The shops are full of festive food and cheer, the lights are going up and your diary is getting busy. Here we come Christmas 2022!
It’s set to be a very different feel to last year when we were still nervous about group gatherings and the office party was likely a zoom affair! You could hide in your comfy clothes until it was all over, right??!!
Don’t panic if you aren’t prepared for an in person festive season yet. I’ve got you covered with some style and confidence boosting tips!
Take a look ahead at what you have in the diary. You have probably got a few Christmas drinks and or dinner dates planned plus a work get together perhaps?
My advice would be to start planning what to wear for each of these events in advance. Believe me it will save you so much time and worry as the dates approach.
You DO NOT need a new outfit for every occasion. In fact, if the attendees will be different at every event, you could even just repeat your outfit! There is absolutely nothing wrong with doing that in these times when we are all trying to save money and be more sustainable. Re-wear with pride!
Or perhaps you could make a small change to an outfit such as a different pair of shoes, belt necklace?
Plan your outfits from head to toe including shoes and any accessories then hang them at the front of your wardrobe ready to go. This ensures you will have to deal with any ironing or digging out items well beforehand – no last-minute panics!
If you are stuck for outfit inspiration – don’t worry, I’ll cover this later on!
Sometimes you may receive an invite which mentions a specific dress code – this can also be a source of stress if you aren’t sure. Here are some pointers and explanations for the main ones:
White Tie-
The most formal of dress codes and not seen too often Also known as Full evening dress and ‘tails’. For women this means a formal floor length gown and for men a white dress shirt, white bow tie and a jacket with tails.
Black Tie-
For women this doesn’t have to mean a floor length dress anymore nor does it have to be black. A cocktail knee length dress is fine even above the knee. Matching separates and jumpsuits would also be acceptable just ensure your outfit is glamorous think sequins and embellishment, luxurious fabrics such as silk, taffeta, satin, tulle, lace and chiffon. Add heels and polished accessories such as a clutch bag and jewellery. In recent years, fancy flat shoes have also become acceptable if you struggle with heels. Try a pair with a satin bow, a bright colour or print.
Black tie for men – this would normally mean a dinner jacket (tuxedo) often in black and a black bow tie but other colours for tuxedo jackets and bow ties are acceptable now too.
Cocktail-
For women this is very similar to a black-tie event but would not include a floor length gown. As above think glamorous and polished.
For men – the cocktail dress code offers a bit more flexibility. A dark suit and tie and smart shoes would fit the bill.
Festive –
For women think sequins and shine, red and green colours, sparkly accessories.
Men could consider a velvet jacket or coloured tie.
NB Unless specifically mentioned I WOULD NOT take this to mean antler hairbands, Christmas jumpers and tinsel!!
Smart Casual –
This is my husbands and many peoples least favourite dress code!! The best way to approach it is to think of one or two smart items you could wear with something more casual.
So, for women - you could add a blazer and heels to a daytime dress, a dressy top and heels to jeans, a smart blouse to relaxed trousers
For men – you could also do the blazer with jeans and smart shoes, a smart (cashmere?) jumper to dark denim jeans or trousers. Smart boots would also be acceptable instead of shoes. As a rule, trainers would not be acceptable, but it depends on the host and venue it may be acceptable to wear very neat and smart dark colour versions.
So, you understand the dress code and are ready to start planning outfits! It is likely you have already got all the ingredients to put together suitable outfits. Use the following outfit formulas to ‘shop your wardrobe’ first before hitting the shops! You may need to purchase some new accessories, but you’ll still be saving money if you don’t buy everything new!
Black tie/Cocktail ideas women –
Do you have a glamourous dress you like and feel comfortable in?
If it is black, you can try it with some different print shoes and statement jewellery. Charity shops have lots on offer this time of year – always worth a look. Coloured dresses such as red, blue, pink try clashing colour accessories to mix things up. (see pic for inspiration)
For men – if you don’t own a tux don’t forget you can hire - for more info see below. Also try charity shops and preloved shops. For a cocktail dress code take a look at a smart suit you own and try mixing with a non-work shirt or if you have some smart trousers, you feel great in search out a velvet blazer or different colour blazer on second hand sites, preloved/charity shops.
Smart Casual / Festive ideas
For both women and men my biggest tip is that a blazer is your friend! If you don’t own one you can get some amazing value ones at Zara /Zara men. I’ll say it again – try second hand sites vinted, eBay charity shops and preloved shops too.
For women you can pop a blazer over a dress, skirt and camisole, jeans and blouse and add heels, jewellery and bag and you are good to go!
For men add to smart trousers / dark jeans and a plain t shirt and shoes/smart boots.
For women a smart jumper over a sparkly skirt/tulle skirt and heels or a blouse with jeans/trousers and heels are great options. There are so many sparkly accessories around such as hairbands and glitzy bags so you can jazz up even the simplest of outfits. A denim dress is a great investment and can be worn from day to night.
You can save money and help the planet by searching out preloved items Plus no one else will have the same outfit!
Here are some of my favourite sites to check out.
Preloved clothes...
Great for designer labels...
Rental sites- perfect for formal events
Accessories
For men...
Preloved boutiques and small businesses...
I absolutely love Re:dress in Winchester, a treasure trove of preloved pieces from Prad to Zara! If you are in the area, they are always worth a visit!
Bella Ling provides preloved designer goodies particularly good for accessories bags and jewellery.
Don’t forget that if you are feeling nervous about getting out again everyone else is too!
With a bit of thought and planning beforehand you’ll know that you are showing up as your best dressed self!
Dress Up, Show Up, Be Confident this festive season.
For more style tips and outfit inspiration follow me on Instagram and Facebook @stylesolutionsbysarah.
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