Lovely outfits! I hope you will do a blog soon on holiday dress for a black tie party. This is my first, and I am very nervous. I don’t want to overdress or underdress, but obviously want to look sensational. Suggestions not only for the dress, but shoes, hosiery, and jewelry would be appreciated. Thanks! I always enjoy!

These are good ideas, most of my holiday events are casual dressy and I have a slew of casual dressy separates which I’m sometimes at a loss for combining, since I don’t really have much occasion to “dress up”. I’m definitely trying the denim jacket with festive skirt!

Rhonda,

Last year, Angie did a couple of blog posts on holiday party dressing that were great. You might want to look through her archives to read them. They got me fashionably through the party season last year.

Angie,

I’m glad you did this post. I have my first casual holiday party coming up in a couple of weeks. I’m good for the dress up part, but not the in-home part. Great post. Any ideas on make-up, just to add a little oomph to our low-key everyday faces?

Thanks Christie. What’s in the archives about holiday wear is still relevant. If you browse through the “party wear category” on the RHS of the site, you’ll get to a whole slew of blog entries that might help you along.

I think that dramatic lip colour plays an even bigger part than ever this party season. Purple and rich red hues bring out a dark ensemble perfectly. A sparkly blush is another lovely yet subtle touch.

Do you really think that bare legs are appropriate in wintry climates? When I saw bare legs and strappy shoes at a December wedding last year (or even bare ankles over a chilly past weekend), I thought it looked rather silly for the northern New England region. I know that I am dating myself here, but I just don’t see it as apppropriate dressing.

Bare legs are fine in mild Winter climates like California and Florida……or if you get hot quickly. But when temperatures start to fall ( like they do in New England) it’s appropriate and fun to wear hose. I hope that answers your question. My blog entry needs to satisfy most climates!

Of course, Debbie, sometimes to be fashionable, we must endure pain. I wore a sleeveless, short (navy) dress, (pink) slingbacks, and sheer hose (the kind that offer minimal protection) to my (evening, outdoor) February wedding in New York City three years ago. I was cold but gorgeous! ha!

Hey, there!

I’m hosting a casual holiday party and I would love to wear a strapless mini…thinking about adding tights underneath…Shoes are optional because we typically do not wear shoes in my home. Advice?

Oh, and my dress is black, A-line and Strapless (Jcrew find) – soooo cute. I’m having a hard time figuring out how to accessorize it (and as per prv entry) what to wear for ’slippers’.

Are bare legs ok in colder climates if you can endure it? I have a black, short sleeve, cocktail dress that is all sequins. I am wearing it with black, patent, peep toed pumps. When I tried it on with black opaques, it looked just too black/dark. My legs still have some color from summer, they are not super dark, but not white either. I live in Chicago, and this party is next weekend. Will I be making a huge fashion no no with a bare leg?

Yes bare legs are alright if you can endure it, and yes black opaques would be too dark with your ensemble. Try black sheer hose or very fine black fishnets instead.

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