Skip to content

Nothing to Wear? 8 Perfect Holiday Party-Ready Outfit Ideas

What to wear when your holiday party invitation reads 'creative cocktail'

By Seattle Mag December 16, 2013

1213cocktailfashion

This article originally appeared in the December 2013 issue of Seattle magazine.

!–paging_filter–pThe invite reads “creative cocktail attire,” but your closet is filled with tame, everydayoutfits. If there’s ever a time to shake things up beyond basic black—with sequins, metallic, satin and a fierce punch of color—it’s the holidays. As your dance card fills up this season, step outside your comfort zone with festive looks from local designers and boutiques. brstrongbrPictured Above from left: /strongVintage blue dress, $185, from Trove Vintage (Ballard, a href=”http://www.trovevintageboutique.com” target=”_blank”trovevintageboutique.com/a). Xenia Mara crystal and vintage earrings, $165; Lulu Frost Deco opalized glass necklace, $595; Eddie Borgo scarab ring $795; all from Hitchcock Madrona. Patent leather clutch, $850, from Luly Yang Couture (downtown, a href=”http://www.lulyyang.com” target=”_blank”lulyyang.com/a).brbrPrint tunic dress, $76, Topshop at a href=”http://www.nordstrom.com” target=”_blank”Nordstrom/a. Fail Bastet large geometric hoops, $78; c. by Meghann Sommer Temple of the Sun necklace, $105; Crystal Edge cuff by Jessie Harris, $73; Jade Mellor concrete Objective ring, $92; all froma href=”http://www.craftandculture.com/” target=”_blank” Craft Culture/a (online only). Pour la Victoire Clemence minaudiere (clutch), $195, from Nordstrom.brbrCosmopolitan satin suit jacket, $2,800, and pants, $1,400, from Luly Yang. Iosselliani collar necklace, $1,100, from Hitchcock Madrona. St. John Collection stacked light gold and black enamel rings, $45, and Vince Camuto ring, $48, both from Nordstrom.brbrVintage blue and green polka dot dress, $395, from Trove Vintage. BrynCollection Dancing Droplet earrings, $65; Juliet Roger matte gold stone bangles, $125 each, and adjustable ruby ring, $85, all available at Canopy Blue.brbrimg src=”/sites/default/files/newfiles/1213_cocktailfashion2.jpg” style=”margin: 10px; float: left;” height=”500″ width=”333″strongFrom left: /strongMalene Birger gold brocade dress, $628, from Baby Company (downtown,a href=”http://www.babyandco.us” target=”_blank” babyandco.us/a). Xenia Mara vintage crystal earrings, $185, and Eddie Borgo Talon cuff, $395; both from Hitchcock Madrona (Madrona,a href=”http://www.hitchcockmadrona.com” target=”_blank” hitchcockmadrona.com/a). Dolce Vita Yani pump, $148.95, from Nordstrom. House of Harlow Danielle clutch, $225, from Canopy Blue (Madison Park, a href=”http://www.canopyblue.com” target=”_blank”canopyblue.com/a).brbrWyatt Orr Juliet gown, $838 (online only,a href=”http://www.wyattorr.com” target=”_blank” wyattorr.com/a). St. John Collection light gold and black enamel hoop earrings, $100, from Nordstrom. Iosselliani metal and crystal fringe collar, $695, Hitchcock Madrona. Rachel Ravitch Shape bracelet, $60, from Prism (Ballard, a href=”http://prismcollectionseattle.blogspot.com/” target=”_blank”prismcollectionseattle.blogspot.com/a). St. John Collection stacked light gold and black enamel rings, $45; Tasha Spikey barrel clutch, $88; and Jeffrey Campbell Enable bootie, $174.95; all from Nordstrom.brbrSarsen June dress, $275 (online only; a href=”http://www.shopsarsen.com” target=”_blank”shopsarsen.com/a). Shoop hoops, $165, Lunar cuff, $150, and Saber necklace, $298, from Faris (available at Hitchcock Madrona and the Frye Art Museum Store,a href=”http://www.fryemuseum.org” target=”_blank” fryemuseum.org/a). Dolce Vita Kadyn pump, $178.95, from Nordstrom.brbrZadig Voltaire Volta Dore Deluxe jacket, $825; Topshop Pasha camisole, $36; Minkpink scalloped faux leather shorts, $79; Topshop triangle drop necklace (similar available), $35; all from Nordstrom. Eddie Borgo cone bracelet in gold, $500, from Hitchcock Madrona. Mimilamour Gold ’n’ Silver Fever bracelet, $97, from Craft and Culture (online only;a href=”http://www.craftandculture.com/” target=”_blank” craftandculture.com/a). Kenneth Cole Bless-Said booties, $199.95, from Nordstrom. brbr/p

 

Follow Us

Totes Secondhand

Totes Secondhand

Evergreen Goodwill teams up with Seattle artist Stevie Shao for a post-Thanksgiving push toward sustainable shopping.

Have you heard of Secondhand Sunday? It launched in 2022 as the calmer follow-up to Black Friday—a day built for browsing at secondhand stores instead of racing for deals at the mall. It also happens to land right when thrift stores are at their best. Racks are full of cold-weather staples and holiday decorations, and…

Support Local, Savor Global Right Here in Seattle

Support Local, Savor Global Right Here in Seattle

Intentionalist looks to ‘Amplify’ businesses in the Chinatown-International District

A number of iconic and longstanding restaurants in the Chinatown- International District (CID) have closed within the last year. Social entrepreneur Laura Clise is looking to stem the tide collaborating with community partners to launch Amplify, a campaign to support and sustain 35 small businesses in the historic neighborhood. The campaign kicks off in the throes of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific…

The Holly Jolly Hustle

The Holly Jolly Hustle

Seattle mag’s last-minute holiday travel gift guide

The holidays sped in on a supersonic sleigh this year! It’s not too late to find an out-of-this-world gift for those who love to wander this earth. Whether you’re shopping for Christmas, Hanukkah, Sagittarians, or yourself — these gifts will fuel wanderlust, inspire adventure, and make traveling more enjoyable.  Hydrating Facial Airplane travel plus cold…

Shop Small, Give Big

Shop Small, Give Big

The Gates Foundation’s holiday market offers gifts that give back

Save some of that Black Friday budget for gifts that matter. Shop the Giving Marketplace next weekend at the Gates Foundation Discovery Center and support meaningful causes. #BlackFriday #HolidayGiving #SeattleMag