What to wear to a holiday party

The older I get, the fewer holiday parties I seem to have. I remember being in my 20s and having multiple events per night in the weekends leading up to Christmas; now I’m just an introvert with no friends. I’m kidding! I still have lots of friends, but we don’t throw parties like we used to, probably because we’re too stressed out this time of year. Still kidding! Well, maybe not. Anyway, while my social calendar isn’t as full as it once was, I do have some festivities to attend, and thus I decided to treat myself to a fun new skirt on Black Friday. Here’s what I’ll be wearing to this year’s holiday celebrations.




I first saw the longer version of this Isabel Marant skirt several months ago on one of my favorite Instagram accounts, the Working Girl, and stalked it until it went on sale for Black Friday. It is shiny and festive, but I feel like I can get away with wearing it in more casual situations too. Plus, the fabric is slinky and metallic, so it will travel well—perfect for my upcoming Chicago trip and any future travels. I’m wearing a size 40 (I always go up a size with Isabel Marant) but probably could have gotten away with a 38, due to the elastic waistband and generally forgiving shape.



I was also influenced to buy this cashmere cardigan by direct-to-consumer brand Naadam—I kept getting ads for it in my Instagram feed and eventually succumbed. I am really happy with this style—it’s fitted, cropped, and very ‘90s inspired—and I went with a medium because I didn’t want it too tight, but I probably would have been ok in a small. I had been looking for a thinner white cardigan for awhile, and this one is just perfect, plus the length works really well with higher-waisted pants and skirts. I love the contrast of a warm and cozy sweater with a fun party skirt, although this sweater can pass as dressier, thanks to its low-cut neckline.



I always struggle with what coat or jacket to wear with a dressier outfit; generally, a thicker wool coat would be a better idea this time of year, but I thought a leather jacket worked here too (although, full disclosure, I was rather cold when we were shooting these). This is my trusty Banana Republic moto jacket that you’ve seen a gazillion times (most recently with wide-leg pants), but I keep coming back to it because it just goes with everything—even dressy things!



I was going to wear high heels for this post, but we shot it literally minutes after the rain stopped and I was worried that it would be slippery. And also, to be honest, my tolerance for high heels is waning (I know, words I never thought I’d say). I’ve had these Chloé boots for years and it’s been awhile since I’ve featured them here (a year ago, to be exact), but they’re comfy and they make any outfit look just a little bit cooler. They run big, though, so don't forget to size down. Bag-wise, this clutch is several years old, but I’ve linked a similar style below. Normally I’d stay away from three different kinds of sparkle in one outfit, but since they’re all a little different, it works—and hey, ‘tis the season!





OUTFIT DETAILS: Banana Republic moto jacket | Naadam cardigan | Etoile Isabel Marant Benedicte Skirt (also here) | Stella & Dot clutch (similar here) | Chloé Susanna boots (also here)


8 comments

Straight A Style said...

Loving that skirt!! Perfect holiday party look!

Amy Ann
Straight A Style

Nancy said...

Gorgeous look! The booties make it so cool! They are fabulous!

Jessica Jannenga said...



Love this look! Your leather jacket is so sharp, I bet you wear it often. I love the metallic skirt which will be festive for your party! and I keep staring at those booties as I love the stitching and buckle detail.
thanks for linking!
Happy Holidays
jess xx
www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

Shelbee on the Edge said...

Cheryl, it is such a fabulous outfit! You know I love all the edgy details of the moto jacket and studded booties with the super feminine and glitzy skirt. It is perfect for anywhere even if you don’t have parties to attend! I don’t go many places these days either but I still get dressed up like I do. Thanks for linking up. I hope your holidays are amazing and relaxing!

Shelbee
www.shelbeeontheedge.com

Claire Justine said...

Love this look, Cheryl. Great skirt. Thanks for sharing at Creative Mondays.

stylesplash@live.co.uk said...

Fabulous skirt! I love your studded ankle boots too! Thanks for linking up!

Emma xxx
www.style-splash.com

Mica said...

Such a cute skirt! It's great you were able to get it on sale and I think it will be so easy to dress up and down - perfect for a party or two! We had so many parties and events to attend this December - I'm looking forward to relaxing now over Christmas eve and Christmas day! :)


Thanks so much for joining the #WeekdayWearLinkup! A new link up is live on my blog now, I'd love you to join again.

I'll be taking a few days away from the blog over Christmas so wanted to wish you a merry Christmas! Hope you have a great one :)

Away From Blue

Dyan Gershman said...

This was loveely to read