Party Dressing 101

'Tis the season for endless invites and gatherings...which begs the question "what are we wearing?"

So it begins!! The fully booked calendar has begun to take shape, event, dinner, party, cocktails, dinner, party… wash rinse repeat! It may sound daunting now, but I get excited about the opportunity to get dressed for all fo the events of the season. It’s all about that festive feeling of having an occasion to pull out the pieces you own that you purchased for your weekend alter-ego-self in the hopes you has just the right place to wear it. Well, this is the the time and place to pull out all of those things that spark joy in your wardrobe for the season.

I went through my wardrobe and pulled out all of those extra fun, makes-me-want-to-have-plans-with-my-friends-just-so-I-can-wear it, pieces! It made me start thinking more about why I love getting dressed during this time of year, I feel like I bend the rules on my personal style a little bit more and add in a touch of whimsy. A little more sparkle and shine and frankly clothes that just make me happy! Half the fun of writing this newsletter has been going through my wardrobe and trying on all of my clothes. Its the extra push to take time out of my week to be creative with what I won and have with the things that i took the time to purchase and add to my wardrobe. I’ve rediscovered great pieces and it’s helped mold my style a little more.. which brings me to trying on party outfits for this current newsletter. I feel like this year I am ready with my arsenal of party-ready outfits and even a ~slight~ outfit formula to go by!

For the “holiday dinner & drinks with friends” I give you…

As soon as I saw the jacket at J. Crew I had a perfect vision of how I wanted to wear it, paired down with faded jeans and low heels… ideally with a martini in one hadn't as well. The sparkly double breasted jacket is the perfect contrast to the faded out “every-day” jeans which is why I think they work so well together, in simpatico, like they were always meant to be together. For the above outfits more formal cousin, I give you a silk pant alternative below.

For the family gathering or work holiday party! The wide and loose silky pant does what the denim does and offers a perfect textural contrast to the jacket.. something easy and without too much structure . While a jacket with such pizzazz may seem a bit subversive at first… its quite the solution for festive dressing!

An option if you’d like to use it as an actual jacket…

Another one for a holiday celebration with girlfriends….

the always tried and true “going out top + jeans +heels” combo that the women of my generation swore by for every college weekend out… always searching for the elusive “perfect going out top”. While I’m not saying the one below solves this search for everybody, I do love the cute babydoll shape and pretty satin fabric- TO ME, its is perfect <3

or to fancy it up a bit, I traded out jeans for a silk mini skirt..

*pardon the change in lighting for these pictures, the winter sun started setting on me mid outfit changes!*

For something cute and nostalgic feeling, I always love an oversized sweater with a mini skirt and tights. The patent mary jane style shoes made me feel feminine and current! The little red vintage purse is my perfect solution for adding a little more color and whimsy to the look. I love neutrals and a chic all black outfit as much as the next person, but theres something in my soul that makes me want to add a little something extra, something to take it up a notch:

Mini Dress + tights = perfect go go vibes that make me want to go go dancing! Even though its an all black look, I wanted to find ways to take out of the depths of dark and dreary, adding a neck scarf and metallic shoes give it some oomph.

Adding a little texture with my big fluffy chiffon scrunchie! I’ve used it as the perfect way to add some cuteness to many looks, which I feel is exactly what this all black look needed.. a touch of cuteness! As well as metallic shoes, which are once again proving the oomph here, along with a very fabulous side slit in this Malene Birger satin skirt ( above and below!)

*almost forgot to add*

For the finale on holiday dressing…it wouldn't be right to not include one outfit with plaid pants for the season! Love the little texture and pattern mixing with the silk top and wool plaid pants (which feel very Katherine Hepburn in nature to me). Here’s one final holiday outfit for the road:

I know we are all still waiting on Thanksgiving at the end of this week, but if you’re like me you have suddenly become very aware that December is next week and holiday party season is basically here! I encourage you all to go pull out your party favorites and happy wardrobe pieces and start trying on, hopefully this helps and inspired your through any “what do I wear to that” conundrums you may have this holiday party season!

Cheers and Happy Holidays!

xx,

Taylor