Today I’m sharing a more casual way to style an LBD. This is perfect if you don’t have a fancy party, but still want to look like you have your life together during holiday dinner with the fam. It’s also a great option if you’re unsure about the dressiness of an occasion. If everyone’s in jeans, you won’t look over dressed. If everyone’s in cocktail attire, you won’t look like a scrub. You can even slide out the sweater if need be, and boom, you’re in cocktail attire too.
The SWEATER is obviously the star of this look, so make it a good one. There aren’t really any rules – just make sure your sweater is worthy of the star garment title. This means NO sad, pilling, or ill-fitting ones. Below are some of my fav thrifted ones: a snazzy metallic long cardigan (great for lengthening your body hiding your booty), a funky vintage holiday-ish one (go ahead and have two egg nogs), and a loose knit scarf-like sweater (perfect for curling up for a post meal nap).
The key to a successful sweater LBD marriage is proportion. Short LBD? Try an oversized sweater. Midi LBD? Try a cropped sweater. Full length LBD? Try a classic sweater that hits you at the waist. Since I’m super preggo, I’m only rocking a modest length LBD for you today.
I like BOOTS with this look, because the whole idea is to dress down your LBD. Again, it’s about proportion. My general rule is long dress – short boots. Short dress – tall boots.
I purchased the first two for myself this season. The Spendid suede ones are on super sale at Bloomies right now! The next are a pair of ZARA shiny boots which are also a steal at $50. The third are appropriately called New Hollyday booties by Nine West and no longer sold. I happened to thrift these yesterday for a special THS client. The last ones are a fun lace up option, similar to my thrifted lace up ones. You can get them at ASOS.
For JEWELRY, it all depends on your sweater. With the snazzy sweater, I went with short sparkly necklace, similar to the J CREW one in the middle. With the loose knit, I opted for a layered look. Here’s a dainty one featured on Not Your Standard blog – check her out. With the vintage, I stuck with one classic piece, my Marc by Marc Jacobs watch.
You’re now ready to stuff yourself to the gills with brie, ham, cookies, or whatever your poison may be.
