What to Wear: Holiday Party Dressing

'Tis the season for holiday parties!  But what to wear, what to wear?? I know first hand how difficult it can be to find an outfit that is appropriate for the celebration you are attending, but is not too revealing or youthful (I already look young enough, I don't need to emphasize it!).   This is especially problematic if it's an office party you are headed to, or a place where your co-workers will be - you don't want to shock them with your weekend wear! So, here are some inspiring looks that I consider appropriate, stylish and fun: 

First, you can never go wrong in floor length black dresses!  Never inappropriate, though it errs on the side of formal, so be wary of the event you are attending.

From left: Natalie Portman in Christian Dior; Kate Bosworth in Chanel; Victoria Beckham in Victoria Beckham Collection.

A new take on the floor-length gowns are dresses in white:

From left: Angelina Jolie in Versace; Mila Kunis in Elie Saab; Halle Berry in Alberta Ferreti

Overall, white is a big color for the season.  If floor-length is too much for the occasion (or you), shorter white dresses look just as chic, whether simple or intricate.

From left: Camilla Belle in Kimberly Ovitz; Beyonce in Antonio Berardi; Gwyneth Paltrow in Monique Lhuillier.

See more after the jump!


Long sleeves make it looks more fun and now, as they are everywhere right now:

From left: Olivia Wilde in Calvin Klein Collection; Kate Bosworth in Chloe; Kate Bosworth in Erdem.

Or you can wear the long-sleeved mini with sparkles:

From left: Mandy Moore in Matthew Williamson; Anne Hathaway in a gold-beaded white tunic; Whitney Port in Farah Angsana.

Sparkles also look good in cobalt tones...

From left: Kate Beckinsale in Dolce & Gabbana;  Kerry Washington in J. Mendel; Demi Moore in Marios Schwab.

... or black, obviously:

From left: Emmy Rossum in a sequined sheath; Taylor Swift in Jenny Packham; Halle Berry in Elie Saab.

But black sheaths are always an easy go-to, with or without the embellishments:

From left: Jennifer Hudson in a draped design; Amy Adams in Christian Dior; Claire Danes in a textured shift.

However, if you want something more of-the-moment, consider one-sleeved:

From left: Sofia Vergara in an assymetrical dress; Jessica Alba in Cushnie et Ochs; Natalie Portman in Lanvin for H&M.

Another fun look is dark and jewel-toned dresses with an exaggerated sweetheart neckline:

From left: Anne Hathaway in Dolce & Gabbana; Mila Kunis in Oscar de la Renta.

Or you can wear the jeweled-tone dress loose with a belted waist:

From left: Carrie Underwood in Jenny Packham; Molly Sims in a draped cobalt tunic.

If you really want to stand out, red never fails  These all have gathered waists and fun embellishments:

From left: Carey Mulligan in Prabal Gurung; Anne Hathaway in a crimson chiffon dress; Christina Hendricks in CH Carolina Herrera.

But, if you just can't decide which way to go, stick with the black pants:

From left: Emma Roberts in Zac Posen; Cameron Diaz in James Jeans leggings and a polka-dot blazer; Mila Kunis in a tuxedo jacket and skinny slacks.

So many options, each appropriate for an office holiday party, depending on the formality level.  Have fun choosing!

Photos courtesy of Instyle.com