Holiday party season is in full swing and if you’re anything like me, you still don’t know what you’re wearing to any of the events on your calendar. I did the heavy lifting and pulled some of my favorite festive looks from local Charlotte boutiques.
I’ve got you covered for everything from mature office party attire to sequin mini dresses for the midnight countdown. Let’s party.
Here are the boutiques I visited:
Boem – 3920 Sharon Road
CRIV – 1111 Metropolitan Avenue
McKenzie Claire – 1419 East Boulevard
Sloan – 4310 Sharon Road
Vestique – 1532 East Boulevard
Where available, I linked out to online buying options for featured items. Based on the response to our fall fashion guide, featured items sell out quick. So get moving if you see something you like.
Velvet
‘Tis the season to cozy up in plush fabrics. I found velvet variations on everything from an elegant jumpsuit that feels like your Christmas Eve onesie jammies to a playful mini wrap skirt. I can’t get enough of these looks.
Velvet jumpsuit, $120 at Boem
All the proportions are right with this wide leg, high waist and deep plunge neckline. It drips 70s-era cool.
Rebecca Taylor ruched velvet dress, $595 at McKenzie Claire
Love the subtle 80s power shoulder and ruching detailing on this.
Jack West Village velvet dress in golden palm, $86 at Boem
The flutter sleeve. The ruffled hem. The not-quite-gold-not-quite-yellow color. It’s perfect.
Splendid velour dress, $180 at Sloan
A simple slip dress to wear when you want your coat to be the statement piece (see plaid poncho below)
BB Dakota “Look This Good” velvet skirt, $78 at Boem
For something a little younger and more playful, a velvet mini wrap does the trick. (Paired with Free People Diamond Eyes sequin top, $78)
Sequins & Sparkle
New Year’s Eve is your night to be as extra as humanly possible. Sequins are the way. Or opt instead to tone it down with fabrics that feature more subtle shimmer and sparkle that really only pops under flashing lights. However you approach it, pair these loud pieces with an even louder oversized fuzzy coat because that trend is still happening and I said so.
Showtime stripe sequin jumpsuit, $130 at Five13 Studio
Never in the history of jumpsuits has their ever existed a jumpsuit more perfect for New Year’s Eve. (PS – Pockets!)
Show Me Your Mumu Vivian slip dress, $184 at Boem
Yes to this sparkly pastel color combo.
Motel Malia bodycon dress, $110 at CRIV
Party in the front. Party in the back. Party in the sleeves. Party everywhere.
Antik Batik Buguy long dress, $335 at McKenzie Claire
If I’m talking in this photo is probably because I’m saying “I love it” over and over again. Absolute perfection.
BB Dakota sparkle motion dress in rose gold, $110 at Boem
This would be perfect with a giant fuzzy jacked (because we’re absolutely not over that fall trend yet).
Heartloom sparkle cami, $90 at Boem
For more subtle sparkle, pair a sequin cami with high-waisted pants. (Paired with MINKPINK Albert pant, $100)
Antik Batik chai dress, $350 at McKenzie Claire
Subtle gold shimmer.
Love Shack Fancy Angelica dress in Tulipwood, $795 at McKenzie Claire
I almost refused to take this off. I love the dramatic angel wing shoulder detailing and cascading ruffles, and it has the slightest silver shimmer.
You can see the shimmer better in the light. AND LOOK AT THE BACK.
Red & Green
The classic holiday color combo is a safe bet and doesn’t look gimmicky so long as you choose one or the other. I’m personally feeling green everything this year, but you can never go wrong with a bold red outfit.
Capulet Sierra ruched mini dress, $148 at Boem
Buy now, save for Valentine’s Day — unless you’re really trying to turn heads at the office party or Grandma’s Christmas dinner with a nearly hip-high slit. Also perfect for a clubby New Year’s Eve.
Milly red dress, $375 at Sloan
A more modest red dress option with a classic 50s silhouette.
Plaid poncho, $734 at Sloan
Every fashion blogger’s Christmas coat dream.
Winter Eve dress in green, $44 at Vestique
I have boots on by accident but that’s honesty how I’d style this to dress it down and give it some edge on New Year’s Eve.
Green jumpsuit, $266 at Sloan
Love the tailored fit and high neckline on this.
Laci plunge back green dress, $65 at Five13 Studio
This dead simple gown features a gorgeous plunging back that looks expensive but costs less than your NYE ticket.
Talk about a dramatic reveal.
PS – Here’s the perfect custom accessory to pair with your party outfits…
The Johnny Initial Ring (starting at $650) by Kristin Hayes Jewelry is my #1 pick for most-wanted accessory. You’ll see it on my hand in many of these photos. This is a custom piece that takes 2-3 weeks to make and ship so you won’t have it before the holidays, but it’s not a bad New Year gift if you ask me. Hello, 2019.
