Thursday, December 3, 2015

Plaid, Bow + Sequins // Holiday office party outfit ideas

jcrew factory holiday outfit FS3
Burberry trench coat, Chanel bag, Manolo Blahnik BB pumps

I've been shopping J.Crew Factory left and right this year, so happily agreed when they asked me to share a festive outfit. They have textures and colors galore this season (plaids, metallics, sequins, knits, oh my) for mixing and matching, and their prices have been really good for the quality in my opinion. I hope you guys were able to shop my suggestions early, because sizes -at least for petite items- have been getting snapped up! I have seen a few size pop-backs like with this sequin skirt, so it doesn't hurt to check back if you really like something. This is an outfit I'd wear to a business holiday gathering - if you don't feel comfortable in a sparkly sequin skirt at work during the day, just pack it and change before the festivities. I've shared a few other ideas below that are a little more casual!
office christmas party outfit silver sequins plaid
I've been wearing this flannel popover so much, ranging from super casual over leggings at home to tucked into full flared party skirts. To jazz it up a little here, I added a grosgrain ribbon which I borrowed off the waist of one of my dresses : ) So since I'm sure someone here will exclaim, aren't your legs cold?? here are some tights combos I tried on with this look:
gray or black tights to wear with winter outfits
In the winter if I want to wear an outfit that looks better sans-tights, I have no problem putting on a pair for the commute, then quickly slipping them on/off in the bathroom of my destination (which is usually pretty toasty) and storing in my purse. That's the only way I've survived the long and dreary winters here as a dress/skirt lover! If I were to do tights with this pairing, I'd go with basic black or dark gray pictured above, and shoes in the same color family.
jcrew factory holiday outfit FS1
These photos were snapped outside an adorable cooking/kitchen shop in my neighborhood called Farm & Fable. Nick and I are avid Top Chef followers so I was giddy to meet Kristen Kish there last night! It's sure been a good year for me running into my cooking idols...Ina Garten, any trips planned for Boston? : )
holiday work party outfit - sequin burberry trench bow
Here's a few other items I got to try on from J.Crew Factory which I've mentioned in past posts. I already have these key pieces in my wardrobe from over the years, but wanted to share for those who don't. I'd soundly recommend the items below for fit as well as value!

I never limit myself to just browsing the petite section, since there's often regular-sizing gems that are designed to be shrunken or cropped in fit (which translate into a normal fit on petites). Such is the case with this "cropped" cable sweater which comes in 3 colors. I'm trying on the heather natural and it also comes in a lighter classic cream. I did want to point out the cable pattern doesn't go around to the backside. The fit of an xxs regular on me is very good, hitting right at my upper hips and the sleeves just need a cuff. This wool-blend skirt is also a regular sizing item that comes in more versatile colors like solid camel, black, and a really pretty textured flecked gray. The elasticized waist measures 12" across when un-stretched, and it's fully lined with side pockets.
jcrew factory petite holiday outfits
Center: J.Crew Factory Winnie pants 00p, Sweater xxs, Vince Camuto booties (my review)
Right: J.Crew Factory skirt sz 00 regular, Hunter boots (my review)

If your office is too casual for glitz and sequins, maybe try slim pants in a festive color with a cozy sweater. I didn't have the right shoes to go with the pants while on the road, but you can get the idea! These Winnie pants were a pleasant surprise, fitting and feeling similar to the popular BR Sloans. There are some differences listed below that will keep me a continued fan of the Sloans, but I think the Winnies are a great alternative at a lower price point. The 00p I tried measured 14" across the waist, 16" across the hips, 23.5" inseam, and 5.25" across the ankle opening. A few differences between the Winnies (features listed first below) and the Sloans:

- Side zip vs. front closure. The front closure takes more time and components to construct.
- Faux back pockets vs. real ones + small coin pocket in the front
- 23.5" inseam with no slit vs. 24" inseam (after I shrunk them in the dryer) with ankle slit
- 95% cotton, 5% elastane vs. 56% viscos, 39% cotton, 5% spandex. The latter material feels thicker when compared side by side and the waistband lining also feels sturdier. Both are tagged as dry clean only, but I take the risk and machine wash my Sloans. If anyone has experience washing the Winnie pants at home, please share. I hope they'll re-stock the sizes on these and add more colors!

Thank you to J.Crew Factory for partnering on this post!

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