Holiday Party Fashion: Build Looks That Last Past The Season

Simple, practical tips for holiday party outfits that work hard, not just for one evening.

Start with what is already in your closet

Before you look for anything new, pull out every piece you own that you have worn to an event before. Lay them all on your bed. Many people forget half the things they already have when they are excited for an upcoming party. You can pair a plain black skirt you wore to a work lunch with different jewellery, or pull out a blazer that usually goes with office trousers. Nothing says you can only wear an item once, or only for one type of occasion. Open your Virtual Closet if you have logged items there, it will show you combinations you would not have thought of yourself. You might already have everything you need, without ordering anything at all.

Choose pieces that work for more than one event

When you do decide to add something new, ask yourself one question first: will I wear this at least three other times in the next twelve months? This is not about being boring. This is about buying things that earn their space in your home. A plain midi dress can go to a family dinner, a work party and a friend's birthday with small changes. A sequin top that only works on 24 December will sit in the back of your closet for 51 weeks of the year. You can browse Mix & Match Wardrobe for pieces intentionally designed to be worn multiple ways. There is no rule that holiday outfits have to be loud, or only for December.

Three ways to restyle one base piece

Take one simple base: for example, a black jumpsuit. First look: for a formal evening party, add drop earrings, heeled boots and a thin belt at the waist. Second look: for an afternoon house gathering, throw an open cardigan over the top, wear clean white sneakers and carry a small tote bag. Third look: for a work holiday lunch, add a tailored blazer, tuck a thin silk scarf inside the neckline and wear flat loafers. That is three completely different outfits, from one single item. You can test all these combinations on your avatar in the Mix & Match Studio before you arrange anything physically.

Check fit properly before you commit

Nothing gets worn less than an item that does not fit quite right. You might tell yourself you will adjust it, or that it feels okay for one night. Almost always, it will go unworn after the party. When you try anything on, move around. Sit down. Lift your arms. Check how it feels after ten minutes, not just the first ten seconds standing in front of a mirror. If you are adjusting it even once while you try it on, it will annoy you all evening. Use our size calculator before ordering. Get the fit right first, and you will reach for this piece for years.

Look after pieces so they stay good

An outfit that looks great once is not useful. An outfit that looks just as good on the tenth wear is worth having. Most party pieces get ruined because people do not check the care label before washing or storing them. Hang dresses properly, not folded over a chair. Brush sparkly fabric gently instead of scrubbing it. Take off jewellery before you wash dishes or hug anyone wearing wool. You can find full step by step instructions in the fabric care guide. Five minutes of correct care will add years of wear to almost anything.

Small touches that change an entire look

You do not need a new dress for every party. You only need a small selection of interchangeable touches. One pair of good earrings, one fabric belt, one scarf, one cardigan and two different pairs of shoes will give you over twelve distinct looks from just three base garments. Nobody will notice you are wearing the same skirt. They will notice the different finish. Browse Women's Accessories or Sculpted Earrings for simple pieces that work with almost anything. 5% of each sale goes to a cause you choose.

Where to start in the store: Home Decor and Kitchen & Dining.

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