Holiday Party Outfits
It’s that time of year again…holiday party season! And picking the perfect outfit may feel daunting. But I have five simple style tips to think about while you’re getting dressed for these special occasions during the holidays. All five of these tips and outfits range in dressiness so you’re sure to find something you’ll love or can draw inspiration from!
Find more holiday outfits, gifts, decor, and more here.
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BLOUSE | SHORTS | BOOTS | EARRINGS
#1) Sleeves
This tip may seem like a no-brainer…especially when it’s cold. But I don’t just mean that you should wear sleeves…I mean you should wear something with interesting sleeves. This IRO blouse has balloon sleeves that give it even more interest. This top is also really pretty because of the sheerness and draping. Plus, the metallic fabric makes it festive!
I’m wearing the blouse with the matching metallic shorts and my new favorite black boots (included on my Gift Guide For Her). But you could easily wear this with jeans for a casual holiday party outfit! I shared more holiday party outfits with jeans here. If you’re wearing something simple on the bottom (like jeans, black pants, or a skirt), go dramatic with the sleeves. This can mean the sleeves are sheer, have a puffed shoulder, balloon style, billowy, etc.
#2) Sexy Neckline
A woman’s collarbones and shoulders are super sexy…and you really don’t have to show a lot! This one-shoulder dress by Melissa Odabash has a sexy one-shoulder neckline that shows off just enough skin, while the longer hemline makes it feel more modest. I also love the metallic print of this dress…it is stunning!
DRESS | ANOTHER SIMILAR | WEDGES| EARRINGS
#3) Empire Waist
Finding an empire waist dress or top can be difficult. But an empire waist is SO flattering because it hits you just below the bust, which is the slimmest part of most women’s bodies. By the way, if you’re not sure what your body shape is, make sure you read this post. This green Mango gown is a real show-stopper. It has that flattering empire waist and sexy neckline, but it’s long. You could wear something like this to a wedding this fall/winter with a wrap or coat. I shared more of my fall wedding guest dress favorites here.
#4) Longer Hemline
Opting for a longer hemline for your holiday outfits is another great tip to keep in mind. Just make sure that with a longer hemline, you’re still finding a way to create shape! For example, you could wear a long, loose-fitting maxi sweater dress…but make sure you belt it or create a waist in some way. Another option is to choose a silhouette that already creates that shape for you. This amazing & Other Stories dress has a smocked, fitted profile that’s flattering and sexy. The sexiness of that fitted silhouette is balanced by that longer hemline, sleeves, and high neckline.
DRESS | MORE SIZES | NECKLACE | WEDGES
#5) One Skin Rule
If you’ve been a longtime email or YouTube subscriber, you’ve heard me talk about the One Skin Rule before! The One Skin Rule just means…if you’re going to show one area of skin, keep the rest covered. For example, if you love your legs, wear a chic mini dress that has long sleeves and a modest neckline. That way, your “one skin” is your legs, while you’re covering up your arms and chest.
Another on-trend way to tryout this rule for the holidays is with cutouts. This Ba&sh dress has sexy cutouts on the sides that show a little skin around the waist and reveals a small sliver of my back. But the longer hemline, modest neckline, and long sleeves offset that. I’m a rectangle body shape, so cutouts like these create the illusion of a more defined waistline, which makes this dress super flattering!
Which of these tips are you going to try for your holiday outfits this year? Let me know in the comments below!
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Thank you for stopping by!
The dress with the cutouts is absolutely stunning, I love it & definitely think it’s the one most flattering on you. I think the setting is beautiful too, it must be somewhere like Marrakesh!
You are right, Helen, it’s Marrakesh! Thank you for your sweet words. ~Erin xo
Lovely! Where is this amazing location?
It was a gorgeous hotel in Morroco, Janet! It was AMAZING… xo
You look AMAZING. Thank you for these beautiful inspirational ideas!
Thank you, Megan! I’m glad you are loving them. xo
The red, long dress looks pretty on you!
You are SO sweet, Cheryl! Thank you… xo
Beautiful looks….every one of them! Erin, you are spot on with how to tastefully style the latest trends.
I’m on the north side of 65 and want to stay current without someone thinking, “she should have worn that outfit 10 pounds and 20 years ago.” Women like me are challenged with aging skin and body parts that have somehow shifted over the years. Too many of my peers wear something totally inappropriate or take the easy path and give up.
I’m not willing to go down without a fight!
Would you consider writing a “how to” for the trendy and tastefully sexy senior women out there? If we are not your audience could you suggest another source? Kind of like Busbee Style For Boomers…..which is a terrible name but hopefully you get the idea.
Thank you!
Great question, Linda… I explain how to incorporate trends at any age in this video: https://youtu.be/4frF-ysSBHA
Listen to tip number 5. xo
Thanks so much for all of your fantastic ideas! I am in love with the Victoria slouch boots!!!! Do you have any suggestions for a boot such as that with a lower heel?
Let me ponder and get back to you… Tall? Or mid-calf?
The tall….I liked that the boots you styled are able to scrunch! Two in one!! Thanks so much!!
Thanks so much, so many wonderful ideals!! I have my first holiday party this Saturday evening! Definitely will be using your ideals for this holiday season! I appreciate your hard work!!
Awesome!! Thanks for sharing, Brenda!! Erin xo