Whether you are ready for them or not … the holidays are going to happen. I’ll put it out there … I’m not ready. I also am not ready to think about it. I have plenty of time … or not. #Denial News flash – in case you didn’t notice … they are already happening. Party invitations are streaming in, “Black Friday” advertisements are in abundance (or over as the case may be) since they seem to occur on any random Tuesday. To make sure you are more prepared than I am – I’m going to help you through the next few weeks. First up … what to wear to an office holiday party!
Today kicks off a series of posts talking about what to wear for any number of Holiday events you might encounter. Sprinkled in will be my top picks from some of the sales and a few Holiday gifting guides for those hard to buy people on your list. First in the series, the most dreaded event on my social calendar … the Office Holiday Party. #YesDreaded
Cue bad music, add bad drinks and cold appetizers and you have the must-attend social event that you least want to go to. Prepare for annoying small talk with people that you normally try to avoid. Lastly, enter the most challenging occasion of the holidays to dress for. Show too much cleavage, you’ll be the talk of the office until the next party. Look like a librarian, same goes. So how do you find a mix between stodgy and sexy that works for work? #ISaySparkle
What to Wear to An Office Holiday Party
I have a simple formula that I use for office party events. It’s your traditional look – elevated. What does that mean? Let me give you a few examples …
You are well aware of my beloved Oshima black crop pants that I wear weekly. I have a version of them in velvet from Loft. Add a black turtleneck and a statement necklace. Done. Me … only elevated. Those pleated midi skirts that I wear on repeat? Choose a metallic one, pair with a simple silk blouse, add a statement earring. Done. OK, let’s try one more. Take the classic office staple – the pencil skirt – add a colorful, holiday inspired blouse and shoes you would never think to wear to the office. (We’re talking statement shoes with dramatic pom-poms, velvet, sequins, embroidery … whatever you choice of bling). Done. It’s you … just a little sassier. #AndSparklier
Below are three looks I put together that follow this elevated office formula using some of my top picks from Nordstrom. (And Nordstrom is kicking of their black Friday sales today -actually yesterday – so you may find some of these pieces are now a bargain!) #Bonus
Velvet Crop Pants
Metallic Midi Skirt
Pencil Skirt Statements
Now that you get the idea for the formula here are several more pieces for each of the key pieces! Happy Shopping!!
Crop Velvet Pants
Free People Taupe Velvet – Pair these with an ivory turtleneck, statement necklace and the sequined heel Marc Fishers below. Perfect!
J. Crew Crop Velvet – Pair with a black turtleneck and simple heels then add a statement necklace.
Theory High Waist Velvet – Pair these with an ivory silk blouse and the pearly Jeffrey Campbells or style them as in the look above with an oversized sweater and Pom flats.
Velvet Culottes – Pair with a black turtleneck and the silver Ted Baker shoes. Add a metallic scarf like this one to balance the silhouette.
Dark Magenta Paige Velvet – Pair with a blush silk blouse, the Pom flats below and opt for statement earrings and clutch to accessorize.
Madewell Velvet – Pair with a silvery silk blouse like the equipment one above (on sale) and the silver Steve Madden Heels below. Add some sparkly statement earrings to finish the look.
Metallic Midi Skirts
Halogen Tulle Skirt – I’m a sucker for Tulle. I love it. Pair with a slim top like a black turtleneck and simple black heels. Add a bold cuff bracelet if you feel you need a little something more, but the Tulle can really stand alone! Also comes in a gorgeous blush color.
Rebecca Minkoff Metallic Knit – I’ve seen these everywhere this Holiday season. If you saw my Instastories last week you know I grabbed a similar green one from Ann Taylor (also comes in Navy). Pair this with a black silk blouse and classic heels to for an unexpected pairing.
Trouve Silver – I love the grey silver color of this skirt. I would keep the grey color scheme going with an oversize grey sweater and sparkly booties. Perfect for colder weather Holiday parties.
I.State Gold – This blushy gold is perfect with just a touch of color. Pair with a red top for a more daring look or black silk for a classic look. Sizing was limited but Ann Taylor had a similar version in gold.
Metallic Maxi – Pair this with a navy silk blouse or oversize sweater and then add the Cedar Silk heels in Navy to finish the look. Add statement earrings to finish. Love the color but want it more midi than maxi? Opt for this similar Ann Taylor version.
Alice & Olivia Lace Midi – This metallic lace midi would look perfect with a black top. For an unexpected shoe I would wear smooth black leather boots or booties.
Trouve Purple – Another perfect skirt to be more daring by pairing with red. Classic more your style … opt for ivory silk. I like the look of the sock booties to complete the outfit.
Eliza J. Maxi Skirt – I would pair this with a black turtleneck and a big, gold cuff bracelet. Let the skirt take center stage!
If a pleated midi isn’t your thing – achieve a similar effect with a sequined pencil skirt. Just don’t get one too short for an office affair … these skirts are statement enough without all the leg. For an office occasion, I would opt for a simple black top and classic black pumps.
Vince Camuto Sequins | Halogen Sequins in Black or Silver | Milly Gold
Pencil Skirt Statements
Reversing the above idea, pair any of these blouses with a simple black pencil skirt (or black pants) and statement earrings for a festive and work appropriate outfit.
Milly Ruffles and Ties – One of the few times I support ruffles and ties in the extreme for the office. If your party includes a dinner though then steer clear. #SleevesInYourSoup
Veronica Beard Burgundy Metallic – I’m a huge Veronica Beard fan and the love this subtle metallic pattern paired in a classic Holiday color.
J. Crew Tie Shirt – This tie can be worn in front or back. I love the versatility and the bright Holiday color but it also comes in Navy that would pair great with any of the blush midi skirts.
Paige Burgundy Silk Blouse – A classic silk blouse that can be dressed up with bling! This one could go to the office during the day as well to dinner or the holiday party … you know I love the pieces that can multitask!
Statement Shoes
Saving the best for last … here are the shoes that have caught my eye!
Cedar Silk – A strappy D’Orsay that comes in five festive colors (including a gorgeous Navy). I love the lines and the color!
Steve Madden Silver – These look very similar to an SJP pair I had on last week in Vegas at a fraction of the cost.
Pom Flat – The practical party shoe for when you have to stand all night. Pair with any of the crop velvet pants or midi skirts! Available in three colors but the blush is so pretty!
Ted Baker Silver – This shoe had me with the bow but then I saw it came in silver! I saw these in person last week and fell in love! The bow is very structured so it isn’t going to be flopping around!
Marc Fisher Pump – A D’Orsay with straps that is 30% off and comes in five colors? Um, Yes!! I love the silver for festive fun but I also love the double strap!
Jeffrey Campbell Pearls and Studs – A practical heel and height on a not so practical shoe. Studded with so many pearls and studs (also available in Black)! Love! #Love
Red Pom Heel – Poms are big this season so why not put them on shoes. Red Shoes! Also comes in two other colors if red doesn’t work for you! #IVoteRed
Marc Fisher Sequin Heel – The subtle touch of sequins on the heel is perfect to elevate any office look! Love!
Hopefully this gives you some ideas on how to take items you may already have in your closet and make them work for an office party by adding some supplemental sparkle.
Sorry I can’t help with the horrible drinks and appetizer bit ….