My Go-To Holiday Party Outfit

So this isn't my exact go-to ensemble, but it's very similar.  This is what I'd wear to the family Xmas or holiday dinner, where you want to look nice and put together but it isn't as formal as say, a cocktail party.  For me, when I think of holiday colors I think of red and green.  I don't like to wear both at the same time, and red is just more festive to me than green, so I usually go with red, and mix it with some other wintery colors, like white, gold, and silver.  

Erin Fetherston for Juicy Couture Embellished Scoop Neck Top, $158 at shopbop.com, American Apparel Interlock Pencil Skirt in Cranbery, $32 at americanapparelstore.com: I love this tee/pencil skirt combo because it's really, really comfortable but it's very flattering and it looks very polished.  The skirt is the perfect shade of deep, cranberry red, and you can fold over the top easily to get it the right length for you (plus it's less than $35!!!).  This dolman top tucked into the skirt will make you waist look teensy in contrast with the wide sleeves, and the draping of the top goes so nicely against the clean lines of the skirt.  Plus that embellished neckline is so festive and party-ready.

Halston Heritage Skinny Sash Belt, $75 at shopbop.com, Jeffrey Campbell Tabitha Lace Platform Pumps, $130 at shopbop.com: I'd add this metallic belt to jazz it up even more, and draw the eye straight to your waist.  It's really long, so it wraps around the waist like a sash, which gives it an unexpectedly formal twist.  I. Love. These. Shoes.  They're a little on the strippery side, but the black color palette keeps them from being too racy.  The platform makes them comfy, and the lace paneling is so elegant and offbeat.

And if you really want to be the star of the night, bring a plate of these chocolate crinkle cookies.  I left out the cherries and added some extra chocolate chips and some cayenne pepper instead to make them Mexican chocolate style.  They're delicious, really easy to make, and the perfect combination of gooey and crispy.  Trust me, you'll be very popular.

Images from shopbop.com, americanapparelstore.com, shopbop.com, shopbop.com.