Three Holiday Party Looks I'm Wearing This Week
Sequins, rhinestones, and prints to meet the moment.
Creating the best holiday party outfit isn’t an exact science, it’s more of an art form. I’m in pursuit of a look that matches — no, raises — the style vibes around me, and yet somehow can still handle the commute there (hey, NYC parties call for subway stairs and oftentimes slush puddles).
Personally, I also want an element of festivity: luxurious brocade details, over-the-top sequins, or head-turning prints that say, “It’s not just a regular night out. It’s the holidays!” This is the season I’m reminded why I dedicate precious closet space to that rhinestone-studded corset top the whole rest of the year. The calendar full of cocktail catch-ups, dinner dates, and gift exchanges gently shushes the part of me that questions, “Maybe a mesh turtleneck with a seafood tower on it is a bit impractical?” (Just kidding. I would never say that!)
Because I love to plan out my holiday looks (okay, any looks really) multiple days in advance, I thought it might be fun to take you through three styles I’m already planning to wear this week.
*Please Note: I may earn a commission on some products purchased through links in this article.
Look 1: Eclectic Eloise
The Event: Cocktail Catch-Up With A Friend
The Location: Hotel Chelsea
The Style Assignment: Yes, I know Eloise technically lives at The Plaza, but imagine, if you will, what her outfit might look like if she grew up and moved downtown — to Hotel Chelsea. The vibes here are difficult to define with one single outfit. Instead, I’ll defer to writer and rock ‘n’ roller Patti Smith, who so perfectly put it, “I loved this place, its shabby elegance, and the history it held so possessively… So many had written, conversed, and convulsed in these Victorian dollhouse rooms. So many skirts had swished these worn marble stairs. So many transient souls had espoused, made a mark, and succumbed here.”
I love a music history reference more than most (and you can’t forget the legendary stories behind iconic Chelsea guests, like Janis Joplin, Andy Warhol, Leonard Cohen, Sid Vicious and Nancy Spungen, among others), but the Lobby Bar (where we will meet up) is absolutely more decadent refinement than ‘60s-, ‘70s-, and ‘80s-era rock ‘n’ roll. Still, I’ll plan to steal the style spotlight in a sequin miniskirt and funky Pepto Bismol-pink coat — polished up with the help of the Jackie bag in tow.
Look 2: Glam Girls’-Night-Outer
The Event: Festive Dinner With Friends
The Location: The Roxy
The Style Assignment: I love the moody celebratory vibes at The Roxy — so much so, that I actually had my birthday dinner there in the bar a couple years ago, followed by a show at the Django, the jazz club downstairs. For this outing though, the three of us have booked a reservation in the bar for some sips and snacks (fingers crossed there will be a band playing the bar!).
My friends and I decided on this spot because it’s explicitly dressier than the dives we usually frequent, so I’m purposefully leaning into the dressed-up vibes in a bedazzled corset top, midi-length accordion-pleat skirt, and pink sling-back pumps with a metallic brocade (scored at the Jimmy Choo sample sale — read about that little adventure here). Can’t forget the rhinestone bag, which was a festive find discovered last year at J.Crew, while on a holiday shopping trip with my mom. <3
Look 3: Corporate Party Hopper
The Event: [Redacted] Corporate Holiday Party
The Location: Somewhere on Bowery
The Style Assignment: This is an excellent question! The crowd will be full of creative types: designers, writers, and art directors, which in my mind means GOOD LOOKS. However, the little shindig will be held at an office (though it will be transformed into a magical holiday soirée with fun lighting, tinsel walls, and a DJ booth), so does that still keep it somewhat casual? I’m thinking I bring in the festivity with a red and green plaid print front and center, and lean into the dress’s retro vibes (hello bell sleeves) with a faux-leather patchwork coat and matching square-toe boots. The look easily toes the line between dressy and casual, which will keep me comfy, no matter what everyone else is wearing.
Which look is your fave? Tell me what your go-to party looks are below!
Yours in Holiday Party Outfit Styling,
Elly
*Please Note: I may earn a commission on some products purchased through links in this article.