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We just tried to decode Friendsgivings and now we’re already trying to figure out how to dress for friends’ holiday parties! Dressing for holiday parties can be so confusing. My friend was just telling me the other day she’s had problems in the past of showing up completely underdressed for one holiday party. Because of that, she’s been nervous about dressing correctly for parties this year! I could sympathize completely after asking about what to wear to a holiday party and getting every answer from work clothes to a cocktail dress (and this was all for one party). Figuring out what to wear though can just come down to a few things though. So let’s chat and talk about how you figure out what to wear to your friend’s holiday party.
Casual
J.Crew Factory Sweater
Aeo AE Ne(X)t Level Jegging
Everlane the Day Heel c/o
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What to Wear to Your Friend’s Holiday Party
Figuring out the dress Code
Double Check the invitation
This plan doesn’t always work, but at least 50% of the time, the dress code will be on the invitation and give you some sort of hint. I mentioned this in my Friendsgiving post, but if it doesn’t have the dress code, the location can also help with figuring out the dress code.
Ask a Friend Who’s Going or Who has gone in the past
This part is key. That person might know the host better, so they may know what the host wants guests to wear. Or they know how people have dressed in the past, so they’re already prepared to copy that look. These guests are the key people to know and make friends with.
Ask the host
This is kind of a last resort for me, but if you’re really concerned, ask the host. They’ll know the best what they want people to wear.
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The Friend’s Casual/ Semi-Casual Party
Alright, so now that we know that it’s a more casual party, let’s talk about what you should or could wear! I put these outfits in the firm DBAS category: Don’t Be A Slob. Aka fitted, no stains, no sweats, , no sloppy. Just keep it in mind whenever you pick out a piece and you’ll be golden.
Tops
For tops, I love a good sweater for these occasions. They’re a great mix of casual, but also warm and classic. If you’re a little hesitant about how to throw your outfit together, the easiest thing to do would be to grab a fitted crew neck. If you’re a little more adventurous, then you can play around with fits and cuts.
Bottoms
Yes! Yes you can wear jeans! Again, stick to a more fitted pair. Your boyfriend jeans will stay home for this event, but bootcut is fine. Leggings can also stay at home.
Shoes
If I could have it my way, I’d be all about the flats and I’d do some sort of plaid flat. If I’m worried about the party potentially being a step up from casual, then I’ll pair my outfit with a pair of red heels, like the ones here!
If it’s too cold, then booties or OTK boots are also a great choice.
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Nice Holiday Party:
SheIn Scoop Back Bodysuit
J.Crew Factory Midi Skirt (Old, Similar, Similar)
Everlane the Day Heel c/o
The Friend’s Semi-Formal Party (or the “Dressy” Party)
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Nice Holiday Party:
SheIn Scoop Back Bodysuit
J.Crew Factory Midi Skirt (Old, Similar, Similar)
Everlane the Day Heel c/o
The Friend’s Semi-Formal Party (or the “Dressy” Party)
What do you do with a “dressy” party?
Isn’t that term so weird, yet we hear it so often. The party is “dressy” but not fancy! Oy. What do you do with that? Well that’s when I pull out an outfit like this. You see, you can do a lot with these outfits. It all goes back to the questions above and making sure to ask the questions if you’re confused.
For the “dressy” parties, that’s when I like to pull out my midi skirts. They’re perfect for pairing with tank tops or a sweater (depending on the location/occasion). You can also then throw in a fun sweater, and you’ve got a full outfit!
This outfit works because the polka dots are fun, but the scoop neck in back gives it a bit of sass. The red shoes then tie it together and make it full on holiday.
I hope that clears up some of your holiday outfit confusion! Let me know if you have any other questions or need any more decoding in the comments below!
Casual Look Photos by Kimberly Graydon
Semi-Formal Look Photos by Alex Good
