Holiday Style Tips from Mallory Sills: What to Wear to a Party

by Mallory Sills

With the holiday season in full swing and parties just around the corner, it’s time to figure out what you’re going to wear to sparkle, shine and look simply divine. Whether your event is formal or casual, there’s no better time to add a touch of glitter. I’ve put together some virtual outfits to get your style creativity juices flowing.

Formal Holiday Outfit (Dress)
Got an event that requires getting glammed up? Here are some great ideas for you. If you’re comfortable in a dress, make a statement. This is the one time of year that glitz and glam is expected! This gold, sequined dress is figure flattering for many body shapes, and the color is extremely wearable.  Plus, long sleeves make this dress winter functional. Let’s face it… who wants to wear a sleeveless anything in the middle of December? If you do go gold and glittery, your accessories should be understated. I chose to stick with classic black earrings and a simple black clutch but added a punch of color with the purple pumps. Like I said before, the holidays are a time for fun, so add some color with a unique shoe to compliment the color of the dress.

Formal Holiday Outfit (Pants)
If you’re not a dress person, don’t worry. Pants can look just as glamorous! With this look, I went with a classic tailored black pant suit and paired it with a flow-y, sequined top to contrast the structure of the suit. I added a bold red shoe and some festive accessories to make this outfit a little more fun. Since this look is a bit more understate than the dress, use accessories to add more glitz.

Casual Outfit (Skirt)
Do you have a holiday event to attend that doesn’t need to be super formal? I have some great ideas for you to add that touch of sparkle to your look.  For the first casual style, I was inspired by J. Crew. This look is incredibly easy to put together, and it still looks fashionable and festive. Sequined skirts have been all over the racks in retail stores. Pair one with a casual denim shirt, and throw on a red sweater (or any other bold color) over top. Slip on your favorite flats–and tights if you’d like. Finish this look with your favorite watch and a festive ring, and you’re ready to make a statement at whatever holiday event your headed to.

Casual Holiday Outfit (Pants)
If skirts aren’t your thing, I’ve put together a great way to still add that holiday sparkle into your look, even with your favorite jeans! What’s better than that? Again, layering is the key to this look, but instead of the sequins on the bottom, we’re using a sweater with sequin detailing to add to the festivity. Layer the sequined sweater over a soft blouse in a complimentary color, put on your favorite jeans and slip on some flats, preferably some that have metallic coloring to add extra pizzazz. Keep the accessories simple on this one too. Let the sequins be the statement.

Now that you have some simple ways to incorporate sequin sparkles into your holiday look, have fun, stay fashionable and enjoy the holidays!

These fashion tips are provided by Chicago-based fashion stylist Mallory Sills, who graduated from the Illinois Institute of Art Chicago with a major in Fashion Marketing and Management and achieved a Certificate in Image Consulting from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City (FIT). Throughout college, Mallory gained extensive knowledge of the fashion industry interning at Marie Claire magazine and attending classes with the School of Style, taught by leading LA stylists. Mallory is following her long time dream of becoming a stylist, and currently does editorial, commercial and personal styling.  She’s trained by Style for Hire–a network of personal stylists trained by Stacy London of “What Not to Wear.”

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