Choosing a Holiday Party Outfit

Whenever the holidays roll around, it seems that we begin to get concerned about what to wear. Dressing for a holiday party can make even the most fashion conscious concerned about the items in their closet. However, if you follow a few simple rules, you can put together an outfit that suits you and the party you're attending.

Determine the formality of the party – The first step in choosing an outfit is to identify the formality level of the event. The invitation will often give you a good idea – in fact many invitations will actually tell you if dress is “formal”, “casual” or somewhere in between. If you're still in doubt, don't hesitate to call the hostess and inquire about the style of dress. Once you know the dress expectations of the host, you can pick something that works for you and fits in with the style of the party.

Think about your own style – Don't pick an outfit that will be on your mind all night. If you're worried that your skirt is too short or your blouse is too low cut, you won't be able to have a good time at the party. Wear something that you feel comfortable wearing and wear something that is comfortable on your body. In addition, any time you wear something that looks great on you and suits your style, your personality will shine through.

When in doubt, stick with the basics – If you're unsure of what to wear, a pair of black pants paired with a festive holiday top is always a winner, as is the ever popular “little black dress”. It’s every difficult to have fun when you're concerned that your outfit doesn't fit in; so sometimes it's better to be safe than sorry. Every woman's closet should contain a simple black velvet skirt or pants that can be paired with velvet or other holiday sweater or blouse.

Choose accessories with flair – If your party outfit options are limited and somewhat basic, dress them up with sparkling holiday accessories. A beautiful scarf, jewelry, handbag or party shoes can dress up the basic pant or skirt set. Plus, they're far less expensive than investing in a whole new outfit.

Consider the party before you try out that daring outfit – If you're in the mood to try out something new and daring, choose the right party for your debut. A party with a few close friends is probably a better place to debut your skimpy party dress than your corporate Christmas party. The last place you want to be embarrassed about your choice of clothing is in front of your boss.

We all worry about what to wear sometimes. And, most of us have fears of wearing the wrong outfit that will never come to fruition. Christmas parties are all about having fun, not about obsessing over what you'll wear. Choose clothing that expresses the fun side of your personality within the confines (if any) of the event you're attending. And, most importantly, wear something that makes you feel like having fun!