As the holiday cocktail and office party invites start to flood your inbox this season, it’s important to remember a few things: Eggnog really can be a meal. It’s perfectly fine to buy yourself a gift while shopping for others (it was on sale!). And there’s a fine line between dressing “festive” and “tacky.”
To help keep you on the style nice list this year, we’ve found six shining examples of looks to avoid and looks to embrace as you head out to your celebratory soirees. Leave the naughty clothes for the Ugly Christmas Party folks—and Santa is sure to reward your good fashion sense.
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Naughty: Whoever came up with the idea that women should parade around during the holidays in sweaters festooned with snowmen, Santas or Christmas wreaths—bedecked in beads, sequins and gems, no less—should receive a lump of coal in his or her stocking for eternity. Unless your party invite insists you purposely wear an ugly sweater, just say no, no, no.
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Nice: When it comes to choosing a holiday sweater, here’s proof you can be playful and stylish. This wool/angora blend number features a bow that has been knit right into the sweater. Add a pretty skirt for a dressier affair or jeans or slacks for a casual brunch and—voila!—you’re the total package.
J.Crew Giant Bow Sweater, $98
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Naughty: Accessories and holiday parties go together like hot chocolate and
marshmallows—but step away from the tree pins, reindeer pendants and snowflake
earrings, especially if they light up. Santa has Rudolph. He doesn’t need you lighting the way, too.
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Naughty: The real reason Grandma got run over by a reindeer? She dared to wear this novelty dress. If you want to get laughs at the Ugly Christmas Party, fine. But if you’d prefer people to not snicker at you behind your back (or to your face), steer clear of overly-kitschy styles.
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Naughty: Things not to stick on your head at the office party: Lampshades. Your boss’s toupee. A pinecone headband. Seriously, pinecones belong in holiday tabletop centerpieces, not in your hair. Didn’t realize that already? Consider it your Christmas bonus.
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Nice: Green pants can scream “Look! I’m a Christmas tree!” Red pants can be fun, but also can tread into Santa Claus territory. So how to be festive, but still fashionable? Oxblood, baby. The trendiest color of the season—a dark, deep, brownish red—looks fab done in a skinny leather shape. Pair it with a black turtleneck, tank or blazer, throw on some heels and get ready to party. Bonus: No one will notice that red wine spill!
Rich & Skinny The Legacy Leather Jean, $176, Lester’s
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