Holiday Dress Codes Decoded

Little frustrates party goers more than trying to interpret the dreaded Dress Code section of their Holiday Invitations. More often than not, we end up worrying if we’re going to be scoffed at for wearing our favorite blazer and jeans or if in the adverse, by wearing our favorite Carolina Herrera ball skirt, the rest of the party clad in casual frocks will think we are way too big for our britches. Well, you’re in luck. That’s where this dandy comes in. Below, I break down a few hypothetical Social Soiree’s and make you a fool proof guide to keeping it Vogue in your seasonal best.

DECEMBER OFFICE SOCIAL– Business Casual

We all know this one. Always after hours, but yet still at the office for some reason (couldn’t we do this at Honor Bar?), you walk in and marvel at how Karen from accounting somehow flipped the water cooler / java station into her version of a Mixologist’s basement. With the coffee mate and Splenda swapped out for solo cups and sliced lime wedges, the lights dimmed to a less than industrial hue, you enter wanting to look your best in front of the people you see more than you’re family. The biggest ensemble challenge here, is how to dress for a party that’s at work without looking like you’re still on the clock. Jeans feel taboo, and forget wearing the ugly Christmas sweater you found in the attic, this needs to be a fresh take on Susan at the office (also, for all intents and purposes through out, you are Susan). Reed’s Take on this is put perfectly by Meghan Markle, seen here in a matching Givenchy sweater and skirt, and Manolo Blahnik heels.

Why it Works

The Navy hue of this tonal set is tailored yet soft as knits always feel poised and inviting, like a hug from your favorite Grandmother (because there’s always a favorite). The color is also good to note here, as choosing red or green would be too obvious for such a gathering, yet deep jewel tones always come across elevated and appropriate. Add in the on theme navy suede pump, the after five low slung chignon up do and you are ready to take on the ever exciting world of your coworkers after they’ve had a few spirits.

WINTER LIBATIONS AT THE MANSION– Cocktail

This one might be my favorite, as it really is up to the readers interpretation. Sometimes this invite comes by way of a client or their firm. Sometimes it’s from a fine upstanding publication like Paper City wanting to celebrate the season with their readers, whatever the intention may be, dressing tends to have the most room for interpretation. The vibe here tends to be a bit more elevated. Chic and moody alcoves flanked by dimly lit cocktail tables give a fashionable abidance while the 360 photo booth and DJ Lucy Wrubel spinning the Holiday Hits make the room playful and exciting. Reed’s Take on such an event is exampled splendidly by Julia Roberts in this powder blue Sandro suit and clean heeled sandal.

Why it Works

The look feels fresh and forward (menswear always feels a bit rebellious doesn’t it dears?) and pairing it with the playful Rolling Stones t-shirt says ‘I might be wearing a suit, but I am no stranger to a Hot Buttered Rum’. These types of events are also the kind where you want to show off a look that photographs well, and lets all be real, that concern is not only valid, it is important. Keep the shoes classic and the hair fun and flirty, and you are party ready.

FRIENDS HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA– Holiday Festive

These are the types of get togethers where you gather with your nearest and dearest chosen family to celebrate the holidays. Almost always at someone’s home, catered by somewhere you all know and love (COME THROUGH Mi Cocina), child approved and filled with holiday hutzpah. You feel more relaxed here, yet you still want to look appropriately jovial and party ready. Reed’s Take on this is chicly displayed by Bella Hadid’s cozy yet sexy sweater dress with gold accoutrements and a statement making tall boot.

Why it Works

I love a good sweater dress moment. There’s a nod to the 80’s (which we should all recognize and respect) as well as, to be honest, it just looks comfortable. By adding the touch of high gloss with the classic Chanel gold belt and appropriately sized handbag you give this often casual skewed piece a nice punch of evening. This is also the time to show off a statement making shoe. Why not? You know you are really only going to wear them for the first part of the party, during pictures and well before the Eggnog hits and you all gather around the fire for Karaoke. Key Point: these events are the ones we feel most at home at. So that fear some of us have about playing with trends should feel like little risk when surrounded by the ones you love.

FANCY DRESS FESTIVUS– Black Tie

Last, but definitely not least, are the events that require a little more planning also known as Spanx. These might be happenings to do with the Symphony, or your favorite Charity’s annual fundraiser, where the dress is required to follow a more sophisticated path. These events often include words like “Butler Service’ and ‘Silent Auction’, and come with both a pre-dinner and after dinner cocktail party… you know the type. Reed’s Take on this is personified by Zoe Kravitz in this off the shoulder Gabriela Hearst column gown.

Why it Works

To me, Black Tie is the hardest to dress for if wanting to stay faithful to your personal style. However, by choosing something like this off the shoulder, pearl adorned frock, Kravitz still feels young and fresh. The pearl detail is a nice option in lieu of a sequin or stone, but remains refined and appropriate. Look, if they were good enough for Ariel, they’re good enough for us. Keeping the neck bare and the hair away from her face, she looks elegantly radiant. Again we have a shout out to the deep navy hue. With its richness and shine it is the perfect alternative to black. Overall, the look exudes elegance and self-confidence, and those two things never go out of style.