Holiday Party Attire Primer

The holiday season is finally here, and many people are gearing up for some much-anticipated socializing. From a small get-together with a few life-long friends to attending your partner’s office party, your holiday party attire should be selected with care. Every event is an opportunity to shine. Dress scholars Mary Ellen Roach and Joanne Eicher remind us that “dress is one of the main ways we send social signals because what we wear shows our identity.”

Aside from being a great holiday guest, how you show up to the party sends a message to the hosts about your enthusiasm level. When you are well dressed, you are letting others know you take pride in yourself and are looking forward to a fun occasion. Putting together an outfit that communicates joy and confidence will boost your mood and the spirits of those around you. Keep reading for a handful of quick holiday party attire tips.

Holiday Party Attire Primer

Select a Seasonal Color Choice

If you want to make a statement, choose a color that radiates warmth. Depending on the occasion and the event, there is a color theme for the seasonal celebration. Blue, emerald green and black are all elegant colors for an evening affair. Bright red, Christmas green, gold, silver, chocolate brown, burgundy, ivory and purple are other fitting options. Check the invitation to garner clues about the formality of the event. Also, consider how well a hue complements your complexion. If you aren’t sure about your strongest shades, Stitch Fix has pulled together a handy guide (read to the end of their tips for universally flattering colors).

Create A Seamless Look

Never underestimate the value of a good underpinning. Well-fitting undergarments help your outfit look smooth and seamless. From smoothing and shaping to hiding any unwanted lines or bumps, choosing correctly from the types of ladies underwear is essential to creating a polished holiday outfit. Skipping the proper foundation underneath your outfit will dim your sparkle. Make sure and follow the wash directions between use to keep your lingerie in good condition.

Dress Up Not Down

It’s important to know the difference between black tie and business casual. Here is a simple Dress Code Guide to follow. For an office holiday party, a dress or long skirt is a great choice to look professional and feel comfortable while still keeping the mood festive. The rest of your details should be understated, wearing one key accessory that can be both a statement piece and a conversation starter. Estate pieces are great for this, but there are plenty of options online for any budget.

Best of All

You can be beautifully dressed from head to toe, but if you aren’t wearing one thing, you are not going to put your best foot forward. Your smile, the way you engage with people with your eyes and mouth are important possessions that money can’t buy. It doesn’t matter what else you wear, without an engaging demeanor, you are lacking a very critical piece of an overall look.

Be sure to check out The Protocol School of Texas. For more on holiday party attire, you may also like Demystifying the Holiday Dress Code. Read Diane’s posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on The Huffington Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter.