Holiday party that isn't formal, but isn't casual either

[v-girl]

So, the one holiday party for the university that DH says we need to attend if possible (we do have to work around Nutcracker) is a weird one. The last time we went the head lady wore a red suit. I was a little dressed up in a silk blouse and a skirt. Most people were in business clothes. I refuse to go to a party in a suit. Other options? Fashionistas please help. I don't want to be over dressed, but don't want to scream Stay at Home Mom either. A dress or outfit that can also go to Mass on Sunday would be fantastic. $150 or less. I'm a size 16. December in Texas isn't always chilly. Sleeves are a must (long sleeves are fine). Macy's is my go-to place since they are everywhere here and have a good selection. Nordstrom is fine too. I love to wear red.

I like this in red: http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/c...5%26slotId%3D7

I love this but it might be a bit sparkly: http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/v...%26slotId%3D26

[v-girl]

Oh, and the party is in November at some Italian ristorante. Just to make it more Christmasy. LOL

[moonlight]

I like both of them! If you want sleeves then go with the second one. With the first one you'll need to get a jacket or something and it might take away from the pretty top on the dress. If you are sitting down most of the time, I like the idea of having some sparkle on top. I bet you look really good in a dark purple!! Would you wear that to church, though? I can see you wearing that out to other little parties or if you go to other performances (that your girls are not in) in Dallas.

[v-girl]

I would wear it for Christmas Mass. I don't know if it could be dressed down some for a date night?

[Curegirl]

I like the second one more because it gives you more coverage if it gets cold and also I'm a sucker for anything sparkly.

[GreyhoundsRUs]

Love the second one, too! The first one seems too springy. What about a sparkly sweater set with a skirt?

or something from here: http://www.eshakti.com/splproduct.as...ial%20occasion with a sweater/wrap

[MrsK]

It sounds to me like a party that people are heading to right after work. In that case, a lot of women will just try to make work clothes more festive by switching out jewelry, shoes, or accessories. Our office party was usually right after work. The receptionists and clerks used to change into evening/cocktail dresses and often wore things that were a wee bit too sexy. If an attorney did that, she's be bumped from the partner track (I remember one attorney actually being "spoken to" about having drank a little too much at the holiday party) so the women used to dress pretty conservatively.

For you, I'd recommend a wrap dress or a pretty cardigan with a silky skirt or dress pants. I'm thinking something like these:

http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/l...xx.esn_results (they have it in various colors)

http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/m...xx.esn_results

http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/c...%26slotId%3D32

http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/e...26slotId%3D101

http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/e...26slotId%3D165

[v-girl]

I need to try on. I'm not sure how a wrap dress will look on me.

[moonlight]

Love the second one, too! The first one seems too springy. What about a sparkly sweater set with a skirt?

or something from here: http://www.eshakti.com/splproduct.as...ial%20occasion with a sweater/wrap

Love the dresses on the top row!!

[moonlight]

It sounds to me like a party that people are heading to right after work. In that case, a lot of women will just try to make work clothes more festive by switching out jewelry, shoes, or accessories. Our office party was usually right after work. The receptionists and clerks used to change into evening/cocktail dresses and often wore things that were a wee bit too sexy. If an attorney did that, she's be bumped from the partner track (I remember one attorney actually being "spoken to" about having drank a little too much at the holiday party) so the women used to dress pretty conservatively.

For you, I'd recommend a wrap dress or a pretty cardigan with a silky skirt or dress pants. I'm thinking something like these:

http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/l...xx.esn_results (they have it in various colors)

http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/m...xx.esn_results

http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/c...%26slotId%3D32

http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/e...26slotId%3D101

http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/e...26slotId%3D165

I really like the sweater tops you picked out! She could do a really cute skirt with either one. Don't know why but I love holiday parties. Hope you find something perfect!

[v-girl]

Those are cute!

[MrsK]

I need to try on. I'm not sure how a wrap dress will look on me.

Wrap dresses are universally flattering. If you are concerned about the neckline, wear a pretty cami underneath.

[diggitydot]

Just keep in mind that wrap dresses can be a PITA if you have a large rack. I'm a DDD and can't wear them, at all. Even the faux wrap dresses tend to accentuate big boobiedness.

[v-girl]

I'm only a C. Nothing overwhelming.

[v-girl]

How about this: http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/l...%26slotId%3D43

Kidding!

http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/r...%26slotId%3D50