Top: Joie [on sale!], Sweater Version Here| Skirt: J.Crew | Shoes: Valentino, Similar | Bag: YSL, Similar | Necklace: Similar [get size 3XL on 18″ chain] | Watch: Michael Kors | Bracelets: Hermes, David Yurman | Lipstick: YSL #7 | Tights: Nordstrom

Photography by: Angie Garcia

Holiday party invites have been sent out and your weekend schedule is probably filling up really quickly! It can be easy to decide what to wear for a big soirée, but what do you wear to a more casual office party? Or your friend’s get together at her home?!

There are so many red and green options out there, but if I’m being honest those aren’t the first options I gravitate towards when feeding my closet. If you don’t love red it can be hard to invest in that red party dress, because when will you wear it again?

Here’s my three tips for mastering a “wearable” holiday party look [i.e. something you’ll wear again and won’t feel guilty splurging on!]

1. Start with a Black Base.

Pick some black tights, heels and accessories then add in prints with a black base. Black is always in and can always be seen as festive. You can make it dressier with jewels, I love this necklace, but you’ll still feel comfortable if the party is a more casual home get together.

2. Pick a Dressy Heel.

If you aren’t wearing red or green, you might think you aren’t dressing for the occasion. My trick is a dressy heel because then you always appear to be party ready! I love my black Valentinos because I wear them with everything, but these are dupes that look just as great! A lot of my friends have them and I love the look! Or if you are more daring, try these!

3. Mix Prints!

Mixed prints might seem wild for a Tuesday [but I disagree 😉 ], but it’s a fun way to stand out at a party. The key to mixing prints is to mix one large print with one small. Leopard is always a safe go to and I fell in love with the cool-toned of this Joie blouse. Joie is my favorite brand for chic tops that will last a lifetime! Their cut and fit is something you’ll want to wear whether you are 22 or 52! They are a bit pricier, so I really only purchase one a year, but this is on sale! It’s the perfect Christmas gift. This skirt from J.Crew is on sale and it has a big floral print to fit the mix. Go down a size or two! I am wearing a 00 and I am normally a 2!

I kept my signature pink lip, but a red would be great! MAC Ruby Woo is the one red every gal can wear and feel like a smoke show with. It has a blue base so your teeth appear whiter instead of the dreaded yellow look! And my last trick for a holiday party is to always bring a hostess gift. I’m naturally a shy introvert [would you have ever guessed?! haha!] and hide behind Paul at parties where I don’t know anyone. He’s the outgoing one in the relationship. I like to bring a bottle of champagne or flowers from the flower market because it allows me to break the ice with the hostess and while she sets the gift up, I can talk to her and she then always introduces me to more people! It makes me feel so much more comfortable and at ease. 🙂 If the hostess doesn’t drink, disposable monogrammed guest bathroom towels are a favorite!

I hope this helps for your more casual party looks and if you have a dressy event to attend I’ll have a post next week with my favorite dresses for you that can take you from Christmas to NYE!

Have a wonderful day!