Fashion
13 Holiday Party Outfits That'll Make You Want to Look at Those Photos Again
In the immediate satisfaction that comes from posting a particularly flattering selfie or group shot on one of our many social media platforms, we often forget that they can be a source of inspiration beyond the occasional ego boost. This holiday season, if you're lacking in ingenuity, look no further than Instagram and its aesthetes who share their creativity therein. Here are 13 of our favorite looks to channel this party season.
Try Winter White
The "white for winter" trend has certainly been buzzed about over the past several months, but actually rocking the look in everyday life is a bit more complicated. For those who are hesitant to wear the shade head-to-toe, try using a single white statement piece to anchor your look. Miranda Kerr works the trend by using her cream blazer as a neutral to offset the intense golden brocade pattern of her Balmain pants.
Image: mirandakerr/Instagram
Mix in Menswear
The one time of year it's always acceptable to wear a disco ball dress to a party is the holiday season, when it looks festive and celebratory against the cloudy skies and early nightfall. This year, update your LGD (Little Glittery Dress) with a menswear coat thrown casually over the top. Not only does it set you apart from others in spangled dresses, but it will also keep you warm en route to and from your fete. Blogger Rumi Neely offsets the dazzle of her metallic dress with a tweedy charcoal menswear blazer.
Image: thecoveteur/Instagram
Rock Some Leather
Leather accents are everywhere this season, and if you want to switch up your holiday look for a truly eye-catching ensemble, why not incorporate the staple into one of your party ensembles? Adding a leather skirt or jacket to an already edgy ensemble will set you apart from a sea of brightly colored shift dresses, and the material layers well with other fabrics. For a sweet yet rebellious look, try blogger Aimee Song's combination of an elegantly draped chiffon dress with a studded leather miniskirt.
Image: songofstyle/Instagram
Be Inspired By Old Hollywood
For a glamorous look at your next soiree, follow Chanel Iman's lead and create a look that's vintage-inspired with a modern twist. Iman's bold red lip and gilded dress hearken back to Hollywood's golden age, but subtle elements like her slightly mussed updo and the intricate pattern of her dress modernize the ensemble.
Image: voguemagazine/Instagram
Boot Up
For a truly memorable holiday ensemble, try adding a pair of scene-stealing boots. Pumps or platforms are more traditional holiday wares, so statement boots provide a fresh and modern way to stand out from the crowd. Whether you choose patent leather platforms or over-the-knee, make sure the rest of your outfit is more subdued so your boots take center stage.
Image: seaofshoes/Instagram
Make it Monotone
Often, dressing in a single color head-to-toe seems daunting because it's easy to overdose on a single color. An easier way to channel the trend is by meshing shades of one prominent color into the same outfit. Blogger Blair Eadie shows us how it's done by donning different hues of purple in her ensemble. Extra points if you can work in an eye shadow or lipstick in the same color.
Image: blaireadiebee/Instagram
Add Some Plaid
Nothings says "winter chic" quite like a stylized plaid skirt, and the added bonus? It can go straight from the office to cocktails if styled in the right fashion. Since plaid can read dowdy if paired with other conservative pieces, try adding a pointed-toe high heel and leather jacket like actress Ashley Madekwe for an edgier look.
Image: smashleybell/Instagram
Get Adventurous with Lace
If lace conjures up images of prim tea parties and 1950s debutante in your mind, think again. When styled as a cheeky accent to a girly dress or as a peekaboo element in an otherwise conservative outfit, the traditional material takes on a more contemporary, trendy allure.
Image: keikolynn/Instagram
Try Two Statements
If that boldly printed dress isn't quite enough of of a showstopper for you, try adding a piece of statement jewelry on top. This time of year, no one will judge you for pulling out all the stops in your style, so be a little adventurous and go for two bold pieces instead of one. Just make sure limit yourself to a couple of standout elements like Sophia Bush's dress and necklace, or your audience will find your look confusing instead of captivating.
Image: dannijo/Instagram
Take on a Tuxedo
This trend isn't only for the boys, and rocking a tuxedo will make your outfit one of the most memorable at any soiree. Proportions are key with a tux, so make sure the ensemble is well tailored, and don't be afraid to embrace a few insouciant elements like an embroidered lapel or a pair of seriously high heels.
Image: jessicaalba/Instagram
Choose a Nude Shade
Although traditionally associated with spring or summer, nude-colored clothing can be equally alluring and infinitely more unexpected during the winter. A sleek dress in a shade of peach, champagne, or bronze is a chic approach to holiday dressing that will stand the test of time.
Image: jeannedamas/Instagram
Go for the Gray
While having the reputation as a somewhat uninspiring color, gray provides a perfect canvas for sparkle, glitz, and innovative design elements. Add an oversized bib necklace to a little gray dress for an elegant and glamorous look, or channel blogger Zina Charkoplia and let the ensemble speak for itself by choosing a piece with an unexpected shape.
Image: zinafashionvibe/Instagram