since tomorrow is december 1st (<– how on earth did that happen?!), it’s time to start planning what you’ll be wearing to all those holiday shindigs! from social gatherings to your annual company soiree, it can be overwhelming (and expensive!) trying to coordinate outfits appropriate for each affair. so for the next five days, i’m excited to be your personal holiday dressing assistant. each post will feature two looks and will hopefully be the inspiration you need to prepare ensembles for the upcoming festivities.

oh! and lest i forget the most important part! the best thing about this series is that EVERYTHING i’m wearing were things i already had in my closet -proving that you don’t always have to shop in order to create a cute holiday look. sometimes all it takes is a little creativity and magic.

today’s looks are both a bit fancier in nature -so use them as inspiration if you’re headed to a holiday performance at the local theatre or to your boss’s cocktail party hosted at his/her home.

 

look one

 

 

 

i’m one of those people who looks really good in olive. come to think of it, i bet most people look good in it. anyway, i bought this dress at madewell last year to wear to my cousin’s wedding. it was one of those dresses that had no initial hanger appeal when i first spotted it in the store, but once on, was surprisingly super flattering.

side note style tip: when in doubt, try it on. most of my best style finds have been a result of trying on something i didn’t initially like/thought would look good on me. best case scenario? you find a new cut/color/pattern to add to your style arsenal. worst case? you have yourself a good laugh in the dressing room (like the time i tried on a denim romper that was all kinds of wrong).

but back to this dress. while it may not at first blush look entirely holiday-esque, with the proper accessorizing, it’s perfect for an evening at the ballet (nutcracker anyone?) or your company’s formal holiday party. the neckline is sophisticated and chic and the flowy shape ensures you won’t be pulling at the hemline all night long to avoid an embarrassing wardrobe malfunction. dress it up with a pair of tights and ton of gold accents.

 

outfit details:

dress | madewell (similar)
tights | target
topaz chain necklace | bauble bar (similar)
pumps | charles david
bow clutch | h&m (similar)

 

look two

 

 

 

i call this look ice princess meets winter bride. there’s something so ethereal about wearing head to toe white (or off-white). there’s also something so dangerous about it, too — as in be sure to avoid everyone drinking red wine and other colorful foods. the possibility for stains aside, i love a good monochromatic look. if your tendency is to reach for an all black ensemble to feel chic, i encourage you to try the “all one color” trend with a different hue. when paired together intentionally, shades of cranberry, emerald, white, and even grey (all 50 of them) can offer a clean, polished, and festive look this time of year. need proof? click here.

 

outfit details:

blouse | madewell (similar)
skirt | anthropologie (similar)
t-strap pumps | seychelles (similar)
gold skinny belt | gap (similar)
statement necklace | banana republic (similar)

 

be sure to tune in tomorrow for looks three & four!

p.s. linking up with more pieces of me & sincerely jenna marie

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