What to wear so you don't end up on the naughty list
Hey there, friend! Ever gotten that "dress casual" invite to a holiday party and thought "What does that even mean?!" We've totally been there—showing up either way overdressed or underdressed (eek!) can really put a damper on your holiday spirit.
But don't worry! Let's chat about cracking those tricky dress codes together. No more second-guessing or outfit anxiety—we'll help you rock up to every party feeling fabulous and fitting right in. Time to kiss those fashion worries goodbye and become the confidence queen (or king!) of every holiday bash!
What you get from this episode
Learn to decode holiday party dress codes and dress confidently for any occasion.
Transform your holiday looks with practical tips for choosing the right attire.
Navigate the spectrum from casual to formal dress codes—and never feel out of place again.
Plan events with clarity by learning how to communicate dress code expectations effectively.
Discover creative outfit ideas that help you shine at themed holiday gatherings.
Listen here
The Ultimate Guide to Decoding Holiday Party Dress Codes
Let's face it—dress codes can be more confusing than trying to wrap an oddly-shaped present! But don't worry, we're here to break down exactly what to wear for every type of holiday celebration.
Dressy Casual/Business Casual
Think of this as your "elevated everyday" look. For ladies, try dark jeans or trousers paired with a festive sweater, a blouse with subtle sparkle, or a casual dress. Men can opt for khakis or dark jeans with a collared shirt or sweater. Add some polish with dressy flats, low heels, or dress boots.
💡 Pro tip: When in doubt, it's better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed!
Semi-Formal/Cocktail
This is where you can really start to shine (literally, if you want!). Women can rock a cocktail dress (knee-length is perfect), or a chic jumpsuit. Men should wear a suit, though you can skip the tie if you want to keep it more relaxed. Dark colors are traditional, but don't be afraid to embrace jewel tones or metallics during the holiday season.
Remember: This is your chance to be festive while keeping it classy!
Black Tie
Time to bring out the big guns! Ladies, this calls for a floor-length gown or a very formal cocktail dress. Gentlemen, dust off that tuxedo or your finest dark suit with a black tie. This is the time to embrace luxury fabrics like velvet, silk, and satin.
Style secret: Keep accessories elegant and minimal—let your formal wear do the talking.
Holiday/Festive Attire
This is possibly the most fun dress code! It's an invitation to embrace the season with colors and textures. Think rich reds, emerald greens, winter whites, and plenty of sparkle. Ladies can wear anything from a sequined dress to a cozy-but-elegant sweater dress. Men can have fun with holiday-colored blazers, festive ties, or patterned sweaters.
💡 Pro tip: We suggest asking the host(s) what their idea of "festive" is and/or what they're wearing. We outlined what we'd wear to a festive-themed party, but we've definitely worn the sequins to an ugly sweater party. Get clarity, just in case.
Fun fact: This dress code is your permission slip to break out that tastefully sparkly piece you've been saving for a special occasion!
Universal Tips for Any Dress Code
Always consider the venue and time of day—daytime events typically lean more casual than evening ones
When in doubt, reach out to the host for clarification
Comfort is key—you want to enjoy the party, not fidget with your outfit all night
Add a festive touch with accessories: holiday-themed jewelry, a sparkly clutch, or a patterned tie can make any outfit party-ready
Remember, the best accessory is always confidence. When you feel good in what you're wearing, it shows!
We broke down more dress codes in the episode, so be sure to listen for more!
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Make good choices,
Caitlin & Jenny
Sources for this episode
Who We Are
Meet Jenny GK, your friendly sequin-loving bestie who's here to help you crack those tricky dress codes! She and Caitlin bring their fun perspectives and style smarts to this conversation. What makes CK & GK special? They keep it real and super approachable—no fancy fashion jargon here! From figuring out what "dressy casual" really means to helping you rock that black-tie event, Jenny's got your back with tips and tricks that'll have you walking into any holiday party feeling like a million bucks!
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