I’ve been thinking about what I’m going to wear to all of the cocktail parties this holiday season.
Because I’ve got one long list of parties to attend.
(In my mind.)
As one does.
Like the Boy Scouts say, “Always be prepared.”
I already wore this ensemble but I like it so much and it so comfortable I figured it would be a good fit for a holiday party as well.
How do you know what you’ve got a winning outfit?
When you match your home decor.
Of course.
Blazer – Top Shop (sim) Skirt – thrifted (sim & very nice!) Top – H&M (sim) Shoes – Nine West (sim)
The trick to a really good martini IMHO is to shake the vodka with lots of ice. For as long as you can stand it. Build up a sweat so that the first sip tastes extra cold and refreshing. My husband is the martini magician in our house. But he has been away for a few weeks now so I’ve had to fulfill the task on my own.
Yes it has been stressful but I managed to pull through.
I know they say you should never drink alone.
Thank heavens for Isabella. You can see her peeking out from behind me. She has a bit of a flat personality, but once she knocks back a few martinis she becomes very animated and really quite hilarious. At least that is what I vaguely remember.
What makes a good cocktail party outfit you ask?
You need to feel like a million bucks when you’re wearing it. That’s about it.
For fun I put together another couple of outfits I would love to wear that didn’t come from my closet that I am seriously lusting over right now.
This first one would be for a fancy party, maybe your rich boss has invited you over to his house for some uppity cocktails…
Dress Shoes Bag Scarf Earrings (sim)
Or this would work too. I fell hard for this jumpsuit as soon as I saw it on the Anthro website. The colour, the cut…GAH! Me likey! I’m just waiting for it to go on sale. And silently praying they will still have my size.
Jumpsuit Shoes Earrings (sim) Clutch
This is a more casual outfit that I’d wear to a friends cocktail party. So when you invite me…you’ll know what to expect. Hint hint.
And finally this last look is for the blogger holiday cocktail party. This one *may* actually happen! Well three bloggers getting together for lunch is basically the same thing as a fancy cocktail party. In a bizarro world. Actually it’ll probably be better. But just for you guys…to give it some authenticity, I promise I’ll have a cocktail at lunch. Cause I’m generous like that.
I think we all need a sequin pencil skirt in out lives! However, I like the outfit you are wearing the best!
I am on the lookout for a maxi sequin skirt.
That blazer and the red shoes–perfection!!
Dashing outfit. With your talent in fashion, you should be giving the rest of us lessons on how to look good. Holiday parties are great occasions to pull out all the stops.
I love all these looks – esp the “Friends” party. And *you* are gorgeous; and you’re right about the fab faux leather skirt (I eyeball it at J. Crew as I check out my credit card). Party on. xox
Maybe you will get lucky like me and score one at a thrift store Patti!
Brilliant article Suzanne! I love your outfit and as you say it looks so fabulous with your fabulous interior.
The other options are great too. That jumpsuit is one of the best ones I have seen.
One thing though: your shoes are all so high! How can you walk in them?
You will be glad to know that I will be wearing a bordeaux red jacket to a party and it’s in leather too!
Ah…the shoe question. I *wish* these were a full inch shorter. I did take them to see how much I could have the heel reduced and in the end it really wasn’t worth it since it would be such a small amount.
These are car/restaurant or stand, walk for 2 minutes then sit shoes…thus perfect for a cocktail party where I know seating is around. These are not walking shoes by any means. I’d love to find this exact same colour in the same size heel as your pink ones.
Ohhh…cannot wait to see that red leather jacket!
Hi girl! I do love your new look on the site. I love love the plaid red jacket with the lapel pin! I have a similar skirt and it looks great on you!! Just love this combo of red and black . I can only drem of wearing high heels, but hey, one inch ones are an impovement for me. I love your furniture too !
from the link up
please stop by, jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
I’ve never been to a cocktail party… Oh I’ve drunk my fair share of cocktails, but in bars or pubs or sat around a friend’s kitchen table, not at some swanky do! Still, any occasion is ripe for dressing up, no? Love the red tartan with the silvery pewter shades, and your selections are tres chic! Now – where’s that mojito when I need one? xxx
Well really a cocktail party can be in a friend’s kitchen. It just sounds fancier than saying we’re having drinks at my place doesn’t it? ; )
Us Brits don’t really do cocktail parties – or at least the people I mix with! Like Curtise its usually a pitcher in a pub but hand on heart, I prefer beer! I got a free one on the house on Saturday night and left it!
Love the outfit you’re wearing the most but I can see you in the jumpsuit.
PS I can’t bear Country and western, Dolly Parton at Glasto bored the pants off me and Saturday night confirmed it. Give me some deep house or some bangin’ drum and bass, please! x
I wondered about the whole country music thing! LOL Seemed totally out of character for you.
I like the hipster’s look minus the heels
I would wear my docs instead, but call me me of course, me with heels, disaster…hahaha!
I could see you wearing that look Ariane. Funny enough the shoes are what the started the whole look for me. I’m a sucker for heels I cannot wear for any great length of time. AKA bedroom shoes.
I like the outfits you posted but I have to agree with you that the red jumper from Anthro is calling to me! What a look!!
xo,
nancy
http://www.adoretoadorn.com
I adore all the looks here – gorgeous! And you in your festive outfit are beautiful and funny as always! Something a bit French here, yes? Adorable!! xxx
I would love to try and pull off number 2. Now I just need an invitation to a cocktail party!
I love your outfit and all your outfits. My favorite is the last one. I have been wanting a sequins skirt but just can’t pull the trigger. I’ve tried a couple on and they just don’t look right on me.
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Coctail parties… That
Coctail parties… That sounds so wonderfully sophisticated and civilised… In Finland, any party involving alcohol is always a bit risky business: either an all-night pub crawl or getting totally sloshed at someone’s house (Finns only stop drinking if/when they pass out or are hauled away by the police…)
Therefore I’m partial to the fancy dress outfit, very Breakfast at Tiffany’s… Although I also love your tartan jacket combo.
If I dressed to match my decor, I’d be wearing brown cat-scratched leather with a coating of pet hair. You, on the other hand, look wonderful. I especially love that skirt … perfect with the stripe and plaid. Inspiration outfit for the restaurant. That’s where I wear my dress up, so it’s nice to be able to dress up often. One of the very few perks of the job!
Reading the other comments … I agree these are lovely heels, but what’s the big strain in wearing them for a party? That was rhetorical, ’cause I know the backlash. You look delicious in them, and they are just the narrative to go with your classic-with-a-twist outfit. Perfection.
You look fab in this outfit!!! And you go so well with your decor…hihihi.
Now, as for that black dress there on the first set…yummy, yes please, I’ll take that one.
Kyle just burst my holiday party bubble. I’ve been waiting on the details of his holiday work party. He’s working for a new company this year, but the Toyota parties we attended in the past were always fantastic: drink tickets, formal dinner, sushi stations, casino games, live music, etc. Not so this year. There is no party. There is a luncheon. And I’m not invited. No spouses or family allowed. No party. No joy. Bah humbug.
Ah well! I will simply change into various outfits for the remaining parties we are attending I have all of these party dresses, and I simply must wear them. I might be pouring a martini and partying with the subjects in the paintings around my house myself.
I love your first look with the rustic tartan and silky, opulent silver fabrics. So festive and fun! Of your outfit boards, I’m most likely to wear your “Friends Party” look. I love the vintage vibe. As far as the one I’d most like to see you in? The one with the red jumpsuit. What a statement piece! I was really surprised to see it’s from Anthro. How’s your shopping fast going now that the jumpsuit is on your mind?!
<3 Liz
http://www.withwonderandwhimsy.com
What a classy and shiny outfit you’ve got. The ones you picked are beautiful too, but I bet you can just as easily find more in your closet haha.
Greetje
Can I just say that your webpage is so bright and cheery? 😀 I always love visiting. ^_^ I need that plaid blazer in my life! o_O Neeeeed it! Also, wicked pleated skirt, dude! Love the shine!
– Anna
http://www.melodicthriftychic.com
Oh my gosh! You had me laughing so hard. This was brilliant. I love Isabel, by the way. Did you paint her? Your blazer is perfect. I am having a fit of jealousy over here. It looks similar to Isabel getting drunk. I throw a pajama Christmas party every year. It is coming up. Not exactly an occassion to dress up. But three parties ago I fell into our Christmas tree after one too many martinis, so now I know to keep the outfit padded and flannel.
You look beautiful! I hope Robert is home soon to shake those martinis.
Jenni
You know I love that blazer and it’s fabulous with the skirt and shoes. Loving your indoor shots…everything about it great…the set up, the lighting…perfect.
Debbie
http://www.fashionfairydust.blogspot.com
fabulous outfit! love particularly your tartan jacket and those subtle grey textures!! such pretty brooch and shoes!! you look gorgeous! and also love your home!!
Not a cocktail party girl myself, so I should pick your last ensemble, which I think it’s awesome for any festive event!!
besos
Menuda combinación de tejidos, colores y estampados, me encanta, y unas fotos preciosas y cuidadas. Besos desde el Share in style!
My favorite is definitely the outfit you’re actually wearing (and, so excited that I have most of the pieces to make that look happen for me too!).
And totally random, but I love the decor of your home and between this and your office, I really want to see even more of it!
Love and WANT your gorgeous skirt.
Thank you soooooooooooooooo much for joinning Shareinstyle once more. Such an honour.
TIME TO VOTE today dear friend . Time to really look at each other( Rosy and I are excluded )
Tons of love.
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matching home decor is always nice:) you look phenomenal…love the colours and the patterns of this look so much!
http://modaodaradosti.blogspot.com/
I love your holiday party outfit! That skirt is perfect, the pleats and the shimmery fabric are gorgeous. I too have planned lots of outfits for the parties in the next coming weeks :).
Your cocktail outfit is very pretty and cocktail-ish! The jumpsuit-look is very festive too. So is the ‘friends’-cocktail-look. Great job, gal!
Glad you explained that you work with a broad definition of cocktail-party. That way I can honestly say that I AM going to have some cocktail-parties myself;-). I even just came home from one, with three girlfriends. I will be sticking to bubbles though, like we did at our lunch today. Yum!