A guide to Festive Dressing
With a mere 18 days before Christmas, we are well into the gift-giving season.
Now while it is a time where we mostly buy for others, many of us may have one item on our gift list for ourselves – namely, an outfit (okay…maybe two) for the festive season.
Beyond Christmas or New Years day, December is usually a hectic schedule of end of year parties, school finales and general catch-ups all the while trying to close off the year to begin 2016 afresh!
Leading up to Christmas day, I have a few catch-ups plus our official Christmas break up with the Style With Cindy team. With a table of stylists, you can imagine that the dress code is quite fashion focused!
For Christmas Day, I will be spending the evening with my amazing husband, who will be taking the reigns of the kitchen to cook up something joyful.
Now despite being at home on Christmas Day, I still like to look the part and am already on the hunt for a red or white dress. Yes, I love my look to reflect the seasonal colours!
December Celebrations 🎅
However, before Christmas Day even arrives, like many of you, I will also be out and about.
Regarding holiday events, you may be attending the work Christmas party BBQ or picnic, while others will take to restaurants, cafes or perhaps at the office itself. Parents might do some end of year mingling after the kids’ Christmas concert or have a party with the sports club.
Whether you’re attending a casual affair or something that calls for a little sparkle, considering your holiday look can really amp up the festivity factor!
Hot or Not? ☀
Beyond location, the other thing to consider when creating your look is the climate where your celebrations will take place.
In Melbourne, the weather is truly unpredictable, so it’s best to prepare for anything. The last few years have seen us battle thrashing thunderstorms to sweltering over a roast turkey in 40-degree heat and seeing our make-up melt before our eyes. For anyone celebrating further north, you are almost guaranteed a sizzling day.
Day to night functions may call for a cover-up if the weather cools. For those worried about showing their upper arms, the cover-up can also be a fashion safety net. That is totally okay and all covered (pun intended) for you here.
Dress Code Decorum ♥
Finally, it’s over to dress code. It’s not unusual to see the word “festive” on an invitation or the usual smart casual or cocktail for a party affair.
Now festive doesn’t necessarily mean Christmas tree earrings or a Santa hat – but you can if you like. Here you can wear the red, green, gold or white colours traditionally associated with Christmas or even play with black and gold, metallics or something with sequins. Make this dress code your own!
As always, I do encourage most people to work a “demure” yet stylish look at office Christmas parties and keep to a level of professionalism. It’s effectively a work event so do keep hemlines sexy and cleavage to a minimum. If you do want to work some “skin” into your look, opt for elegant cut-out pieces or sheer overlays.
The same rule applies to school events; there are children present so do play your part to look like a parent.
Now in both these situations, this doesn’t mean a safe colour palette and suit-type clothing – do play with colour, texture, patterns and on-style trends.
Looking for ideas?
Well, on today’s blog we have sourced out a few items and put together an ideas list to get you thinking about your festive look:
Casual BBQ’s/Picnics
- Tailored shorts and a pretty top ensemble
- A maxi dress can be beautiful and effortless, particularly when paired with some nice accessories
- You might even opt for a high waist skirt and crop top.
- If it’s a little cooler, you could even consider a light pair of jeans and a top/blazer
- If you’ll be outdoors on the lawn, wedges or flats will be key so opt for comfort
Restaurant/Cafe
- A gorgeous dress in a smart or casual style
- Skirt and top ensemble – you can opt for a midi length for something on-trend
- Tailored pants and a blouse – think the 70’s inspired styles that are out at the moment
- If it’s casual, you can opt for jeans but pair with a heel/wedge if you’re looking for a sprinkle of glamour (or added height)
- You’ll usually be in an air-conditioned space so can even bring in a blazer, or summer cover-up
Home Function
- A party dress – opt for some seasonal colours (think red, green white or metallics)
- Skirt and top option or tailored shorts and a shirt
- The faithful maxi dress will again work well
Dressing Tips
- If you want to bring “sparkle” to your look without looking like Christmas décor, bring it in through your accessories. A clutch, jewellery or even accents on your shoes. You can also bring in the Christmas colours this way.
- If you’re wearing heels, do ensure they’re a little worn in or at least comfortable. If you’re not sure but still want height, opt for a comfortable wedge shoe instead.
- If you’re usually in a work uniform or similar dress code everyday, use these events as an opportunity to showcase your personality through what you wear. Work your favourite colours or fashion piece and you’ll feel more festive for it – I promise!
Now we hope today’s blog post has been valuable and prompted some thinking about your festive looks.
So what is December looking like for you? Manic or quite relaxed?
I would love to hear your plans and what you plan to wear? (That’s a lot of planning!) I hope to hear from you in the comments below.
🎉 P.S. Stay tuned to the blog a little closer to Christmas for some Holiday/New Year Looks!