The Perfect Christmas Party Outfit

Do you struggle with what to wear to a work related Christmas party?  I do!  This year I decided to share my journey toward the perfect Christmas party outfit with you in case you struggle with this too.

I think this year, for the first time, I really have a good strategy.  I couldn’t hold this information to myself.  I really felt a need to break it down into steps this year so anyone looking for a perfect Christmas party outfit could have success too.

Step 1:  Don’t Try To Fit In-Be Yourself

I know that sounds counter-intuitive.  It seems like you should try to dress like the other women who might attend the party.  We’re taught not to be under dressed.  Here’s the thing, I am not a super high heel kind of gal.  Don’t get me wrong.  I have high heels and I do wear them from time to time, but I have always found a party that requires standing and visiting takes a toll on my feet.  Half-way through the night my feet are killing me and I become less sociable because I either want to sit down or I just feel like “I’m over it all”.  I guarantee people will remember a friendly, intelligent, funny woman more than they will remember how awesome your high heels are.

This year I’m opting for a lower heel with a little bling on the top of the shoe.  Here are a few cute shoe options I found.

 

shoe 1  |  shoe 2  |  shoe 3

 

Step 2:  Pants Or Dress

In years past I would go on a hunt for the perfect dress.  A dress, mind you, that didn’t exist.  I would spend hours shopping and then settle for a dress I didn’t really love and wouldn’t have an occasion to wear again.  Hello…money down the toilet!  This year I decided to do separates.  Pieces I would happily wear again.

I opted to wear some black ankle pants I already owned and set out to find the perfect top to go with them.  The only requirement I had was that it had to be something I could make holiday looking through accessories and it must be something I would want to wear again a few weeks after Christmas.  I decided to ditch sequence for a top that would stand the test of time.  Here’s a few I considered, and ultimately bought one.

Blouse 1  |  Blouse 2   |  Blouse 3

Step 3:  Jewelry Makes or Breaks It

I love jewelry because it doesn’t care what size you are.  Gain or lose five pounds and a pair of earrings will still fit.  I look at jewelry as a major part of my wardrobe.  Any of the above tops paired with a fancy necklace and stunning bracelet will set the tone.  One of my favorite places for jewelry is Ann Taylor.  This isn’t sponsored in any way, I just love their jewelry so much.

Necklace 1 |  Necklace 2   |  Necklace 3

Step 4:  Don’t Carry Your Everyday Purse

I know it is so easy to grab your purse and go out the door, but don’t do it!  Invest in a beautiful evening purse.  It really pulls the whole look together and takes your outfit up a notch.  You can find evening purses at so many places and can spend just a little bit or a whole lot to obtain the perfect evening purse.  Here are a few of my current favorites.

Handbag 1  |  Handbag 2  |  Handbag 3

Final Tip:  Hair and Makeup

Now, I’m no makeup and hair expert (even though I worked the makeup counter through college) but I have had the good fortune of taking four girls to the Miss Georgia pageant.  During the orientation weekend (about three months before the pageant) contestants and their sponsors attend informational sessions.  I always take notes when they bring in the hair and makeup expert.  Here are a few things I’ve learned from her.

The first tip, don’t wear foundation that has an SPF in it if you are going to be photographed.  This is why some people look like their face is glowing in pictures because the flash bounces off the SPF and they get the white face and brown neck syndrome.

I know right?  Who knew!

The second tip is that fake eyelashes aren’t really that hard to put on.  She showed us how to put a small amount of glue on and then let the glue set up for a while.  Then start at the center and then slowly push down the sides with a tweezers.

You should be all set!  If you follow me on Instagram you will see my outfit on Thursday night.  I’ll snap a picture and post to Instagram.  Which top do you think I chose?  Which was your favorite?