Home » 8 Rules For Party Season

8 Rules For Party Season

Dust off your finery— It’s party season once again. From turning up under dressed to getting too dressed up, we know it’s not always easy sailing through the festive circuit. So we compiled a handy Yuletide guide.

1. Make a List

Preparation is key to a stress-free party season.Spend some time going through your party (read: evening wear), make sure everything you want to wear has been dry-cleaned or, in the case of tailoring, steamed, so that it’s ready to go at a moment’s notice.

Once you’ve got the quality check out of the way, it’s time to think about quantity: Look ahead in your schedule and plan your choices accordingly, noting you might need some extra accessories if you have a couple of events on consecutive days.

2. Shake Things Up

Sure, certain parties will have strict dress codes, but for those that don’t, you can try and have some fun by ditching traditions. Boy-meets-girl bow ties, 3-D embellishments and even a little ’90s grunge reference are just some of the novel approaches to breaking archaic rules.

3. Come prepared

This is a two-fold agenda item. First priority? Like our mothers taught us, bring a bottle of wine — or a little something extra — for the host/hostess of the party. Second just-as-important priority? Whether you’re toting a clutch or slinging your go-to shoulder bag, remember the essentials: Advil, some Band-Aids for any future blisters incurred from dancing too hard, and a great red lipstick.

4. Mind the Shoes

Please, please whatever you do, do not wear brand new, never-been-worn shoes out to your next holiday soiree. At the very least, sport them around the apartment (or house) while wearing socks a day or so in advance. That way, the newness of it all won’t end up in a state of blistered new-shoe pain.

5. Sparkle and Shine

Let yourself indulge in the shiny stuff. A jewel-encrusted necklace, an embellished top, a metallic skirt, a glitter waist belt? It’s all par for the course.

6. The Extra Layer

Aside from your cocktail dress (or other party-appropriate outfits) and winter coat, you should probably think about wearing an in-between layer. Drafts, people! Think along the lines of a bolero, fur wrap, oversized scarf, evening blazer, or even a leather jacket.

7. The Ugly Sweater Clause

If it’s not an ugly sweater party, abstain from wearing your goofy holiday-themed sweaters. If you really want to wear your ugly sweater best, go ahead, but I’d save the sillier stuff for… the sillier stuff.

8. Look Interested – Even If You’re Not

While a Christmas party is a time of celebration and a time to relax, it’s equally important to make sure you fall in line with what is appropriate behavior.

When talking to another colleague (or guest, for that matter), don’t look over their shoulder for someone else to talk to. Always ask questions (e.g. What does Bryony intend to do with that Anthropology degree exactly?) Be ‘interested’ in others, not simply ‘interesting’.

More Fashion Fabula

Origins of the Overcoat

As with many contemporary staples, it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly when the overcoat first emerged. Several online accounts name 1772 as the year the overcoat

Must-Have Makeup for Spring

We are used to seeing spring makeup in the form of bronzed skin, glossy lips and soft eyes. But the beauty trend this season threw

Anatomy of a Perfume Bottle

Did you know that each perfume bottle is uniquely designed to correlate with it’s own scent? Throughout history, fragrance bottles have developed a rich story

6 Must Have Hair Accessories!

Sometimes looking beautiful has little to do with the amount of effort, or hours spent getting ready. The hair trends for spring 2015 insist on

10 Habits of Well-Dressed Women

While there’s no universal code or to-do list that all stylish women adhere to, there are a few select habits that aid the process of

5 Ways to Wear a Leather Jacket

With brands now offering more styles than ever, there’s never been a better time to invest in one. But with choice, often, comes confusion. And

The Black Friday List

Editors’ Picks BLOOMINGDALES – Take 10% off all Beauty products. USE CODE: BEAUTY10 FREE PEOPLE 50% OFF MOST ITEMS KENNETH COLE 50% OFF SITEWIDE TED

The History of Lingerie

Underwear has come a long way since the days of linen drawers. In the beginning stages, underwear was originally designed to serve several purposes –

Style Guide for Casual Friday

Don’t you just love Friday? One last stretch before the weekend, the feeling of accomplishment that comes with it and everyone else just seems to

Editor’s Picks: White Out

From left to right: Topshop Crochet Overlay Dress, Dior Mono Eyeshawdow, MAC Eye Kohl, Matt Bernson Slide Sandal, MARC BY MARC JACOBS Cross Body Bag

12 Chic Luggage Ideas

Between the steady out-of-office away messages and evermore-frequent exotic vacay posts on social media, it seems like everyone is taking a summer vacation. And whether

5 Travel Accessories You Actually Need

Traveling can be strenuous and tough to handle if you aren’t properly prepared. Travel-savvy companies are always brainstorming for the next handy device the world

Grey Details for Autumn

Counter clockwise from left to right: Helene Berman Coat, Sam Edelman Leather Leggings, Halogen Crossbody Bag, Halogen Cashmere Funnel Neck, Halogen Slip-on Sneaker

The History Behind PF Flyers

From their classic canvas look, to their elusive background, PF Flyers are American history and culture compressed into one shoe. We dug deep into their

Shop 10 Day Dresses For Spring

It’s the perfect time to shop for must-have day dresses for Spring. We are seeing colorful patterns and flowing silhouettes from all of our favorite

Best Fall Looks for the Office

This fall’s trends vary from sparkles to goth to fishnets—none of which are especially appropriate for the workplace. Now that we’ve covered what isn’t appropriate