flower crowns only make you think of summer music festivals and Snapchat filters, you are definitely underestimating them. Case in point: the amazing Crowns by Christy accessories are perfect for literally every season! Fall? Check. Winter? Check. Spring and Summer? Obvious checks. For this holiday look I paired a chic checkered poncho (also super cozy!) with pastel yellow jeans and bootie heels. Perfect for a casual holiday brunch!
To recreate this look, pair a colorful pant with a patterned poncho and a statement headpiece. You’ll be certain to stand out amongst the crowd, especially when deviating from the ubiquitous sea of red and green.
Winter Whites
No white after labor day? I like to say that whoever came up with this rule is “seriously disturbed.” There is nothing more elegant than an all-white ensemble, which really captures the essence of the season. For a splash of contrast, pair with black or brown leather boots.
Bonus: If it’s actually snowing, congrats—you’ve got camouflage!
Flowy and Fierce
The only thing better than all white, arguably, is all black. Matching tops and bottoms are formal and chic, and dark hues are consistently flattering. Ramy Brook has the best matching ensembles—this timeless black duo is to die for, and (are you sensing a theme here?) it’s also comfortable and flowy. I paired it was some gorgeous emerald green beads, which add the perfect pop of holiday cheer to the black-on-black number.
You can buy a matching ensemble like I did, or simply wear all black with a colorful necklace to take the look from funeral to fun, if you know what I mean.
The not-ugly sweater
What’s with the obsession with ugly sweaters? I’ll rock a festive sweater any day of the week, but ugly? No thanks. Pro tip: if you do get invited to one of these parties, wearing an interesting sweater might keep people from bugging you and win you some admirers to boot.
This sweater, from Rebecca Taylor, is unique, festive and pretty all at once! The colors brighten up the December gloom, and the cropped style is very much on-trend. Why not try pairing a fun, cropped sweater with a pleated skirt? With this outfit, you can enjoy some hot cocoa one minute and twirl around like a crazy person the next.
Gossip Girl Fabulous
Lastly, for the fancier of holiday parties (New Years Eve, anyone?) you can do no wrong with an elegant cocktail dress! Golds, silvers and metallics make for the perfect seasonal sparkle. In this shoot, all of us girls are decked out in Amanda Uprichard’s new dress line—so festive! We all picked dresses that we felt comfortable and classy in, then dressed them up with some gorgeous earrings by Jennifer Miller Jewelry.
The best thing about recreating this look? It’s whatever you want it to be! Pick a dress that you feel pretty in, then pair it with jewelry and a chunky heel. Pour some champagne, toast to the New Year, and enjoy a great night with good friends.
Remember, when the holidays are gone and we’re in the depressing trenches of February, you don't have to succumb to dreariness. Keep these styles in mind throughout the season to spice things up! Trust me: a bold and bright style philosophy will take you far, ice or no ice.
Follow me on Instagram and check out my blog, HonestlyKate, for more honest fashion tips for the girl curating her own future!