The outfit:
I tucked a striped tee into a burgundy lace pencil skirt and added a skinny gold belt for accent. Pair with ballet flats or riding boots with tights, depending on your local weather.

Where to wear it:
This is great for an event with an unclear dress code when you're pretty sure that it is a casual event, but don't want to show up and be the only person in jeans. Even though cookie decorating may sound like a messy affair, at the cookie parties of my youth most of the adults wore this type of upgraded casual outfit. Even if there is an activity planned, chances are most of your time will be spent socializing, so you should follow the same dress code as any other holiday open house.

Why it works:
The pop of pink at the neck plays off the deep burgundy color of the skirt, adding to the whimsy of pattern mixing. (It is hard to see in the photo, but the skirt is a floral lace.) By minimizing the accessories, the outfit feels light so as long as you wear flat shoes, you will not look overdressed. Not quite convinced? Think of the skirt as an upgraded version of colored corduroys and remember that a host will always appreciate you making an effort to look nice. After all, they put a lot of work into making their party fun for you!

Merry Christmas! Need to catch up on the 12 Days of Holiday Parties outfit series? Past posts can be found here. New outfits will be posted daily until New Year's Eve to inspire all of your seasonal party looks!

The outfit:
As I mentioned last December, while I was working in retail I noticed a trend that around Thanksgiving many women would start coming into the store looking for a red, wool skirt suit to wear as a "Christmas suit." However, I think it is a bit boring to wear the same outfit every year on the same holiday and very impractical to buy a new version of it nearly every year. So I paired trousers in a deep plum with a cardigan in a matching deep plum color and added some great holiday sparkle with a glitzy top.

Where to wear it:
From church to dinner, this works for all your official Christmas activities!

Why it works:
The holiday season is all about deep, rich colors and fun sparkle so this outfit combines them. By finding separates that match instead of a traditional suit, you also ensure that you will be the only one rocking your look!

Need to catch up on the 12 Days of Holiday Parties outfit series? Past posts can be found here. New outfits will be posted daily until New Year's Eve so check back here if you need inspiration to create the perfect outfit to host or to attend a party.

I love wearing winter white during the cold weather months. It looks fantastic paired back to red and black and it creates a bolder statement than all black.

The outfit:
A white lace tee is paired with ivory dot ankle pants and a black blazer with a grosgrain ribbon bow. I accessorized with a red, multi-strand necklace and red pumps.

Where to wear it:
To a holiday cocktail party at a friend's house or for dinner at a trendy restaurant.

Why it works:
A bold contrast in colors feels modern and the bow at the waist creates a great silhouette. Head-to-toe black is quite common for dressy occasions during the cold months, so a base of winter white will make your look stand out.

Need to catch up on the 12 Days of Holiday Parties outfit series? Past posts can be found here and new looks will be posted daily until New Year's Eve to inspire your party outfits this season!

The outfit:
I absolutely adore this tweed suit, but do not have many occasions to wear it as a set. Since the sleeves are only 3/4 length, I love to add a fun pop near the wrist and in this case I layered a white and black stripe tee underneath. Pair with a cute pair of black boots to finish the look. I added a gold and pearl necklace, but a brightly colored scarf tucked into the jacket would also be appropriate.

Where to wear it:
This warm and cozy outfit is perfect to wear to church, to the office holiday party, or to see the annual production of The Nutcracker or A Christmas Carol.

Why it works:
Tweed is a cold-weather fabric and worn as a matching suit, it feels very seasonal. The style of this jacket as well as the unexpected pop by the wrists keeps the outfit from feeling like you are on your way to work.