Dressed to Party

My 'holiday party outfit' formula this year is pretty simple:

smart trouser + textured sweater + statement coat = cozy chic holiday outfit

It's casual, but just dressed up enough to fit most events from cocktail parties, to dinner parties and casual happy-hour drinks. I strongly suggest trousers rather than jeans so it feels more elevated, but feel free to wear elastic waist ones like these. They'll give you a little room for an extra slice of pie at the end of the night. ;)

Both of the looks in this post from H&M. They have a huge range of super affordable holiday pieces. Last year I did the whole bow tie and blazer thing, but I felt overdressed everywhere I went. At the end of the day, I just wanted to be comfortable, warm, and feel like myself. Not myself putting on some flashy performance. 

So, I'm skipping the sequined blazer in favor of something more realistic! 

The key to the look is the mix of textures. You want a contrast between your coat, your sweater and your trousers, so when you ditch the outer layer at coat check, there is still plenty of visual interest in your outfit. You should even consider layering a thinner jacket underneath your outer coat. I'm wearing a wool bomber with leather sleeves under the green top coat in the photo below. Leather coats, trucker jackets, and denim jackets are all great options!

For sweaters, be careful not to be toooooo cozy. You can easily look schlepy if you wear something oversized. Fitted sweaters work best for parties. Save oversized sweaters for the daytime, bedtime and in-between time. Not party time! 

STATEMENT COATS: 

COZY-CHIC SWEATERS:

SMART TROUSERS:

Big thank you to H&M for the cozy chic party looks. ;) The boots in the first look are from Florsheim, and these killer shearling accented sneakers are from Coach (and are on sale right now)! 

Have a very merry Holiday, guys!! Hopefully you're painting the town at holiday parties. Tis' the season, after all.