Originally posted on https://castawayclothing.com/blogs/news/your-guide-to-being-the-best-dressed-at-the-christmas-and-holiday-party-this-season

As the first red and orange leaves start to hit the ground, our minds automatically shift to the Holiday Party season. Cool crisp air calls for thoughtful layering, and beloved leather boots coming out of hibernation. As born and bred New Englanders, we are partial to a substantially knit sweater as our autumnal layering piece, preferably in a classic Birdseye pattern. Perfect for visiting with old friends Thanksgiving Eve, or a Turkey Day hike to ward off the gravy led food coma. Once the bird is carved, and you have moved up into the next pant size, it’s time for Santa and Michael Bublé to come out of hibernation! It truly is the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.

Holiday parties are a tale as old as time. From your great aunt Helen’s infamous Christmas Eve gathering to Frank Sinatra and Mia Farrow’s Hollywood affairs. The Holidays are a time to come together and celebrate in the spirit of the season; with the spirits of the season if you know what I mean. A warm room, cold drinks, good music, and a fun guest list are the bases for a successful party.

The king of the Holiday Party scene, of course, is the Christmas Soiree. Your host/hostess will be spending hours of their days meticulously planning every detail of the party, so you must spend equivalent time styling your party attire! Tried and true holiday party stunners include a bit of velvet here, some sparkle there, and a pop of red somewhere. Step aside ugly Christmas Sweaters. Current trends suggest metallics, sequins, velveteen suiting, or winter florals spice up your winter wardrobe.

But who says Holiday party dressing has to follow a mold? Who wants to be a simple party-goer when you could be the life of the party! Wearing the Christmas Tree on your Pants will be the icebreaker you’ve always needed to mix and mingle the night away.  You and your comrades will be instantly transported to the land of sugarplum fairies, and rocking around the Christmas tree. May we suggest a subtler pop of cheer for those not as bold, in the form of a Tartan Belt or scarf.

Classic Scottish Tartan plaids rule the Holiday tablescape, adorn wreaths in the form of bows, and illicit a nostalgia for your Uncle Frank’s wool Pants he would break out once a year. Update that look for the Hostess by pairing this season’s hot Velvet Tuxedo Pant look with a Royal Stewart Tartan top and heels. Add a scotch on the rocks and a roaring fire, and you are the embodiment of the Christmas season.

Deck the Halls with hues of red, green, merlot, evergreen, crimson, emerald – you get the drift. Decorating for your gathering doesn’t have to be stressful; just make a game plan! Martha Stewart or not, prep work makes the dream work, so pick your party theme and stick to it. Sipping cocktails and singing along to carols make for a fun and casual get together. Casual dress can include a colorful Corduroy Pant and seasonal Sweater combination for both men and women. Classic prints, warm cashmere, or your favorite embellished sweater that others refer to as an “ugly Christmas sweater”, but you secretly love. Cozy knitted couples cuddled up by the fire sounds like a Saturday night well spent. Insert a Hot Toddy for maximum enjoyment.

For a chic & elegant affair, invite chic & elegant people! Your guest list and invitations will set the mood for the evening, so take care to style them to the theme of the party. A dressed-up cocktail party is always a crowd pleaser, as it provides a good excuse to dust off our fanciest heels or Embroidered Blazer. Coordinating outfits with your beau makes for the most Instagram-able couple award! Touches of Black Velvet, a peak of Lace or Tartan are the icing on the cake.

Remember, as the host or hostess, you want to have a good time as well!  A self-serve cocktail bar with seasonal accouterments will keep the party, and drinks, flowing. This allows for you to mingle amongst guests instead of manning the bar all night. Setting a signature drink for the party is also a fun way to express your personal flair. Steer away from the beloved Eggnog, and get creative! A bright pop of color or smoky autumnal flavor will surprise and delight guests. Garnish with a spring of rosemary or frosted cranberry and you have won Christmas.

Adult only parties are a barrel of laughs, but we all know, full family parties are the place to be. There is nothing cuter than little ones dressed up in their Christmas finery! Patent leather shoes and miniature bow ties certainly make the season merry and bright. Feel like scarring your children for life and matching!? Pick a color or motif and grab the matching Skirt/Dress/Pants for all members of your clan. Plan ahead and you can have the cutest Holiday card picture on the block!

Not one for large parties? Book that dim corner booth, and make your own private date night party for two! A velvet or sequined wrap dress is universally flattering and sure to turn heads. Men can join in the velvet game with a Smoking Jacket or Slippers. What a pair! Passersby will oh and ah as you flit home to beat the snow. This season, we hope you are filled with the Holiday spirit and are listed as the best-dressed amongst your fellow revelers!