Friday, December 07, 2007

What to Wear to a Holiday Party?

Ben's work throws amazing parties, which is cool, but a little stressful!! A few days ago, he brought home a beautiful invitation for the Annual Holiday Soiree for later this month, and it says the attire is cocktail chic.

I can imagine what other people will wear, but I'm having a hard time picturing what I can wear to this! It's tough since most dresses that would fit that category are short, sleeveless, and bare. I have a black, short-sleeved dress, but I can't decide if it is exactly right for the occasion (I got it in the summer). I googled "cocktail chic attire" and this is one thing that came up (under a wedding site):

Cocktail Attire: Dress as you would for a fancy cocktail party or a fancy dinner out on the town. This attire is similar to that indicated above for Evening Weddings, but with an emphasis on sophistication. Women should strive for elegance and chic, rather than sweet or pretty dresses. Men should dress to be their most dashing (although tuxedos are not appropriate).

and under Evening Weddings, it says - Dress as you would for a nice dinner out. Men should wear suits, women should choose dresses, skirts or elegant suits. Select darker, more sophisticated colors and fabrics than you would choose for a morning or afternoon wedding. Jewelry can be more elaborate, and women would probably choose to carry a small evening bag rather than a purse.

So as you're out shopping in these next few weeks, let me know if you see any dresses that might fit this description! Do any of you have a favorite store (physical location or online) that you are able to find dresses that aren't totally bare but suitable for things like this? This is all very out of my element...

6 comments:

Heather said...

Oh, I totally understand your dilemma! I can't help you with a good place to find your own, but I think I have something you can borrow . . .

DC Diva said...

So exciting! I can't wait to hear all about this Diva-style affair. You can never go wrong w/ a black dress... it's all about what you put with it. Fabulous jewelry (big, fun stuff) and accessories... like a jewel-toned Pashmina (fake of course... making it a Fashmina). Do post pictures!!! And if you get super stumped, call Jessica -- she's SO good at this stuff.

Kerstin said...

Okay I am laughing so hard right now. . . I love that line "emphasis on sophistication but strive for elegance and chic". Hilarious!!!

You may want to try Shade Clothing or Shabby Apple. A couple weeks ago I got an email saying Shade Clothing has a sale on their dresses. I love them but they are really pricey but if the sale is still going on it may be affordable.

Sarah Beck said...

i think target has some nice "cocktail dresses" and some are modest. i just tried looking at the website, but couldn't find what they had in the store. you might check target in the store!

Jen said...

I can't wait to see pictures and hear all about the party! I had to find a dress for Eric's party last week,though there was no dress code with the word "chic" in it and it was still tough. I agree that black dresses are great and it will matter more what you put with it. How fun to just go accessory shopping! I never do that. You'll look great in whatever you choose - that is the nice thing about being Sarah!

Rachie said...

Did you find something? I think some of the gap stuff was on SALE!!!