Choosing the Right Holiday Attire for the Occasion
The holiday season is here, and with that comes holiday parties! These parties present quite the quagmire because no one seems to know what to wear for the occasion, and many often give up and don’t go. Here at 360Wichita, we thought we’d share some outfit inspiration and local boutiques to shop at if you needed some help in person.
Thanks to Aerial Style for providing the clothing below!
The After Work Party
Most parties tend to be after work on a weeknight or Friday, and unless dress code is specified, this typically means “your work dress code jazzed up a bit.” If you normally wear casual to the office, opt for business casual. Gentlemen, this means slacks (no pleats please) and a button up long sleeve dress shirt. If you have a sport coat or a blazer, wear it. You can always take it off, but it will look better if you arrive in it. For ladies, this can mean a pair of slacks/dress pants and a nice top.
If the party attire states casual, I would opt for a cute and casual dress. Something that isn’t too formal, but still a bit nicer than you would wear to work. You can also add something like a bell sleeve into the mix- which may not normally be work appropriate, but totally acceptable for a holiday party. Men can wear a polo and nice jeans.
The Weekend Party
More often than not, a party held on the weekends tends to skew more formal. Cocktail attire is often misinterpreted, but it does not mean jeans. No jeans. Ever. A suit is common, but if one is not available to you, opt for pressed slacks, a long sleeve button up, and a blazer or sportcoat.
Women can opt for dressy black pants and a beautiful blouse or a dress. Every woman should own a little black dress for such an occasion, but if you want to get a bit dressier, you can wear something with an interesting texture or sheen. (For example, sequins, leather, a brocade fabric, or glitter can all be executed at a cocktail party.)
This is the time to wear a bright color if you would like, but remember, this is still a work function, so nothing too short or too revealing should be worn. If you go shorter on the skirt, make sure the neckline is higher, and vice versa.
If you’re unsure of what to wear, ask the person who is planning the party you’re attending. Often, they will have a dress code in mind, and with a few questions, you can discern what is appropriate to wear. If it is your first party with your company, ask colleagues what the typical turnout looks like. If there is a company Facebook page, look through past event pictures.
If all else fails and no one has any idea, this should be your default: men, sport coat, slacks, and a button up top. Ladies, a little black dress. Bring a pair of flats and heels and a beautiful statement necklace. If the party is more casual, wear the flats and ditch the necklace.
Hopefully, this will help with any holiday party wardrobe apprehensions you may have. Now, go forth and be merry! (In style!)
Local Boutiques to Shop Holiday Attire
Aerial Style
1716 E Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67214
(316) 201-6759
Wild At Heart
1820 N Tyler Rd, Wichita, KS 67212
(316) 773-6565
Aspen Boutique
4724 E Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67208
(316) 682-6784
Apricot Lane
8111 E 21st St N, Wichita, KS 67206
(316) 201-1104
K Lanes
600 S Tyler Rd, Wichita, KS 67209
(316) 558-8840
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