Ugly sweater parties aside, dressing for holiday fetes can be a bit of a challenge—you want to be festive, but without looking like a Christmas tree. Make sure you stand out at your holiday party this year with the season’s best trends.
Oxblood
Fashionistas from Milan to Malibu declared oxblood this season’s hottest color; the shade is dramatic and perhaps a bit somber, but that doesn’t mean it can’t make its way into your holiday ensemble—it is red, after all, albeit muted. It isn’t for the faint of heart, but an oxblood leather dress will surely command attention at any party. Neil Barrett’s leather shift dress is provocative and sexy without revealing much skin and its geometric pleating takes it from a simple shift to a work of art ($1,459 at intermixonline.com). For those who want to take a subtler approach, try oxblood accessories or jewelry. The suede Rey clutch by House of Harlow ($158 at houseofharlow1960.com) will add old Hollywood glamour to any party outfit.
Men can pull off oxblood, too. Match Norse Project’s chinos ($98.51 at farfetch.com) with a blazer for a look that is fairly casual but sophisticated enough for a party. Tod’s Gommino Driving Shoe ($445 at tods.com) is a dependable classic, and it takes on a modern twist in oxblood—the perfect way to spice up an otherwise staid ensemble.
Velvet
Rich, sumptuous velvet has made a big comeback this year, and it’s the perfect weight to wear during the holidays in cooler temperatures. Velvet cocktail dresses are ideal for holiday parties, as the material always lends frocks an air of ladylike formality. Be careful to pick a dress with an interesting cut so that it doesn’t come off as stuffy. Black Halo’s Jackie O Dress ($390 on shopbop.com) boasts an asymmetrical neckline and a cut that is almost universally flattering. You can also forgo the dress altogether and instead pair a silk blouse with a pair of skinny velvet pants, like the ones by 7 For All Mankind ($178 at piperlime.com).
Guys can get merry with the Racks velvet slippers by Stubbs & Wooton ($450 at stubbsandwooton. com). The evergreen shoes are adorned with reindeer antlers—the perfect combination of luxury and kitsch. Though it may be rather flashy, the velvet blazer is the ultimate formal jacket for male style worshippers. Tone your blazer down with jeans, or amp it up with brightly colored pants. J. Crew’s Ludlow sport coat hits the spot without breaking the bank ($288 at jcrew.com).
Sparkle
Glittery party dresses are always popular this time of year, but the trend can get tired fast. Don’t be caught wearing the same strapless sequined minidress as the next girl at your party, and pick something unique— you can also toughen up overly girly dresses with a biker jacket or cuff bracelets. The metallic maxi dress from Topshop ($390 at topshop.com) is a gorgeous apricot dress with a subtle shimmer that definitely won’t evoke images of Vegas showgirls—think more along the lines of “The Great Gatsby” with its dramatic length and unique peach color. It may be dramatic, but it isn’t tacky. If your party is more casual, wear Tracy Reese’s sequined blouse from the Neiman Marcus for Target line ($79.99) with a blazer, skinny trousers and heels. You can also accessorize with a silk necklace by Roarke ($395 at roarkenyc.com). The intricately beaded scarf will make any outfit pop; add it to your little black dress or favorite camisole for a chic and simple evening look.
Sequins are a faux pas for men, but guys can still sparkle figuratively, at least, with some shiny accessories. Paul Smith’s Robot cufflinks ($125 at farfetch. com) are fun and will remind guys of opening their first toy robot underneath the tree. Man bracelets are all the rage, and no one will question the masculinity of a man rocking Miansai’s sterling silver bullet cuff ($205 at miansai.com). The key to pulling off the man bracelet is to not go overboard—less is more.
