Festive Chic: How to Dress for Holiday Parties

Elisa wears an all-gray look, Chibi shines in a gold trouser, and Lina opts for tuxedo dress with a gold collar. Photography by Taea Thale

We get excited about wearing metallics every holiday season. It’s the one time of year where it actually feels totally appropriate to dress like tinsel! But be careful not to overdo it. We asked NYC-based professionals Elisa, Lina, and Chibi to model three festive ensembles. Here are five tips so your holiday outfit can shine through and through.

1. Keep It Monochromatic. We don’t recommend wearing metallics from head to toe, but do keep it in the same color family by mixing textures, like fuzzy cashmere, for a surefire ensemble.

2. Choose a Statement Piece. A pair of gold trousers doesn’t need much more ornamentation. Keep the rest of your outfit simple by pairing a statement pant or skirt with a classic white blouse and black pumps. The overall effect is prim and polished.

3. Make Your Feet Sparkle. If you’re opting for an all-black look, put on a pair of sparkly, strappy sandals or cool oxfords immediately up the glam factor. Don’t forget to get your toes party-ready! A deep burgundy polish goes with everything.

4. Jewelry Counts. Sometimes all you need is a bold metal collar necklace or an armful of bangles to make even the most minimal black dress pop.

5. It’s All About the Clutch. A slim clutch is the chicest accessories. Just drop in your phone, keys, lipstick, and go!

On Elisa, left: Everlane The Cashmere Crew, $128, everlane.com; Zara Studio Slip Dress, $129, zara.com; Zara Metallic Finish Blucher, $90, zara.com; Michael Kors Pave-Embellished Silver-Tone Slim Bangle, $125, michaelkors.com

On Chibi, middle: Massimo Dutti Fringed Silk Shirt with Bow, $96, massimodutti.com; Topshop Premium Jacquard Suit Trousers, $120, topshop.com; Asos Premiere Pointed High Heels, $72, asos.com; Michael Kors Pave-Embellished Gold-Tone Bangle, $125, michaelkors.com; BaubleBar Pearl Hinge Bangle, $34, baublebar.com; Elizabeth and James Klee Ring, price upon request, elizabethandjames.com; Kate Spade Sailor’s Knot Pave Hinge Bangle, $88, katespade.com

On Lina, right: H&M Vest Dress, $50, hm.com; ASOS Hampton Heeled Sandals, $80, asos.com; Michael Kors Gold-Tone Choker, $145, michaelkors.com; Elizabeth and James Obi Bangle Bracelet, $115, shopbop.com; Elizabeth and James Celestial Bangle, price upon request, elizabethandjames.com

Photography by Taea Thale; Styling by Christopher Kim; Hair Styling by Siobhan Benson; Makeup by Amy Chin