I always get emails this time of year asking my advice on what to wear to an office Christmas party, so today I’m sharing what I plan to wear to my husband’s company party tonight.
Dolman Sleeve Blouson Dress // similar suede pumps // earrings // tassel necklace // similar minaudière // similar hose
My husband’s office party is always the first Friday of December, so I’m usually looking for my outfit early in the season. The dress code is festive but not overly formal. Sometimes I wear a dress, and sometimes I do a sparkly top with dressy jeans or ponte pants.
I happened upon this LBD at White House Black Market several months ago, and I knew it was perfect for this occasion. I snapped it up right then and there, and I’m so glad I did because it’s long gone now.
I love White House Black Market for party attire. Whether it’s a cocktail dress for a fancy affair or a sparkly sweater for a more casual event, they always seem to have just the right thing.
Here are some more holiday party dress suggestions. Most of these dresses are under $100.
This LBD is a blank canvas that is begging to be accessorized. I love that I can dress it down with tights and boots or dress it up with fishnet stockings and stilettos or anything in between. Plus, SLEEVES!!!
For this event, I want to be dressy but not over the top so I’ve decided to wear pumps and sheer black hose and some black and silver jewelry I picked up at White House Black Market.
Yes, I said hose. Last winter, we debated what hose to wear with a black cocktail dress and whether pantyhose were even in style at all. The overall consensus was that in the wintertime, sheer pantyhose are appropriate with a semi-formal dress — especially for those of us of a certain age, ahem. I will still go bare legged in the summertime because I have a tan (or a good self-tanner) but in the wintertime, these legs need some coverage. Sheer black hose or sheer skin-colored hose are equally appropriate.
Thanks to Princess Kate, nude pantyhose are no longer considered frumpy. I know that she’s a princess, and she probably has to wear them, but I do think she has normalized the look for the rest of us. Secretly, I’ve always been a fan of sheer nude hose. I like the airbrushed look that it gives the legs, so I’m thrilled they’re in vogue again.
The key to wearing pantyhose without looking frumpy is to wear very sheer, natural looking hose. These Ultra Sheer Control Top pantyhose by Donna Karan come highly recommended by a stylist at Nordstrom, if you’re looking for recommendations. And bonus, they’re on sale!!
I tried this dress with both nude and black hose, and after looking at both sets of pictures, I decided to go with black. Here’s a picture so you can see to compare.
That totally works, but I think I’ll probably go with the black tonight. They’re more formal and give me a little more coverage. Tights are an option, and they’d make the outfit more trendy, but my husband works with actuaries. They’re not exactly known for being trendy, so and I’m playing it safe and keeping it classic.
As for accessorizing this dress, I was planning to wear a chunky statement necklace that I already have, but the sales associate at White House Black Market suggested this Y-Drop Tassel Necklace, and I love it. Sometimes I feel that large necklaces are aging, but this feels flirty and fun.
You can barely see my earrings, but they are these Faceted Jet Earrings.
I’m also wearing a simple tennis bracelet from my Stella & Dot Boutique. I wanted something that compliments but doesn’t compete with the rest of my jewelry.
The minaudière I’m holding is from the Nine West Outlet. I’ve been wanting a minaudière for ages, and I knew it would be perfect for this outfit, so I snapped it up.
My shoes are black suede pumps from Stuart Weitzman. My mom bought them for me when we were shopping together many moons ago. They’re old, but they’re classic. I love the styling, but I also love how comfortable they are. Of course, you can totally find suede pumps for less than $100. They’re a great staple to have in your closet.
While I love these black suede pumps, what I really wanted to wear with this dress was my new leopard heels.
I tried. I really did, but I can’t walk in these. They are just a little bit higher than the suede pumps, and the heel isn’t as stable. I felt ridiculous trying to walk around in them, whereas I feel confident in the Stuart Weitzmans. They’re just more comfortable overall. I guess that’s the way it should be since they cost 4 times as much as the leopard ones. Ha!
As for a coat, I didn’t think to get a picture of that. If it is cold, I’ll be wearing my new silver down parka that I shared yesterday. I’m all for being warm when I’m wearing a skimpy dress! If I had a fur bolero or something of that nature, I’d totally wear that. I also love this fur trim cape. I don’t dress up enough to purchase something new, so my coat will do just fine.
For more holiday style inspiration, be sure to visit BonBon Rose Girls and Grace + Beauty!
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Wow! Gorgeous… what a stunning look.
You are smokin’ lady! What a stunning dress! I do love the leopard pumps, but the SWs are totally fab and look killer with the dressQ!
You look amazing! Great dress. 🙂
Jaymie
http://www.jaymieashcraft.com
Love this look, especially with the sheer black hose. I actually love that they are more of an option these days, for the exact reasons you stated.
Love the dress! You look great! Hope you enjoy the party.
Absolutely stunning outfit. Perfect in every way! I didn’t now what a minaudière was nor an actuary! So in addition to learning about fashion, I learned two new words! Have fun at the party! Lucky you, or should I say your husband?
Beautiful as always! I love that dress! And I like the black hose better than the nude ones too…good call. 🙂
You look amazing in this LBD, such a perfect holiday look!! Thanks for hosting as always:)
Marta
http://www.sweatersstripesandsweets.com
You look phenomenal Jo-Lynne! Have fun at the party!
You look stunning in that LBD!
xo
PinkSole
I agree with the darker hose and the SW pumps! They just finish off the dress in a very classic way! This dress fits you like a dream and you’ve accessorized it perfectly! Thanks for hosting!
Carylee | http://morepiecesofme.com
You look fabulous and of course I love the leopard pumps!
Are you wearing the black or off black color of pantyhose?
I think they’re black, but they’re very sheer.
A pretty LBD like this is perfect for holiday parties!
Rebecca
http://www.redtagchiclosangeles.com
You look spectacular in this dress! It is perfect for you!
You look amazing in this dress. And thanks for your comments about pantyhose. If we northern gals want to wear a dress in winter, we have to wear hose or we’d freeze!
va va GORGEOUS! Love it. I just linked up an all black outfit with red pumps…for me thats teh perfect holiday outfit- I just love black with fabulous accessories- you look phenom- wear the stuarts!!
C
You look perfect!!! Beautiful combination of sexy, yet classic! Your husband will be so proud to be your date. 🙂
This dress looks so great on you. Perfect outfit for any holiday party!
Mary
http://www.marymurnane.com
I love, love posts with holiday outfit ideas! They are so useful for everyone! Hope you enjoy your holiday parties this year. xx, Conni
You look gorgeous! I love seeing the changes the hose and shoes make. This dress was made for you!
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
This looks great on you! I really do love a dress with sleeves, I wish manufacturers would make more!
I agree. I always look for a holiday party dress with sleeves.
Another vote for the black sheer tights. And I love the detailing on the sleeves. Just makes the dress. Enjoy your night!
http://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk/
Wow!!! You look great!
Wow! You look amazing! Good call on the black sheer hose. Love the shoes, too. Your husband should be very pleased to have you on his arm (that’s what my husband always says). 🙂
You look great! I love what you said about a LBD being a blank canvas. That’s a great way to look at it. 🙂
This sexy LBD is meant for you JoLynne. Though I love both versions of this outfit, the first one with the sheer tights and black pumps is my favorite. It is so clean and elegant.
🙂 Ada.
Wow, absolutely stunning. And I like the black hose better. They pretty much complete the look. Gorgeous!
Thanks, Holli. I like them much better too.
Super hot!!! Whoa! Thanks for posting.
Smokin’ hot in this dress! No doubt your hubby will keep you close to his side. You look amazing.
This really is a perfect office holiday outfit. It’s classy without sacrificing the sass! Another great link up! Thanks for having me.
http://www.sweetsauceblog.com/hard-rock-holiday/
Thank you, Megan!
Wow – that dress is amazing and looks fantastic on you! You have styled it so well and I love it with the too high animal print pumps!
I agree with the black sheer. I still can’t bring myself to wear pantyhose. 🙂
The dress looks amazing!!!! You styled it perfectly.
This look is gorgeous on you! It looks so comfortable (sleeves, not clingy), but in a chic way. This look is screenshot worthy and going shopping with me! Thanks for the great inspiration!!!
Love that dress! It looks amazing on you!
http://www.hiteastyle.com
You look amazing! Have fun! I like the black hose a little better but either would work.
Thanks, Mary!
Ok, because we are ‘friends’ or at least friendly, I think I can say this…Your booty looks spankilicious in this dress. Oh, my gosh! Hot tamale! WOW! Love both looks…nude hose and black. But the black just ups the sassiness a notch.
OMG you just made me snort my coffee. I’ve never had a booty worth discussing, so I might have to start wearing this dress every day. 😉
Can’t be doing that snorting business in your LBD! Besides, you look darn spankilicious in about everything!!
LOVE the slits in the sleeves!!
Confessions of a Frumpy Mommy
RIGHT?!? They make the dress, don’t they?
the dress is stunning, i love the sleeves!
Thank you! Yes, I love little details like that. 🙂
Wow, you look great! I love the entire look that you put together. We are attending a wedding this evening, and I’m going to wear my sheer black DKNY black hose. I really enjoy your blog.
Thank you, Sandy! I hope you had fun last night.
What a great and unique LBD with the slit sleeves and drawstrings. It will look great worn with opaque tights, boots and a leather jacket as well, for those days when you want to look fierce! 😉
Anett | Tall Girl’s Fashion
Anett, I love that idea!! I will have to try that.
I love this look on you, and I am SO happy to see you are wearing hose!
This dress is back in stock!! Love how you styled it and can’t wait to try! http://bit.ly/1ZBoVLB and if you spend $150 you get $50 off 1 item! Ordered this and the surplice drape tunic.
YAY! Thanks for sharing!
Love your outfit and totally agree on your hose choice. While the nude hose look lovely, the sheer black hose are perfect with your dress. Love DKNY hosiery 🙂
Thanks, Shannon! Yeah, I’m really glad I went with those in the end.
You look good in both the nude and black hose. Shoes are lovely.
You did mention Donna Karen ultra sheer hose? How sheer are they?
Are they durable?
They’re very sheer, and yes, very durable.