Dressing up for that next holiday party

The holiday season is approaching. In addition to seeing an increase in mistletoe, eggnog and wish lists, this also means that your schedules will soon be filling up with holiday parties. Party-goers put a lot of emphasis on what they wear to holiday soirees because they’re great opportunities to showcase personal style.

First thing to ALWAYS check is the dress code! Some holiday parties are more formal than others, and you don’t want to show up at a formal event in a casual outfit. Ask the host about the dress code, and if the party is a yearly event, ask how guests normally dress. Whether it’s an informal affair where you can wear nice jeans and a blouse, or a more formal soiree requiring cocktail attire, speaking with the host should give you a good idea of what’s appropriate.

Once you are aware of the dress code, take a look at these other holiday party dressing suggestions:

Work get-together

People tend to step up their game at holiday work parties, but the outfits people decide on all depend on the company. First, determine the kind of party your work is throwing. A good way to do this is by asking about the venue. If the party is taking place at the office, it will probably be a little bit more low key. If this is the case, wearing your regular office attire with a little seasonal flair like statement jewelry necklaces is a great way to go – even better if the accessory is red or green.

However, if the party is taking place in a fancier setting like a restaurant or bar, you might want to spice up your ensemble. Research the place ahead of time to see how upscale it is. For restaurants or bars, sport your favorite special occasion dress. Not a fan of too much color? Black is a classic holiday dress color you cannot go wrong with.

Cocktail party

Cocktail parties are a great time to pull out your dressy clothes. Classy dresses or skirts that you’ve been saving can be worn. In addition, don’t forget about footwear. An adorable pair of heels can complete any outfit. Black pumps look great with a high-waisted black dress skirt, and they can elongate your legs so that they appear slimmer. Be sure to walk in the shoes beforehand. You don’t want to spend the entire night complaining about your feet. The goal is look to look elegant and refined but still feel comfortable so you can enjoy the night.

Out with the girls

The holidays are a great time to catch up with friends. You might have a close-knit group of girlfriends that love to get together for drinks and gifts. When dressing for this fun occasion, this is a great time to make bold wardrobe choices. You can experiment with the latest fashion trends like menswear or a jumpsuit. Go wild! It’s the best time and place to get honest feedback from your friends.

Family party

When it comes to dressing for holiday family parties, you want to spring for clothing that is more traditional. Odds are you will be taking quite a few pictures that will be around for years to come so you don’t want to make any eccentric fashion choices you may regret in the future. You can never go wrong with black dress pants with a solid-colored blouse that fit just right. These are flattering options that will be stylish for years to come.

Annual friend’s party

A Christmas party at a friend’s place can be a really entertaining night with good food, drinks and fun holiday games. This is also a great time to throw on some of your best holiday-themed getups. If you friends are good sports, you can make the party “ugly-Christmas-sweater” themed. Have the guests wear the best (or rather worst) sweaters they can find. The best (ugliest) sweater can even get a prize. On the other hand, there are plenty of women ‘s sweaters you can wear that aren’t ugly at all but are still festive. If you’re unsure what color is best for the holiday season you can never go wrong with red, green or cream.

Here are a few more general tips, no matter why type of party!

1. Invest in shapewear

Shapewear is a great tool for special occasions because it helps slim any extra bumps women have on their bodies. Especially when wearing a dress that’s cut closer to the body, you should invest in a good undergarment made with spandex to have on underneath.

2. Play up a simple dress

Don’t feel like you have to wear something bold or colorful to look good. If you feel best in your little black dress, that’s OK! Add some pizzazz to your look with cool accessories and a great pair of shoes. Use a statement necklace, a beaded purse or a colorful pair of heels to add some personality to a simpler dress and play up your hair and makeup as well.

3. Pick the right outerwear

Depending on where you live, it’s probably going to be pretty cold outside during your party! Add a nice peacoat or other pretty jacket to the ensemble to stay warm when you’re outside. You may want to bring a wrap or shawl along just in case you get a little chilly at the party as well.

There are certain cuts that will always look great on curvy women, so if you’re struggling to find a dress to wear, go with something simple and foolproof. Wear an A-line cut, a wrap dress or something else that cinches in at the smallest point on your body, and you’re sure to look great. Most importantly, though, wear something that makes you feel good!