We have been talking all about dress options for your corporate Holiday event, but I know some of you are not about the dress life. Today’s post is all about holiday dress alternatives.
Dress pants are a good alternative. You can find dressy pants like these at numerous places. Pair them with a dressy, embellished top like this, and you’re set!
Another great alternative is jumpsuits! They are on trend and easy to find right now. This one is from Dressbarn last season, but you can find a sequined option on sale here. I would also recommend this as an option from Macy’s. I’m also a huge fan of metallic and sequins to give you that glam feel, but in the comfort of pants. If you prefer sleeves, this Amazon jumpsuit is perfect for you offering sheer sleeves and embellished cuffs, plus it comes in different colors.
I hope this series has brought a little glam inspiration to everyone!
Let’s continue our journey down this holi-glam path, shall we?
So far, We have de-coded dress codes for your corporate holiday event and encouraged you to step away from the traditional little black dress, but I know some of you may not be at that level of comfort yet.
If you find comfort in the LBD or you want to maintain a more conservative look, these dress options are for you!
If you haven’t noticed, lace is on trend and is currently easy to find without having to break the bank.
This dress from Amazon Fashion is a great alternative to your traditional LBD and allows you to join in the love of lace! It features feminine lace bodice with a solid black bottom that includes pockets. It offers enough five at the waist and arms to make it ultra comfortable.
Amazon Fashion dress by Nemidor
This other option is also from Amazon and gives you the best of both worlds – cocktail with a hint of formal with an asymmetric hem. It features delicate lace detail, an empire waist and is available is numerous colors. If you’d prefer a symmetric hem, you have that option as well.
Warning: this next dress will get you constant compliments. It has lace and tulle – what’s not to love??? This dress from City Chic is a show stopper and they also offer it in a maxi.
It’s easy to put on a little black dress for a corporate holiday party, but I challenge you to see this type of event as an opportunity to be seen in a fun environment! Just make sure you stand out in a positive and professional way.
This is the time of year you get an opportunity to take a little more risks in clothing and step away from your familiar place of style comfort. ‘Tis the season for color and this season continues with jewel tones and fun textures! Embrace it.
These dress options will allow you to shine bright.
First, a velvet wrap dress. These dresses are great for a variable fit because you control how tight or loose the dress is per the tie. Let me be honest. When I first received the dress, I debated returning it because something about it made me feel like I was wearing a bath robe. That then I paired it with this glam cinch belt from Torrid and it changed the look completely! [This belt is last season, but you can find a comparable one that is currently on sale here.] Takeaway here: give your outfits an upgrade by adding statement belts or jewelry!
The one I’m wearing from Eloquii last season, but they have a similar style in a fit & flare this year. Find it here. Torrid has a great option in stock right now. You can also opt for a long dress with this option from Kiyonna.
Eloquii Wrap Dress (last season)
Next up, a velvet sheath or velvet with sparkles. These dresses are a great way to show off your curves, yet still modest enough to wear around coworkers. The sleeves add some added flare and personality. This dress is out of stock, but you can find similar options from Lane Bryant here. I also love this unique and affordable alternative from Rotita!
Lane Bryant Velvet Sheath
Finally, a velvet fit and flare that is so flattering on a curvy body! The puff sleeves add personality and the keyhole is a tad sexy. You can find this on Amazon in different colors. Torrid has a v-neck more skater style flare option here and a cold-shoulder option here.
Amazon Keyhole Velvet Pleated Dress
If you haven’t gotten on the jewel tones and velvet fabrics bandwagon yet, well – all aboard!!! They are a must-have this holiday season.
Metallic shoes compliment jewel tones perfectly – I opted for my Sam Edelmen pumps in pictures 1 and 3. Wearing a satin Nina open toe pump in picture 2.
What are you going to wear to your corporate holiday party?
This has often been difficult to answer and why I am bringing back ConfidentlyCorporate’s Holiday Glam Guide for a second year in a row.
In thinking of work holiday parties, I want to maintain an air of professionalism, but I don’t want to dress like it’s just another day at work.
I’m sure many of you can agree that finding somewhere between formal, yet festive and just-another-day can be hard to nail down. Then add on the desire to be professional while still stylish and on trend, and it gets more complicated – that is where I want to offer some help.
First, figure out the suggested dress code for your holiday party or happy hour. Usually it is shared on the invite via wording or theme.
Black-tie – formal clothing is appropriate, but certain cocktail dresses may work too. A floor-length gown is perfect, fancy cocktail dress, or LBD (little black dress) glammed up with fancy shoes and accessories.
Black-tie optional – formal clothing is appropriate, but not necessary. A more understated floor-length gown or cocktail dress will work.
Cocktail attire – the most forgiving of the dress codes and what most corporate party dress codes tend to be. A tea or knee length dress is appropriate, a LBD, a dressy jumpsuit or pants suit will work also.
A LBD is always in style and classic, but this time of year offers your safe LBD a break. The holidays allow you the opportunity to step out of your comfort zone. ‘Tis is the season for GLAM and with options in bold hues / jewel tones and luscious fabrics, you should embrace some glamorous chances!
Next, don’t forget about the shoes / accessories and hair / makeup – these can make (or break) an outfit.
Shoes: Open-toe is appropriate, but don’t think a closed or peep toe won’t work. A closed-toe metallic pump can pair beautifully with a cocktail dress and they are very much on trend this season.
Accessories: Sparkle and statement jewelry is appropriate, but make sure to balance it with the dress you are wearing. If you have on a sequined or metallic outfit, simple maybe the best option. If your wearing an LBD, your jewelry can be played up much more.
Hair: This is a perfect opportunity for an updo or lush curls. Don’t know how to do an updo? Don’t stress! It can be as simple as a sock bun or a messy bun. Alternatively, curls can dress up any outfit and can be achieved with a curling iron, flat iron, or hot rollers. Or consider classic straight, polished hair that can be pinned half-up.
Makeup: No better time for a Smokey eye look than now! Or add a pop of color with some bold lipstick.
Are you needing examples? Ask and you shall receive! The next week, I will share one outfit per day that are sure to leave you feeling #ConfidentlyCorporate (+glam) and impress your colleagues, and date too! Follow @ConfidentlyCorporate on Instagram and Facebook so you don’t miss out!
Finally, use this opportunity of dressing up and feeling beautiful to let your confidence shine. It’s great to enjoy your time at the event mainly with your squad, but make sure to mingle with those you don’t get regular exposure to. I’d be remiss if I didn’t suggest that you partake in drinking responsibly, keeping in mind that you will see these colleagues in the office come Monday morning.
Confidence is not a destination, it truly is a journey that has bumps along the way.
You don’t become confident over night and even when you work on it, you still have wavering moments of self-consciousness and doubt.
I’ve learned what clothes work for my body type, but summers are often a struggle for me because shorts and swimsuits rarely flatter my imperfections.
I’ve spent years wearing capris or maxis in the heat of Houston summers. Years of sitting on lounge chairs watching my kids play in the pool so I wouldn’t have to take off my swim cover. Years searching for the right swimsuit that camouflages the dimples and bumps.
I have never worn a 2 piece swimsuit that wasn’t a tankini. Until this year.
I decided to…
Stop hiding.
Stop sitting on the sidelines
Stop focusing on what others think.
Stop being ashamed of the areas that make me insecure.
I believe that one woman is powerful, but a team of women can have major impact. The greatest example is the Women’s Suffrage Movement – numerous women combining efforts to a victorious goal that is still the most significant achievement of women in the Progressive Era!
Throughout my career (and my life), I have made it a point to support other women in their endeavors. Early in my career, I found it difficult to find supportive woman. As I reflect on this, I wonder if there was an evolution with women entering the workforce and having to compete with men combined with fewer women at the top ranks of organizations (data from Catalyst supports this). Did this impact our view of other women as the competition and subconsciously led us to not support and champion one another?
We should put our energy on funneling our collective power to change the game and raise each other up! There is power in a pack and I do believe there are many women supporting one another.
I had the pleasure and honor this weekend of meeting one woman who is changing the narrative that women don’t support one another. Sarah-Jane Reign is a confident woman who’s everyday style inspires woman to be more bold, feel more confident, and feel good about their true selves.
I began following Sarah-Jane months ago when I stumbled across her Instagram page and got excited that I found a fellow plus-size blogger living in Houston. Her style was unique – from boho chic to vintage glam to total luxe – but what drew me in were her poses and her words. She exudes confidence – I mean it oozes out of her pictures and through the screen. That, coupled with her humor and words uplifting women, I may have developed a #bossbabe crush. I started commenting on her posts and stories and what happened next blew me away – she responded! Next thing I know, this busy woman is making time to meet me for brunch!
Sarah-Jane is wearing ModCloth. I’m wearing CCSutton Curvy Collection
This brunch was a true power and inspiration brunch rolled into one. She shared about her goals – her stretch goals – she spoke them out loud. [I point this out because most women, myself included, keep goals to themselves out of fear of not being able to attain them. And here Sarah-Jane was just putting it out to the universe!!). She even suggested a stretch goal for me and then gave me ideas on how to achieve it.
She is such an inspiration!
In my corporate job, I have often measured my own success via how many people around me succeed because I work to champion, coach, support, inspire. In my person life, I am energized seeing friends and family succeed. To connect with another woman who has this value is invaluable. Every person you connect with is a new door to a different world and we all benefit from other perspectives and experiences.
There is much research out there showing that women who support other women are more successful in business. Further, a study by HBR found that women benefit from having a well-connected network of different groups, but women who have an inner circle of close female contacts landed leadership positions that were 2.5 times higher in authority and pay than those of their female peers lacking this combination.
The point is:
STOP competing and start connecting. Connecting isn’t a one and done – they must be nurtured so prioritize building relationships.
Connect in real life – not just on social media.
Support other women. If you believe that lifting other women up dims your light, then you need may need to do some self-reflection and work on your own security.
Be authentic and genuine in your connections. The world needs more REAL.
I found this jumpsuit to be just as beautiful as a LBD. It does appear to run a little larger because of all the draping and stretch material, so I would recommend sizing down.
I’m sure you recall my challenge to give your LBD a break – a holiday party allows you to be seen in a fun environment so don’t show up boring! But make sure you stand out in a positive and professional way. This is the time of year you get an opportunity to take a little more risks in clothing and step away from your familiar place of style comfort.
Yesterday’s dress, while beautiful, barely got you away from the LBD, but ’tis the season for color and this season is all about jewel tones! Embrace it.
Let me be honest. When I first received the dress, I debated returning it because something about it made me feel like I was wearing a bath robe. That then I paired it with this glam cinch belt from Torrid and it changed the look completely! [This belt is last season, but you can find a comparable one that is currently on sale here.]
Takeaway here: give your outfits an upgrade by adding statement belts or jewelry!
Jewel tones and velvet fabrics are a must-have this holiday season and you get both in one dress with this stunner.
Metallic shoes compliment this dress perfectly – I opted for my Sam Edelmen pumps in yesterday’s post.
I wore dainty Stella and Dot earrings to balance out the bling in my belt and shine in my shoes.
Let’s continue our journey down this holi-glam path, shall we?
Yesterday, I de-coded dress codes 😉 for your corporate holiday event. I also encouraged stepping away from the traditional little black dress, but I know some of you may not be at that level of comfort yet.
If you find comfort in the LBD or you want to maintain a more conservative look, this dress option is for you!
If you haven’t noticed, lace is on trend and is currently easy to find without having to break the bank. This dress from Amazon Fashion is a great alternative to your traditional LBD and allows you to join in the love of lace! It features:
A deep V-neck, black and white lace bodice that is oh-so feminine
A solid black knee-length a-line with pockets
Unlined half-sleeves making it conservative with out being too covered up
Stretchy top allows for comfortable wear around the waist and arms
Hidden back zipper
Photo by Chrissy Guthrie Photography
I personalized this dress with a lace cami underneath for added coverage as I found the V-neck to be too revealing for my taste and for a corporate setting.
I added additional glam with a pair of silver metallic Sam Edelman pumps from DSW – the comfort of these shoes is unreal! [Note: these shoes are currently on sale at DSW!] You could pair it with black strappy shoes instead for a more conservative / not as bold look. I opted for no necklace because the sparkle earrings from Stella and Dot (3 seasons old) were large enough and I didn’t want the focus to be the jewelry, I wanted the dress to stand out!
📸 by Chrissy Guthrie Photography
This dress is a perfect cocktail dress that offers feminine, on-trend style, comfort, and affordability at only $36.99!
Your corporate holiday party is fast approaching, so what are you going to wear??
For many of us, myself included, this is a difficult one to answer. I want to maintain an air of professionalism, but I don’t want to dress like it’s just another day at work.
I used to spend time searching online for ideas on corporate holiday wear, which always turned out to be a bust. Ever tried it? You’ll find dressed up suits (like sequined blasters) or dresses you’d wear to work any day of the week paired with metallic shoes and statement jewelry. I even found a fashion post suggesting wearing a long blazer as a dress! (Please do not do this)
I’m sure many of you can agree that finding somewhere between formal, yet festive and just-another-day can be hard to nail down. Then add on the desire to be professional while still stylish and on trend, and it gets more complicated – that is where I want to offer some help.
First, figure out the suggested dress code for your holiday party or happy hour. Usually it is shared on the invite via wording or theme.
Black-tie – formal clothing is appropriate, but certain cocktail dresses may work too. A floor-length gown is perfect, fancy cocktail dress, or LBD (little black dress) glammed up with fancy shoes and accessories.
Black-tie optional – formal clothing is appropriate, but not necessary. A more understated floor-length gown or cocktail dress will work.
Cocktail attire – the most forgiving of the dress codes and what most corporate party dress codes tend to be. A tea or knee length dress is appropriate, a LBD, a dressy jumpsuit or pants suit will work also.
I encourage you to fight the urge to play it safe with just another little black dress. Don’t get me wrong, a LBD is always in style and classic so don’t think I’m not knocking it! But this time of year offers your safe LBD a break. The holidays allow you the opportunity to step out of your comfort zone. ‘Tis is the season for GLAM and with options in bold hues / jewel tones and luscious fabrics, you should embrace some glamorous chances!
Next, don’t forget about the shoes / accessories and hair / makeup – these can make (or break) an outfit.
Shoes: Open-toe is appropriate, but don’t think a closed or peep toe won’t work. A closed-toe metallic pump can pair beautifully with a cocktail dress and they are very much on trend this season.
Accessories: Sparkle and statement jewelry is appropriate, but make sure to balance it with the dress you are wearing. If you have on a sequined or metallic outfit, simple maybe the best option. If your wearing an LBD, your jewelry can be played up much more.
Hair: This is a perfect opportunity for an updo or lush curls. Don’t know how to do an updo? Don’t stress! It can be as simple as a sock bun or a messy bun. Also, an updo is not a must. Curls can dress up any outfit and can be achieved with a curling iron, flat iron, or hot rollers. Or consider classic straight, polished hair that can be pinned half-up.
Makeup: No better time for a Smokey eye look than now! Or add a pop of color with some bold lipstick.
Are you needing examples? Ask and you shall receive! The next five days, I will share one outfit per day that are sure to leave you feeling #ConfidentlyCorporate (+glam) and impress your colleagues, and date too! Follow @ConfidentlyCorporate on Instagram and Facebook so you don’t miss out!
Finally, use this opportunity of dressing up and feeling beautiful to let your confidence shine. It’s great to enjoy your time at the event mainly with your squad, but make sure to mingle with those you don’t get regular exposure to. I’d be remiss if I didn’t suggest that you partake in drinking responsibly, keeping in mind that you will see these colleagues in the office come Monday morning.
Now, let me offer a sneak peak of one look I’ll be sharing with you tomorrow!
Confidently Corporate 