I love a good party dress!  But these days, most of the parties I attend are pretty casual.  This is likely a due to a combination of having a young family, living in a notoriously laid back city, and mostly socializing with close friends (think impromptu dinner parties in jammies).  While I still may “dress-up” for work events, my cocktail attire gets very little play these days, even during the holidays.

Therefore, when I purchase a dressier item, whether it be a dress, a pair of trousers, or even a blazer, I try to imagine how I can wear it multiple ways and for various occasions.  Take this Traffic People dress.  A dress, in and of itself, is inheritently a dressier look.  Add a subtle metallic silver in a “notice me” striped pattern and a dramatic necktie, and this dress can easily be taken for a night out on the town, an office cocktail hour, or a holiday party.  But, the addition of blousy long-sleeves make this dress infinitely more wearable, especially this time of year.  With the sleeves and conservative cut, you can wear it during the day – even with the touch of metallic.  Case in point: I’ve worn this dress to The Nutcracker with a pair of velvet heels and during the day with a denim vest and…wait for it…you guessed it, sneakers.

{outfit details} dress: Traffic People (c/o) | boots: Chloé | hat: Rag & Bone

Just a note on my accessories.  Don’t they deserve more than “just a note” though?!  As you likely already know, I am a huge bargain shopper.  I love a good deal…and my budget requires me to be thrifty.  Both my booties and hat are designer pieces.  The boots, in particular, I had been eyeing for awhile.  As luck would have it, I found both the booties and hat at the outlets (the boots were a major score at the Barney’s outlet in Calabasas).  My point is that something on your wishlist may be attainable with some research (and saving!)

What are you wearing to parties this season?  Oh, the options are endlessly fabulous: velvet, sequins, metallic, and faux fur!  Fashion provides so much solace for these long dark and cold days.

Thanks for reading! ~Jenn

photos by Sarah