How to Dress for End-of-Year Festivities

How to Dress for End-of-Year Festivities
Short Satin Dress With Bow Back in Black/Ivory, $119.00, David’s Bridal. (Courtesy of David’s Bridal)
12/20/2013
Updated:
12/20/2013

Preparing for the end-of-year celebrations takes on a new dimension when you consider that some occasions call for flexibility.

You‘ll want to walk the line between festive and work-appropriate at the company holiday party, while on New Year’s Eve you’ll want to aim for glamor as well as maneuverability if you'll be on the dance floor. Then there’s the family celebration, where you will want to look your best yet also be able to relax and maybe go for seconds.

Carmen Ordonez, Latin Style Council member and David’s Bridal budget fashionista, has some advice on how to plan the party wardrobe without breaking the bank.

Epoch Times: The Christmas work party calls for flexibility. What pieces make good transitions from day to evening?

Ms. Ordonez: For work, look for dresses that are knee-length or that hit right above the knee. You don’t want to wear anything that is too tight or too revealing. A cap-sleeve dress is a great choice and a nice twist on your classic little black dress. It also transitions nicely from day to night by simply wearing it with a cardigan and ballet flats to work, and then swapping those out for a pair of red pumps and statement jewelry for the night.

Epoch Times: What’s best for New Year’s Eve?

Ms. Ordonez: New Year’s Eve is the perfect time to go all out. I particularly love anything in sequins for this occasion. You can also opt for a dress in metallic or gold, which is always on trend to ring in the New Year. If your festivities include a swanky New Year’s Eve soiree, you can even opt for a long dress. For the accessories, don’t be afraid to add some sparkle, such as chandelier earrings or a fabulous statement necklace. Instead of your traditional clutch, look for one with embellishments.

Epoch Times: A bride may only wear her dress once but a good bridesmaid’s dress can be the perfect cocktail outfit with a few tweaks. How can a great bridesmaid’s dress be re-styled for end of year festivities?

Ms. Ordonez: An easy way to re-style a great bridesmaid dress is by adding a faux fur collar or jacket to give it a bit of that Old Hollywood glamor look. You can even consider taking it to a tailor to shorten the hem for a more versatile look or add accessories like a belt or a brooch.

Epoch Times: How far do you go in dressing up—super stylish or casual chic?

Ms. Ordonez: I always say it’s better to be overdressed than underdressed, but it’s also important that you feel comfortable in whatever you are wearing. If you are unsure what to wear, consult with the person planning the party and ask them for the dress code. When all else fails, look for a dress in a bold color such as red and pair it with some black pumps. Or if you want to play it more safe, look for your classic little black dress, but add a bold red lip.