Common Event Outfit Formulas
Do you struggle with what to wear to different events, functions, or outings? I’m breaking down some chic outfit formulas that you can easily recreate for the most common events you have going on during the winter months. I’m sharing five events and five outfits but most of these looks are versatile enough to work for SO many occasions. We also have a new resource with 45 outfit ideas for EVERY occasion you have from now until spring. You have to be an SMS subscriber to get access and you can sign up here.
If you want to see the outfits below in motion or hear Erin talk about each of them (plus, get some more incredible style tips), make sure you check out the corresponding video here.
Outfit #1) Holiday Party
You probably have holiday parties coming up…It can be everything from a family gathering to hosting at your house to dinner out to an office party. I want to make sure you have a go-to outfit combination you can pull out in a pinch because I know how overwhelming this time of year can be. When in doubt, pull out some beautiful black basics. But not just any basics…they need to be elevated basics!
The top I’m wearing is a chic velvet, long-sleeve, ruched, v-neck top by Veronica Beard. It’s very flattering, it will work on so many different body shapes, and it’s SO versatile. I paired that with a pair of black pants by Veronica Beard in their iconic scuba fabric that’s wrinkle-resistant, smoothing, and comfortable. These pants also have a center seam down the front that helps elongate your legs, which I appreciate at only 5’4”!
Next, add some festive accessories for some pop and drama during the holiday season. I added fun gold fringe earrings, a sophisticated belt, a lovely gold cocktail ring, and a classic patent black bag. On my feet, I’m wearing some black suede platform booties. They’re easy to walk in and very comfortable (for heels).
Holiday Party Formula: Interesting Black Top + Black Trousers + Impactful Accessories
Outfit #2) Officewear
Dressing for the office during winter can be tricky…you want to stay warm and look polished, but you also want to wear something that will transition to whatever you have planned after work too. This look is very similar to the last look because we’re starting with a black base outfit. I’m wearing the same black trousers and some simple slingback heels. I paired them with a really chic ribbed knit sheer sleeve top and a Veronica Beard dickey blazer in a fun houndstooth print.
Houndstooth is very on trend right now but it’s such a classic, accessible print that you’ll continue to wear it and be able to easily style it with other pieces in your closet. I specifically chose the top I’m wearing underneath the blazer because I wanted to have something that would transition to dinner too. The top has sheer Swiss dot sleeves that feel a little more dinner-ready than a plain black top. I completed the look with the same black belt and a gold ring.
Officewear Formula: Versatile Black Top + Black Trousers + Interesting Tailored Blazer
Outfit #3) Date Night or Girls Night
Finding time for date night or girls’ night is already difficult enough so I wanted to share a look that’s simple, versatile, and doesn’t require any sort of special undergarments! I’m wearing a long, high-slit mock neck sweater paired with some high-rise dark wash bootcut jeans. Even though this sweater has long sleeves and a high neck, the slit is so unique and interesting that it feels very sexy. These jeans are comfortable and super flattering. They have a 31” inseam, which is perfect for me with a 3” heel (I’m 5’4”). On my feet, I’m wearing some suede black Sam Edelman stiletto booties that are very sexy. I completed the look with some fun fringe earrings and a classic black bag. What I love about this outfit is that it’s sexy and sophisticated but it’s still comfortable, I can wear a regular bra, it’s warm, and it’s unexpected.
Date Night Formula: Dressy Top or Sweater + Flattering Jeans + Sexy Heels
Outfit #4) Running Errands
This errand-running outfit idea is specifically for the colder months and climates but if you live in a warmer climate, you can easily make adjustments (follow the progression of layering above). I’m wearing a white ribbed, dolman sleeve, mock neck sweater with the same dark wash jeans from the last look. You have probably worn something like this while running errands, but here’s how I would elevate it for the colder months…outerwear and accessories! I’m wearing a gorgeous Veronica Beard wrap coat that has a subtle herringbone pattern. It’s wool but it’s still pretty lightweight so if you live in a cold climate, I recommend wearing a sweater underneath it.
You can also add more warmth by adding accessories! I’m wearing a warm, chunky wool scarf that has the prettiest neutral colors in it. Then I threw on some beautiful tan gloves that match the coat perfectly. Lastly, I finished off the look with some sunglasses and a pair of interesting knit boots by Sam Edelman in the same color family. You don’t need these exact pieces…grab any tan wrap coat, any brown booties, any neutral scarf…you get the picture!
Running Errands Formula: Classic Sweater + Flattering Jeans + Chic Outerwear + Warm Accessories
Outfit #5) Travel Day
Travel days during this time of the year require a little more thought because it’s chillier and you might be sitting on a plane or in a car for a long time. You want to be comfortable but still feel polished and put together. I’m wearing a Spanx set that I’ve featured quite a bit in the past. It’s the AirEssentials pullover and wide-leg pants that are SO comfortable, breathable, lightweight, and wrinkle-resistant. I have this set in multiple colors and wear them around the house all. the. time! The pants come in different inseam lengths too, which is so nice for short or tall women. You can find more details about this set and some additional travel outfit ideas in this post if you’re interested. I completed the look with some black New Balance sneakers, a large tote bag, and my go-to Tumi suitcase.
Travel Day Formula: Comfortable Pullover + Matching Pants + Sneakers
Which of these outfit formulas are you going to try out? Let us know in the comments below. And don’t forget that you can see these outfits in motion and get additional ideas from this corresponding video!
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