I’ll use any excuse to get dressed up, which is why holiday party outfits are my saving grace during the long winter season dominated by sweaters, jeans, and oversized jackets. (I wanted to say parkas and earmuffs but I know I would be called out for being dramatic living in Los Angeles 😉 ). The holidays are the one time a year you can go over the top with the glitz and glam and totally getaway with it.
Unfortunately, nowadays the ugly sweater trend is ruining holiday parties for us all. Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing I love more than being comfortable and casual, most winter nights you’ll find me in sweats curled up on the couch. Which is why if I am going to brave the bone chilling temperatures of Santa Monica and spend all that time getting ready, I’m sure as heck not going to just throw on a pair of jeans and some overpriced tacky sweater I’m never going to wear again!
Luckily, every year I still get invited to a few classic holiday parties where I get to wear some fun fancy outfits. I rounded up a couple of my favorite looks for the 2018 season that you can wear to any holiday event (even an ugly sweater party if you’re a rebel like me ;))
Holiday Party Look #1 A Classic Red Jumpsuit
I tend to shy away from purchasing jumpsuits because it usually involves a trip to the tailor. Petite jumpsuits are hard to find so I immediately snagged this red one when I came across it on ASOS. I was delighted when it arrived a few days later and it fit like a glove! This jumpsuit is the perfect length for any woman 5’4 and under. The proportions are perfect all around and it’s true to petite sizing. I am pear-shaped, but this is one of the few jumpsuits that has all the elements to flatter any figure. The bow cinches and falls at just the right spot on the waist to minimize any potential FUPA (aka lower tummy region) and create a streamlined silhouette. It’s still pretty warm here in Southern California so I didn’t need to put on any sort of jacket while wearing this during the day. As it gets colder I will definitely need to incorporate outerwear. For a more casual event (AKA ugly sweater party) pair with a cropped leather jacket. For something more formal a faux fur jacket works well, too. The best part about this jumpsuit is its timelessness and versatility. Whether it be five years ago, or five years from now this piece turns heads- and in good way! It will remain one of those go-to closet staples for any season.
Holiday Party Look #2 The Trendy Mini Wrap Dress
I was in Zara a couple of weeks ago and came across this little number. Believe it or not – it’s actually a romper! I didn’t realize it until I went to try it on and I realized I put both legs in one short leg! I wasn’t sure about it once I figure it out, rompers can go either way for me. However, once I got it on I was pleasantly surprised. Any angle you look at it you would have no idea it was a romper, it really looks like a mini dress. I actually like the fact it is a romper because you don’t have to constantly worry about flashing anyone! I also love the wrap design in the front. The blazer dress is so hot right now, and while this isn’t exactly it, it has the same structure of this trend that’s totally in right now. Again, the waist belt is super flattering, and I love the gold ring detail for that subtle bling. The pockets are another addition for added style.
Pro Tips For Petites: and anyone else who is smaller in the shoulders – make your own fake shoulder pads to give added structure at the top. I have a small shoulder width, so V-neck cuts can fall droopy and slouchy on my frame. To correct the fit, I take chicken cutlets (those sticky bra things) or the bra padding from my bikinis and I safety pin it them into the inside shoulder. This eliminates extra fabric from the V-cut and enhances the structured shoulder look that helps balance out my proportions. Seriously, this little trick will forever change the way you think about low-cut necks!
Holiday Party Look #3 The Winter White Dress
I love this outfit because it’s such an unexpected look. As much as I love glitz and bling, it can get a little…basic. This outfit is SO not basic. To me, winter whites give off an air of subtle sophistication. AnytimeI see someone in an all-white outfit I feel like they just seem so chic. Image, a holiday party where every girl is in typical gold sequins or red dresses. You walk into a party with the guts to pull off a white dress and the thought going through every girls’ mind is, “damn, I wish I thought to rock a winter white look!” The turtleneck and asymmetrical cut elevates the style from basic tight white dress to COOL GIRL WHITE DRESS.
In my Indian Summer post, I talked about another dress I wanted to try out with over-the-knee boots. Well, this is the dress! I absolutely love the asymmetrical cut with the over-the-knee boots. Not only does it take the look from summer white party to winter wonderland – it gives the outfit an interesting proportion. I got this dress on Sabo Skirt a couple of years ago, but here is one you can create a similar look with from Boohoo petite. I decided to give the dress a belt to breakup the white, but you could easily go without. For cold weather, I would remove the belt and add either a cropped faux fur jacket OR a long single-breasted coat with a slicked back bun or pony (think Olivia Culpo) to give it a sleek high-fashion look.
What are your thoughts on ugly sweater parties? Do you like them, or would you rather get dressed up in outfits like these? Regardless of your opinion, I hope you all have a fabulous holiday party season!
Outfit Details
ASOS DESIGN Petite Wrap Front Jumpsuit with Peg Leg and Self Belt
Zara Faux Suede Jumpsuit
Sabo Skirt Asymmetrical Dress - Similar
