Dressy Casual

With the holiday season right around the corner, I thought we might take a bit and talk dress codes for those shin-digs that will soon be filling up your social calendars. For most of us, there will be some sort of holiday party at work, and then, if you are on Santa's Nice List, also some sort of social gathering with friends. Whether it's a cookie or ornament exchange, a Secret Santa/White Elephant party (my least favorite one, ugh) or a holiday dinner, a girl's gotta look her best while still giving off that holiday cheer vibe! 

Source: stylemepretty.com via Rachel on Pinterest

Last year, I selected some work-appropriate holiday party attire to share with you, but today, I want to focus instead around the whole "dressy casual" phrase. What can that phrase really mean for a real girl with a real budget and a (maybe a little boring, last-season) real wardrobe to choose from? 

First, when I hear the phrase "dressy casual," I immediately think of the age-old classic of dark jeans and a sparkly top. Seriously, it might be the safest go-to that anyone can choose, and you likely already own at least half of the outfit! When paired with a pair of heels, you can go from work during the day directly to the party at night with this look.

I love this sparkly tank option from the Simply Vera line at Kohl's. It's a steal at only $33, and would look fantastic with your favorite pair of dark rinse skinny jeans. Add some blingy earrings and a chunky black bracelet to complete the look.

And look, they even have a holiday ruby-colored version, too! I love that the belt on both of these adds emphasis to your middle, but the flowy structure keeps things safe just in case you eat one too many cookies at the swap :)

I also love the combination of unexpected textures and materials to step things up for a dressy casual event. This combo of chambray plus glitz equals a South Beach holiday party gold mine, if you ask me. Just swap out that lavender scarf for a black one and add some black heels, and you are set for the evening.

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In the same vein, a basic gray tee can be glammed up with the addition of a sparkly skirt:

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I also LOVE this look of a chunky cableknit worn over some sparkle on the bottom! This just screams "winter lodge semiformal" to me, ha!

Source: capecodcollegiate.tumblr.com via Katherine on Pinterest

No sparkly clothes in your closet? I also love stepping up an otherwise pretty casual outfit for a dressier holiday event by adding in some special accessories. An oversized clutch with some shine can do the trick ...

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Or some blingy, oversized costume (or real!) jewelry, of course. Add these to an all-black outfit and your "dressy casual" look for the night is complete.

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I hope this helps you look at your own wardrobe with some renewed interest this holiday season! I'd love to feature your dressy casual "looks" as you create them, so snap a shot and send it my way -- I might just feature you right here on the blog! :)