You’re hosting a Christmas party and you don’t have an outfit for it. Or, you don’t know what to tell people what attire to wear. Determine the theme of your party and what activities you will have. And then you can decide what the attire will be based on fun and function. Unless you already have your theme like an Ugly Christmas Sweater party. Then, you can plan your activities around the attire.
Ugly Christmas Sweater Party
This is one of the most fun Christmas parties you can have. Everyone wants a party that keeps their guests talking and laughing. An ugly Christmas Sweater Party makes everyone a conversation piece. This attire would also work well for a gag gift party. You can buy a sweater or make one. Making one would be a little more interesting because there are so many fun things to talk about. You can have a themed sweater. A sweater that tells a story. Or one that has no rhyme or reason. It’s just a mess all around!
If you want to make it even more interesting, you can include other articles of clothing in the fun. Decorate your shoes, hat, pants, or scarf. Add bows, lights, colored cotton balls, boa feathers, iron-on patches, or pieces of candy. And specify these things in your invitation. Finally, have a contest for THE ugliest sweater or outfit with a fun inexpensive prize!
Christmas Brunch
The attire for this type of party may vary. Brunches can be casual. But it depends on the environment you are trying to create and the venue you’re at. Generally, brunches are a step up from casual and at times dressy. A smart casual outfit may look like pair of wide-leg slacks, a silk blouse with dangling earrings, and a bangle bracelet with a clutch purse and flats or pumps. Which is kind of dressy but still comfortable. Another option could be dressy festive. A flared or pleated dress knee-length, with shiny or blinged jewelry would look nice with this type of outfit.
White Christmas Party
This party can be quite beautiful. The decor being all white or white with silver or gold accents and white attire along with it will give the feel of a winter wonderland. The easiest part will be that you will only be wearing one color. Keep the accessories light. Try to stay within the silver, gold, pearl, or crystal family. Lighter make-up like a rose color lip, a light shimmery eye shadow, or the natural look compliments this ensemble well.
Office Party
Office parties will often coincide with the attire category you generally wear at work. If the attire at your job is casual, you may wear holiday casual. A holiday shirt or sweater with a pair of jeans and a Santa hat or a colorful Christmas headband. If your office attire is business casual, black, red, or green slacks with a white blouse or wrap blouse and costume jewelry would be appropriate. Business attire will not be that much different. Add a jacket or shoulder wrap and a pump with shiny or bling jewelry. A pleated skirt or a conservative wrap dress would also look nice.
Formal Corporate Party
This would be a party that would either be at a hotel, country club, or event venue that has a formal atmosphere. Or at your workplace, if it has been transformed into formal decor. The invitation should state that this is a formal event and what the attire is. My husband’s company holiday parties specified in the invitation that the attire was semiformal to formal.
These are my favorite because like most girls, I love to dress up! You can wear anything from a little black dress accessorized with formal jewelry, to an ankle-length formal dress. Updos, curls, and hairstyles to one side tie in with the formal look. Your makeup can be darker since the room will be dimly lit. A smoky eye and red lip go especially well with darker dresses. Most of the time there is dancing. So wear a dress you can still show off your moves in!
Crafting, Cooking & Cookie Decorating Parties
Casual is the name of this game. Solid colors or fun casual holiday festive work with this kind of party. Just make sure you either have an apron, smock, or something you don’t mind getting messy. If you are decorating cookies, cooking with sauces, or crafting that requires paint, be sure to keep that in mind. You don’t want to have to spend the whole time worrying if you’ll get food coloring on your outfit.
Holiday Dinner Party
Since the party is at a home, you can have a mix of casual and dress attire. For the gentleman, a long sleeve shirt with or without a collar, a jacket, no tie, and slacks or clean pressed jeans. They can wear either a business casual shoe or leather tennis shoes. For her, a casual dress in holiday colors, slacks or jeans with no fade or holes in them, a blouse with flared sleeves, shoulders out or one side off the shoulder, a bow at the neck or wrapped blouse, and a dressy flat or pump. Jewelry can vary from a simple pearl to dangly or hoop earrings, a long or short necklace, a single-layered or bangle bracelet. Since you’re at a home and it’s more intimate, comfort is important.
Hostess Attire Tips
You are the centerpiece of the party. So your outfit should reflect that. You’ve already got cute covered. Now let what you wear compliment you. The number one rule is to be comfortable AND stylish. Let your outfit go with the colors of your party and theme if possible. Wear flowy or some part of your outfit lose to help you move without restriction. Flared sleeves, pants, or a dress that flows are ideal. It’s great for comfort and dancing! Fabrics like chiffon, lace, soft cotton, or polyester blends are good hostess choices. And choose accessories that make a statement. Either way, you want to be the best dressed at your party.
Hostess Challenge: If you’re invited to a party and the invitation doesn’t specify what the attire is, don’t be shy! Call or text the hostess and ask.
