Sunday, December 06, 2009
Life, Style

Put on your party pants

SP gets you dressed for all the holiday parties

By Alison Abbey

Proper yuletide attire required. Wrong shirt, wrong shoes: no presents.
With a slew of parties on the holiday horizon, it can be tough to navigate the wardrobial waters and find that perfect piece for your chosen theme party. Champagne wishes and Santa Claus dreams can be shattered if you’re seen wearing a tacky Christmas sweater with your skinny jeans at the office Christmas party. Conversely, you’ll stand out like a fruitcake on a table full of Sprinkles cupcakes if you arrive at your preppy pal’s afternoon tea wearing a one-shouldered sparkler. Forget deciding what to buy for the friend who’s got everything: The true Christmas dilemma is dressing to impress.
We’ve compiled a list of sartorial stocking stuffers that are sure to make a splash no matter the occasion. From meeting the folks at a family gathering to caroling over a cup of hot toddy to meeting that cute co-worker under the mistletoe, we’ve got your holiday assets covered.

Clink Clink: Christmas Cocktails
The Invite: Your trendiest friends are throwing the holiday party of the century. It’s a seasonal see-and-be-seen event that is not to be missed—if only for the killer people-watching and endless supply of Veuve.
Proper Attire: With this crowd, standing out is a must. Up the aesthetic ante by donning a sparkling one-shouldered number by ABS. Form-fitting and flawless, this luminescent dress exudes classy, sassy holiday style. Bundle up in a chiffon-trim bubble jacket when en route to this fab fete. Drop it at the door for a dramatic reveal. Cheers!
One-shoulder dress by ABS $196, at www.chickdowntown.com. Chiffon Trim Jacket by Twelve by Twelve at www.forever21.com.

Here You Come A’ Wassailing
The Invite: It’s an evening of caroling and cocoa with friends and family. Whether it’s a walking tour singing “Silent Night” for the neighbors, a night of sitting around the fire loudly proclaiming that Santa Claus is in fact coming to town, or a trolley ride around town with proper words and music in your lap, you’ll want to look the musical part.
Proper Attire: Kids will be in attendance, so you don’t want to look like too hot a toddy, but you still want to sing a clear song to the (of-age) singles. Skinny jeans, a cozy sweater and some serious boots will hit all the right notes and keep you feeling the tidings of both comfort and joy. (And while the top hat isn’t a necessity, it’s a caroler’s apropos chapeau.) James Jeans Randi, $152, at Jac (www.dearjac.com). Stripe shawl sweater, $29.80, at www.forever21.com. Top hat at www.hm.com.

Festive Family Fete
The Invite: It’s the first time you’re meeting your significant other’s family. The evening activities will include Christmas-tree trimming, eggnog sipping and crazy Aunt Sadie-meeting. Not to mention a little one-on-one time with your sweetie’s overprotective mom and rum punch-guzzling grandpa.
Proper Attire: A stellar first impression is a must, so go with a subtle shimmer that says take-me-home-to-mom classy rather than street-walking sassy. This demure but festive metallic-detailed skirt by TIBI is a great way to announce your presence as you open presents. Pair it with a simple turtleneck and a bold red scarf for a haute holiday look that’s sure to make you look better than the ex ever did. TIBI Metallic Leaves Skirt, $238, and KERSH Big Apple Red raw edged scarf, $65, both at www.chickdowntown.com.

The Office Holiday Special
The Invite: Your company is throwing its annual holiday party. Normally you skip this snooze-worthy soiree, but this year you have a vested interest in office politics: Not only are you gunning for that Christmas bonus, but you’re also crushing on a certain cutie from HR.
Proper Attire: If you’re looking to score both professional points and mistletoe face-time, a dress that’s both sexy and appropriate is key. A simple sheath like a jersey MCQ Alexander McQueen dress is totally office-approved, but the brilliant burst of lacquer red is hot enough to melt the marshmallows in the HR hottie’s cocoa. MCQ Alexander McQueen Obi Dress, $294, at www.chickdowntown.com.

Tacky is the New Classy
The Invite: Your hipster friends are throwing their annual Tacky Holiday Sweater party. The competition for best (read: worst) sweater will be tough, so prepare for a night of trash-talking and tackiness.
Proper Attire: A tacky sweater, duh! And remember, the tackier the better. There’s a 365-day title at stake here. Be sure to hit up the local Goodwill, thrift shops and garage sales to find the best of the worst like the amazingly awful ones from www.weloveholidaysweaters.wehatesheep.com. SP