Holiday Outfit Inspiration: Statement Dresses and Diamonds

Source, clockwise: 1//2//3//4

'Tis the season to dress up for parties, and I for one always find that a bit of a challenge. Which probably sounds ridiculous since I have more than enough clothes, but hear me out! My regular style is a full face of make up + dressed up casual style, and since I don't really wear sky high heels (not even for parties), party outfits that works with my style just look like I'm going to work. But I so WANT to find a balance between my easy style and feeling dressed up/extraordinarily pretty! Fancier than usual, but not like I'm wearing a costume, you know? Am I making any sense?

All of the women in the collage above look like their party outfit was styled specifically for them. Nicole is looking elegantly boho, Claudia rocks classic sexy glamour, Alexa does classy with fun details like no other and Elizabeth brings a modern, cute take on a sort of '20s meets '60s vintage look. And that's what I want! A party look that feels 100% me.

Anyway, as always: polyvore to the rescue. I've been browsing outfits and styles and I think the solution to my perfect party outfit problem lies in a couple of key ideas. I'm thinking: fancy accessories, comfortable heels and a dress that is too sexy/intricate/fun for work, but still understated enough to let me rather than the dress be the centre of attention. I want the total picture to still be young and fun, but more sophisticated than what I might have worn a year or two ago.

dress: ASOS - clutch: Zara - slingback kitten heels: Ann Taylor - earrings: Anjolee

I think all of these items work together because they feel sharp, geometrical and elegant while still being quite relaxed. I am 100% in love with that dress. I think it's both simple and different, sexy and classy, and it looks super duper comfortable to boot! Because seriously, 99% of my holiday party activity consists of eating. When it comes to non-stretchy party wear, I've learned my lesson.

And aren't those diamond earrings gorgeous? Duh, diamonds. Anjolee's webservice is worth noting because its jewelry is customizable both in look and in price: pick a basic piece, and change up the options to get a finished end result that fits your taste and wallet. This means a basic pair of real diamond stud earrings can go from about 200€ to 12.000€ (yowza!). Not exactly a stocking stuffer, but once in a while you might want to find a show stopping gift for someone special, for example to commemorate an occasion (5 year anniversary, sister going off to college, your mom's 50th birthday, bridal set, ...).

I think I'd pair this combination with very easy/messy hair (aka my own), nude lips and either a cat eye or smokey eye make up. Think of Alexa's hair + Claudia's make up in the upper picture, or take this collage for reference. I'm SO going to try and replicate that blended cut crease eye make up.

Source, clockwise: 1//2//3

Now, obviously I don't own the pieces featured above (sadface) so this isn't 100% what I'll be wearing for the holidays, but I see these types of collages as a basic blueprint of a good party outfit, something to keep in mind when browsing the sales or standing in front of my closet while getting dressed. Or, when in doubt, sequins. Always.

So! Do you find dressing for parties as difficult as I do? And what pieces would be essential to your perfect party style?