The Perfect Party Dress

Well, holiday (party) season is pretty much upon us — and if there’s anything I love about this time of year (the parties, I mean), it’s the loads and loads of opportunity to dress super festive, swanky and chic.

Tomorrow night — pre-Thanksgiving Eve — is like the official unofficial kick-off of holiday party season… Do you have plans?

I’ll be spending mine at 30,000 feet — and probably in yoga pants. I’m teaching Soul at 4:30, battling commuter rush hour on my way to the airport, where I’m hopping on the last flight outta Chi-town. It’s a short trip home (Ohio!), though, and I don’t mind. I’m happy to have a day off and the opportunity to spend it at home. (I haven’t had a single day off from riding/exercising/teaching since I moved to Chicago on July 1… Not complaining — I love my job — but holy hip flexors, man.)

At any rate, we’re not talking about spinning or spandex today — for once, ha!

In my book, the holiday party dress code is super simple: Find one go-to Little Black Dress that’ll command any type of cocktail party…

In a tasteful way, of course.

I’ve been working on consolidating my closet, so I’ve been on a search primarily for one dress that’ll work for every single holiday-related soiree I’m hitting up this year — whether it’s a beau’s office party or a Friendsgiving-themed night with the gals.

One and done, my friends. One and done…

Something that will and still look chic after a few glasses of champagne. (And, by nature of being the only go-to, one that’s machine washable.)

I found this LBD number on Zappos a few weeks ago and I knew she was the winner.

I love the deeper V-neck shape, and the fact that the hemline hits just above the knee makes this dress appropriate for any type of party. (A matching red clutch is always a nice pop of color, too. Here’s a cute style from Rebecca Minkoff that’s under $100.)

Three of my favorite elegant, foolproof party pieces are a fitted little black dress, festive red shoes and a fierce red lip. For today’s look, I kept the rest of my make-up minimal- it’s all about the red accessories.

Side-note: The story behind these red pumps is pretty cool, too. Stuart Weitzman created them for Virgin America flight attendants, but set aside a few pairs to sell exclusively on Zappos.com for a (very) limited time.

Given who they were created for, it should come as no surprise to hear that they’re insanely comfortable. And that’s a must!

Holiday ready or not, at least you’ve got your get-up on lock…

Speaking of which: Tomorrow I’m posting about my Cyber Monday/Black Friday shopping strategies and advice, so check back in before your Turkey Day celebrations. Safe travels this week!

*IN THIS POST:

Clothing

Black dress: French Connection via Zappos
Red shoes: Stuart Weitzman via Zappos
Red clutch: Banana Republic (old, similar here and here)

Beauty

Nail Polish: Essie ‘Really Red’ (similar shades here)
Hair styling: Living Proof’s No Frizz collection (introductory kit here)
Lipstick: NARS satin lip pencil in ‘Palais Royale’
Tinted moisturizer: Jouer (with SPF20)

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Iron & Honey Photography