4 Elegant Holiday Bash Outfits: Sophisticated Style for the Ladies

The rounded neckline of this silk Theory blouse is perfect for the similar neckline of the beaded jacket featured in this outfit. While it comes in black – and that will certainly work with this outfit - add some festive flare with this gorgeous deep red version. (Both are available through the ‘shop it’ button, along with a dark mineral green, too.) The raw edge around the neck is sheer and airy for just the right hint of color from under the jacket. The simple styling easily holds up to all the wonderful details of the jacket, yet keeps it grounded for a sophisticated and chic look. You can even wear the long-sleeve version of this blouse with the jacket, too – the pleat and buttoned cuff showing from under the ¾ sleeve of the jacket looks very smart. For the simplest approach, go with a basic silk shell in black, white, or even pale grey.

Let the featured jacket be the star of this outfit and add these sleekly tailored Vince trousers. They have a panel down the leg (in the same luxe stretch wool fabric as the rest of the pants) for a a subtle alternative to a tuxedo stripe that is just right for this outfit. They don't add any additional bling or shine, and are still dressy enough for the occasion. Plus, the subtle stripe is a great way to create a slimming illusion for your legs and hips. When you are done with the holiday parties, you can be dress them down with a simple button down, sweater, or blazer for a day at the office or a lovely dinner any Winter night. The fit and quality are typical Vince – timeless and modern. Unlike Vince sweaters, you don’t need to size down – just go with your normal size for a flattering fit. They are made to hit just at your ankle, which is ideal to keep them looking dressy for a festive party look. (Any tailor can shorten them, if needed, just bring your shoes.)

We are obsessed with these earrings, and they are amazing with this outfit. Click through the ‘shop it’ button to see them on. They are just the right length to work with the necklines of the jacket and blouse in this outfit. They sparkle, but in a black rhodium colored setting, they are edgy and subtle. The sleek, angular lines are perfectly modern, playing in to the chic look that will make you one of the best-dressed guests of the party.

Broaches are so modern and chic again this season, taking inspiration from vintage finds that are passed down generation to generation. These Jeffrey Campbell pumps draw on that trend, bringing a sophisticated finish to this outfit that perfectly accents the embellishment of the featured jacket. And trust us, it’s not too much. Simple black or metallic pumps will look great too, but these suede heels have a festive feel that is so stylish.

Cocktail Party/Dressy Sit-down Dinner, Outfit 2. This red dress from Badgley Mischka has timeless ladylike appeal that is perfect for a holiday party…and any function you want to look your best. The beautiful shade of red is made of a matelassé fabric, which is a fabric that has a quilted self-patterning in it, without any added look of padding - don't worry. The result is a Winter-right fabric that is also festively upscale…and slimming. Unlike many party-ready dresses, this isn’t a whispy light material, so you’ll feel just right for the time of year and occasion. The bateau neckline is simple and flattering, showing a touch of collarbone and balancing the ¾ sleeve with class. (Yes! Sleeves!). In XS-XL, the modern fit is sleek and not too trim, with a pencil skirt silhouette that simply flatters every body type.

The elastic waist of the dress in this look accentuates your waist, creating a blouson shape that gives you some great breathing – and sitting…and eating – room. Add this belt to give it a truly finished and polished feel. The gold metal plague runs almost hip-to-hip for a clean line that is so posh-looking. It closes with a simple snap in the elasticized back to it will be comfortable and retain its subtlety.

Make a fabulously festive statement with this sparkling red and pink Swarovski crystal ring. It’s such a great alternative to a chunky necklace or over-sized earrings that ladies generally gravitate to when we’re dressing up. (You can just go with these pretty studs, instead.) Not only do the shapes of reds and pink coordinate wonderfully with the cheery, cranberry red of the featured dress, but it will also make an ideal conversation piece as you reach for your drink or while sitting around a table. Plus, with the varying shades of color, you’ll be able to wear it for nights out well into Spring and Summer, even with casual outfits like white or dark jeans and a great top.

The rich fabric and beautiful shade of red in the dress featured in this outfit can absolutely be worn with black opaque tights or sheer hose. In fact, this was one of the major reasons we chose this dress. We know it can be tricky to figure out the right way to wear a dress in the Winter and still feel appropriate – both for the function and for the weather. Once you add your legwear, finish the look with these well-made suede pumps from M. Gemi. The t-strap and buckle detail dress up a basic pair of pumps, and give them a dressy yet Wintery feel, in their beautiful suede fabric. Tip: Suede looks great with black tights, since they retain a matte, saturated color that creates a long leg line, blending in with your opaque hose. And the closed toe and buckle details balance the textured fabric and Winter-right feel of the dress in this outfit. We’re sending you to M. Gemi’s site, through the ‘shop it’ button, where you’ll receive free shipping and returns. Of course, it’s the quality that really makes us love them, making their shoes in Italy with an artisan approach to ensure their shoes are stylishly unique and wonderfully well made – without a ridiculous price tag.

Formal Celebration, Outfit 1. Oh, we absolutely adore this Maggy London dress. The simple black sheath is made of a crepe fabric that has just the right stretch, in a mid weight that still has enough structure to create a really smooth line - helping to conceal any bumps, while still beautifully skimming your silhouette. The fit is modern, so it’s not too tight. And, of course, it’s the gorgeous pearl beaded collar that just makes this dress party perfection, dressing up a basic to be anything but. Pearls are so fashionable this season, we’re showing you how to play this detail up with some great accessories in the rest of this outfit. But you can replace any of them with simple black or silver/crystal accents with ease, too. Whether you choose all of the pearl accessories or just one, they’ll work with the beautiful pearl detail in the collar that makes this simply flattering dress so special.

This season, feathers are so on trend, and there’s no better time to add them to your look than over the holiday season. This shrug, made of marabou feathers, would be fabulous regardless of the feather trend – it’s a timeless dressy add-on that you’ll reach for every time you have a more formal Winter event. And at this amazing sale price, you’ve got to snatch it up before it’s gone. It comes in ivory and icy grey too, and because of the pearl and bead collar, they all look great with the featured dress – so be as bold as you like. All are sized S-XL in a modern fit that isn’t bulky so it will look sleek over the slim-fitting dress. We even love it over a simple tank top and jeans or leather leggings for an edgy night-out look.

This bangle looks great on its own, and even better stacked. At this price, you'll be amazed at the quality - it has a really nice weight to it. And you can add another rose gold one and a yellow gold one for an eclectic stacked mix that gives the posh collared dress a little edge.

These kate spade new york danglers bring together the pearls of the dress and the pink and yellow gold colors of the bracelets in this outfit with a delicate finish that stays subtle, accenting the collar without competing with it. The pearl drop is attached to the backing of the earring (you can see how it looks on here), giving it a modern twist.

Since the dress in this outfit is so well-priced, you can splurge a little on these special kate spade new york suede pumps. We know it can be hard to find a dressy pair of shoes that has a closed toe, to give you the option to wear hose (an essential for many ladies this time of year). These playful pumps use 2 different kinds of crystals and beads to create a butterfly decoration. While we’re showing you how to wear them for a festive, dressy occasion, they are a great accent for a simple night out with dark jeans or simple black pants, too. You’ll be surprised at how often you end up reaching for them. As we mentioned, simple accessories work with the featured dress, too, so black suede pumps will look just as great.

Keeping with the pearl and crystal accenting that gives this outfit such a pretty, modern festive feel, how can we not work in this gorgeous minaudiere (which basically means a small, jeweled clutch)? The detail is simply amazing, and it’s such a beautiful alternative to a basic black clutch – and just as versatile as any metallic, especially with pastels for Spring and Summer.

Formal Celebration, Outfit 2. Holiday dressing doesn’t mean just red or green. The deep blue and black combination of this richly textured dress is holiday-right for any dressy party. The little sleeve has a pleat in it that brings it away from the arm and hits at just the right spot to elongate and slim the look of your arms – we can all use a little helpful accenting, can’t we? Well, it doesn’t stop there. The princess seaming along the bodice perfectly flows into the pleats at the waist creating a beautifully hourglass shape that just skims your curves, giving you just enough room in the hip/lower belly area. You’ll look great – and feel comfortable enough to partake in all the cocktails and treats at the holiday party.

The delicate bling on these Rebecca Minkoff earrings are reminiscent of little icicles – so right for the holidays. And they look great whether you wear your hair up or down – with just the right balance of bold and dainty that work with the featured dress in this look. Click through the ‘shop it’ button to see how pretty they look on.

It’s faux, ladies, and it’s fabulous. You can’t beat the look or the price, it’s simply made for the dress in this look in its deep black color that has a tint of deep blue. (It comes in a true black through the ‘shop it’ button that works too, and gives you even more versatility.) Wrap yourself in luxury and leave that wool coat at home.

We know how hard it is too find dressy heels that can be work with tights/hose, so that’s something we’re focusing on throughout these festive looks. These Club Monaco heels are suede with a satin bow that gives them a closed up feel, which is amazing with the dress in this outfit - yet absolutely gorgeous on the foot, as you can see here. Because the throat of these shoes is higher on the foot, they look equally elegant with slim and cropped pants, so you can instantly dress up any night out look all Winter long.