What I wore earlier in the day:
James Perse heavy fleece maxi skirt (sold out)
Everlane muscle tank
The Great denim jacket
Chan Luu scarf (via credits at Garmentory)
Robert Clergerie Alice slides
Rag & Bone Nylon Pilot Backpack
For the holiday party/dinner:
James Perse dress
Spanx tights
James Perse cashmere sweater/coat
Chan Luu scarf (via credits at Garmentory)
Rag & Bone Aston booties (few years old)
Admonish clutch (birthday gift from the designer)
My sister was here this weekend for my husband’s company holiday party, which is more like a dinner then drinks at a bar across the street, but “party” is as good a way as any to describe it. On Saturday earlier in the day it was REALLY nice: sun shining, 70+ degrees, so we decided to go to a local outdoor shopping area and walk around for a bit. And I wore the first outfit above.
Well, we went into Anthropologie and came out 15-20 minutes later, and the sun had disappeared, the wind was blowing like crazy and the temperature dropped 10-15 degrees. Yeah. So we hustled through the rest of our shopping and headed home to get ready for dinner.
When we left for dinner the temperature had plunged down to the mid 30’s and wind was whipping everywhere. I know it’s much the same everywhere else in the country. Except Florida, of course, where my father was enjoying 80 degree weather 😉
Anyway, my holiday party dressing strategy is always wear what I have and be comfortable. We’re a pretty close-knit company/family since it’s a start-up, and no one expects anything fancy. I do like to “dress up” a bit though, and the outfit above, is my dressing up. I’d thought I’d wear my Rachel Comey mars mules in gold, but 1. it was much too cold, and 2. I decided to sell them since I didn’t really WANT to wear them much once I got them.
I realize my “party” outfit might look to some like I’m going to a funeral, or to a much more somber occasion, but it didn’t feel so to me. Maybe a dress in another color besides black would have worked (I like this turtleneck version), but I don’t have one, and didn’t want to buy one. So I wore with what I had, and I’m fine with that.
What do you wear for holiday parties? Do you buy something special? Or have a special item or two just for such occasions?
Once I decided (2015) to wear a “comfortable” Eileen Fisher dress for my 25th high school reunion, I haven’t looked back. I might wear dressier accessories or otherwise acknowledge the event – but I don’t want to buy clothing I can’t wear again. (granted, when one doesn’t have to attend black tie events, this is easier 😉
I have no holiday parties this year. I was on vacation and missed work – nothing else planned. So, good & bad – no dress stressing, but missing the fun of parties that I do actually enjoy…..
I used to make last minute, stressful shopping trips for holiday party outfits every single year. Last year I finally had enough when I bought a pair of the most uncomfortable high heels that I never would have bought otherwise. But I bought them because I didn’t think any of my other shoes were dressy or festive enough. To date, I’ve only worn them once. Such a waste of money! I also have a ton of sheath dresses that I never ever wear but bought because of holiday party shopping syndrome. So, now, I have no interest in buying dressier clothes if it’s a last minute purchase. I’ll make do with what I have in my closet, and will likely be much more comfortable anyway. I do have one “special” black dress that I bought at the AllSaints outlet last year that I haven’t worn yet, but I know that I can throw a moto jacket and some tights and booties on and call it a day. I’ll be comfortable AND still feel like myself. I think your holiday party look is very nice and appropriate, and would wear something similar myself!
Hi Grechen!
This is a bit off-topic, but I noticed you haven’t posted any Everlane reviews in a while. Do you still shop with them? I ask because I’ve returned the last few items I’ve ordered, but tried to give them one more chance with some cashmere gloves. I received them today, and I’m pretty sure I could get higher quality cashmere at Kohl’s for $15.99. 🙁 Maybe their new “premium” cashmere is better?
Thanks!
I returned a few items recently too but I’m happy to highly recommend the Chunky Knit Cotton Crew – Black. LOVE it!
I love your holiday outfit! My husband’s company holiday party was 2 Fridays ago, and I wish I had take a good full-length picture of my outfit. I wore black tights, a black midi-length t-shirt dress, and a black full-length duster….. and my sparkly sequin wedges! I paired it with a red lip and I spiked my hair up a bit. I felt so fancy!! Black is always my go-to dress up color as well.
I’ve been really having fun with some of the pieces from the Everlane E2 Capsule. I wore the tank ribbed dress for my bf’s office party at a nightclub in downtown LA a couple weeks ago. The dress itself is so comfortable and quite forgiving! it really smooths out all the lumps and bumps 😉 This past Sat we went to a friend’s cocktail party and I wore the GoWeave pants with the ankle zippers…another favorite piece that I’ve worn a handful of times since getting it! I wore it with the ribbed u top, also from the E2 capsules. Yes, I bought a bunch of stuff from their collection, including the black patent mule/slides (love!) , and have been very happy with the quality and comfort of the clothes!
henny what do you think about the sizing of the dress? i’m intrigued by it; i’d like a shorter (not midi) length dress, and i love the ribbing. can you wear a normal bra with it? or do you need a racerback?
Grechen, I got this dress in a size Small. I did that b/c the model was wearing it in XS and figured I needed a size up from that. The fit was just right too (For reference, I wear a size 1 for most of JP).
Like I mentioned, it’s such a comfortable dress and easy to walk in, and I love the ribbing on it…it’s really well made. . Interestingly, I also ordered the stretchy turtleneck and mock tank shirts from the E2 collection in Small and they were WAYYY too tight on me. Now I have them in Medium and they fit so much better. Don’t tell anyone but I didn’t wear a bra w/the tank ribbed dress (!) But you can definitely wear it with a racerback bra or a normal bra b/c the straps of the dress are wide enough so that the bra strips should stay well hidden. You should get it! I love the length…hits me just below the knee (I’m 5’5″).
I love the scarf and denim jacket (Chan Luu scarves are so pretty but not cheap for sure). I don’t have any holiday parties this year that aren’t super casual (like a T, shorts & flip flop casual – maybe a hoodie if it’s below 70 or raining, lol). I have had to go to dressy fundraiser events at other times of the year however where I couldn’t have found a dress because it was so last minute, even if I wanted to, and I have just paired a black Eileen Fisher (or other jersey) with a dramatic necklace and killer shoes. I also had to attend an event that was cocktail attire and I took a Grecian style draped maxi, pinned up the skirt in the middle from the inside with a little safety pin (let the drapes hang) and tadah, cocktail dress. You learn to improvise when living in a place without good shopping options. It’s one of the reasons I like a simple black jersey dress. With the right accessories, you can dress it up (or down).
Curious about your Chan Luu scarf, I’ve been eyeing one for a few years. Thoughts?
i love it. i really didn’t think it would be as warm as it is, but it’s wonderful. i needed a “normal” scarf, in a lightweight fabric, since all I really have are HUGE oversized wool or cashmere scarves (I know….poor me, but i was missing a lighter option), so decided to try chan luu since i’d heard good things about the cashmere/silk scarves – i definitely recommend it.
the only thing i’m concerned about is snagging, and laundering. i’d imagine i can hand wash it with delicate soap, and just air out to dry, but still…i worry about snags, and messing up the tassels. i’m not used to “delicate” scarves LOL
hi amy! i do owe a “formal” review of some of the new cashmere i received a while ago – the mockneck cropped sweater and the cashmere sweatpants – but you’re right, i’ve haven’t bought much everlane lately to try. mostly because I can’t find anything i “need” or really want to add to my wardrobe right now. i am tempted by the e2 collection ribbed dress though, and one or two other things. is there something else besides the cashmere you’re interested in seeing a review of?
honestly though, with regard to the cashmere, i’m trying to steer clear of it mostly, as i’m concerned with the ethical/sustainability issues surrounding cashmere. that’s the main reason i haven’t tried any of the premium cashmere; i just can’t justify it 🙁
ES silk crepe Vera dress with boots and a sweater. Maybe grandma’s fake pearls!
I have 4-5 black Eileen Fisher dresses in various sleeve lengths that I wear to parties/dinners etc that I accessorize with boots or shoes, jackets and jewelry. They are easy, comfortable and not fussy at all. I also wear them to work as layering pieces under sweaters. Never can go wrong with black – effortless.
Thanks for responding! Totally understand your feelings about cashmere. I’d definitely be interested in hearing a review if you buy the ribbed dress, though!
I bought that, too, Zanna, but somehow forgot that I have it! I haven’t even worn it yet! YIKES !!! (I think that means I still own too many items of clothing).
I’ll bet you were GORGEOUS, Cathy!
My hubby and I just went to his EMT Company dinner on Saturday night at a nice Montauk restaurant, so I wore….black…of course! I have a pair of Eileen Fisher black Slim Pants, which I wore with a hippie dippie trippie black Johnny Was peasant blouse, statement earrings, and a black booty. Yes, singular since I’m still wearing the humongous clunky boot on my right foot in order to try and heal my torn Achilles’ tendon. So far, not much progress… 🙁
I LOVE both of these outfits on you! #1 is what I’d love to wear all the time, and #2 is so chic. You don’t look like you’re going to a funeral. You just look like a New Yorker!
Hi Grechen
BTW- The denim jacket and skirt are a great outfit w the slides- The all black for the party is lovely but I can’t see the details in the pics.
For Christmas Eve tonight- Im wearing a black silk V-neck sleeveless dress w leather/ponte leggings and a sparkly cardigan all from Eileen Fisher- bought originally for my work holiday party. So glad I had the foresight to get this go-to gorgeous ensemble because I don’t have to think about what to wear except what boots for any dressy event this holiday. Christmas day is casual.
MamaV- I bought Burnt Red by Bobbi, loving it
Happy Hannukah & Merry Christmas xoxogena
So happy you found a lipcolor you love, Gena! Burnt Red is gorgeous!!! And your outfit sounds beautiful. Happy Holidays to you!