Invitations to the holiday season’s parties and other events are coming in fast. Do you know what you’re going to wear? If not, you’d better get busy. The holidays have a way of creeping up on us.
This festive season is packed with the kinds of events that call out for a short cocktail dress. You can’t go wrong with such a dress.
However, dressing for the many holiday festivities you will attend this season does not allow you to take a one-size-fits-all approach. Certain gatherings may call for different types of cocktail dresses as well as different approaches to hair, makeup and accessories.
Here’s a quick cheat-sheet that will help you observe the cocktail dress code in holiday style.
The Office Holiday Party
This dress is festive and fun, yet it’s all business. Perfect for the office party. via weheartit.com
While there is certainly nothing wrong with wearing a short cocktail dress to a work-sponsored holiday event, you should put a bit of thought into your choice.
Anything overly tight, short or low-cut is not recommended; after all, you have to work in a professional environment with these people the other 364 days of the year.
Look for short cocktail dresses that are tailored without being overtly body-conscious. If you choose a dress that is sleeveless or strapless, make sure that your hemline is a bit longer; a pencil skirt to the knee is a great way to balance a top with more exposure.
Conversely, if you have your heart set on a shorter hemline, make sure your top is covered. Choose a short cocktail dress with sleeves or cover up with a jacket or cardigan.
Shift dresses work wonderfully for work-related functions, as they can be dressed up or down and accessorized according to the occasion.
Whatever you choose, make sure it is comfortable and it won’t leave you over-exposed if you remove the jacket or cardigan later.
Ringing in the New Year
The sky is the limit on New Year’s Eve. Sequins? Perfect. via weheartit.com
Work-related events call for a little restraint. New Year’s Eve on the town is just the opposite. This is the one night of the year you can throw the rulebook out the window and let your creativity take over.
Now is the time to experiment with hemlines, embellishments and other trendy detailing. Want to try cut-outs? A sheer fabric? Beading and sequins? It’s New Year’s – pull out all the stops and have a blast.
This season, designers have been inspired to set lots of fun and festive trends. Many designers have come out with short cocktail dresses featuring cut-out or sheer mesh panels for those who dare to bare a little unexpected skin. Asymmetrical hemlines and volume-infused tulip skirts are still trending as well, and metallics, lace, pearls and sequins are always appropriate during the holiday season
The Theater
Be careful wearing a pretty dress like this to the ballet – they may put you on stage! via pinterest.com
Whether you’re making your yearly trip to the ballet for a performance of Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker” or attending a concert of Christmas carols, going to the theater poses a unique challenge.
The short cocktail dress is an excellent style choice, but keep in mind that you’ll be spending much of the evening sitting down. That complicates matters.
At the theater – and anywhere you’ll spend most of the party sitting – opt opt for a dress that has a fuller skirt. Not only will it be much more comfortable, but the extra fabric makes changing position, crossing and uncrossing your legs, and other seated maneuvers absolutely effortless. This will allow you to focus on the evening’s entertainment instead of your hemline.
For your night at the theatre, try a vintage-inspired fit and flare dress (with or without sleeves) in a festive silk twill or jacquard.
Use Common Sense as Your Guide
The holiday season is your opportunity to shine. Be bold and be beautiful. via weheartit.com
Of course there are exceptions to these guidelines.
If you work in an environment that is less formal, you may be able to get away with a trendy, heavily embellished short cocktail dress at the office holiday party.
If you want to stand out in a crowd full of sequins and skin, you may opt to wear something more understated and tailored to ring in the new year.
Whatever your situation, these general guidelines will not steer you wrong if you are trying to get your holiday game together in a pinch. As always, adapt them to your personal style and circumstances.