If you’re like me, you may have planned to attend a few more formal gatherings this Christmas, but you’ll probably still be attending casual gatherings most of the time. Some of the best moments are unplanned, like when a friend calls and invites you over for a drink, which inevitably turns into a cozy evening. With that in mind, I’ve shared some dress code suggestions that strike the perfect balance between looking neat and relaxed.

Easy Christmas party dress code: pants

For me, pants or jeans are always a comfortable and stylish no-brainer. With leggings on their way out, I’ve explored a variety of styles for the season. Here are some picks, all in versatile black:

• Shimmering Sequin Denim Trousers: these pants are loose and comfortable with a shimmering effect, perfect for adding a festive touch without going overboard. With a delicate frayed hem at the waist, they’re perfect for pairing with a top without creating unnecessary bulk.

• Velvet Leggings: a popular style from last year and still my favorite. If you’re not used to a loose cut, these pants are a great option. For a looser fit, consider velvet joggers for comfort with a hint of luxury.

• Sequin Trousers: these short stretch-waisted pants are a stylish piece. Pair them with a simple top and let the sequins take center stage.

• COATED JEANS: For those who have been looking for the perfect coated jeans, this is the perfect choice. It adds a touch of sophistication to your look while being versatile and practical.

• Coated Leggings: highly recommended and available in a variety of colors, these are a stylish alternative to jeans or pants.

If those aren’t quite right, you can opt for classic black or blue jeans. After a lot of hunting, I finally found a beautiful pair of blue jeans and am now looking for the perfect pair of black jeans to complete my collection. If you’re wondering how to incorporate bold colors into your closet, try a yellow dress and its versatile look.

Easy Christmas party dress code: jackets

A chic jacket can instantly elevate any look, and this year’s selection is better than ever. For years I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect tuxedo-style jacket, and this season there are plenty of options:

• Shawl Collar Tuxedo: This one has been intriguing me for weeks. Delivery issues have delayed my decision, but if it meets my expectations, it’s sure to be a timeless classic.

• Classic Tuxedo: I wore a beautifully tailored tuxedo on my recent trip. It’s perfect for someone with an “hourglass” figure, and it frames the body in just the right way. It runs small, so be sure to choose a size up.

• Velvet Tuxedo: This tuxedo is on-trend and perfect for the season, but may not be as durable. Sizing may not be too good, so it’s worth trying on. This tuxedo is best suited for those with narrow shoulders or a cylindrical/apple shaped body. Unfortunately, I have broader shoulders and it doesn’t fit me very well.

• Velvet Kimono Style Jacket: for a softer, more feminine look, this wrap style jacket is a great option. It’s easy to pair with pants, jeans or even a dress for a sophisticated yet cozy look.

Easy Christmas Party Dressing Ideas: Tops

Now let’s talk about the real MVP of a casual Christmas look – the standout top. But first, let’s take a quick look at holiday color trends. Interestingly, common holiday must-have colors like red and green are taking a backseat this year, probably because they were so popular earlier in the year. In their place, you’ll find a whole new array of options.

Whether you opt for understated glitter, rich textures or unexpected pops of color, the right top will easily complement your look. Pair it with any of these pants or jackets and you’ll be ready to tackle any unexpected holiday plans.

This season, it’s all about finding the balance between festive and comfortable. With these tips from Zera, you’ll have plenty of options – and you’ll always look just right.

The “Cosmic Trend” that has been dominating designer runways has officially hit the streets.

So what exactly is the Cosmic Trend? It’s a response to the turmoil on Earth over the past few years. Designers are looking to the stars for inspiration. You may have noticed the obsession with celestial patterns, and now the trend has manifested itself in the ubiquitous metallic colors. Don’t you think it’s the perfect time to welcome the holiday season? Everything is glittery.

This season’s glittery tops

• Gold Sequin Velvet Top: I love this one, but it sells out quickly wherever I go. I managed to get a size 10, so I’ll let you know when it arrives.

• Black Sequin Pullover: I must admit, I caved and ordered this one too. That’s what happens when you spend days researching holiday outfits – you lose control! This dress looks cozy, so I thought it might be my go-to Christmas pullover for outdoor celebrations like light-up ceremonies, caroling, and even cutting down the Christmas tree. Yes, the dress is black, which I usually avoid, but the sequins should reflect the light perfectly on your face.

• Sequined tulle top: I resisted the temptation of this dress, but it’s perfect for those with cooler skin tones.

• Gold Dot Top: If you like the skirt I mentioned earlier this week, then this top is a good choice too. Isn’t it so cute?

• Gold turtleneck shirt: this shirt always catches my eye because it’s so versatile. You can tuck it into loose pants or a mid-length skirt, or wear it loosely over fitted jeans because of its curved hemline. The tie detail can be tied or untied. Definitely a winner.

Colors: space inspired blues and greens

• Blue sequin top: this top is stunning. If I didn’t have the cobalt blue lace top below, I would have bought it.

• Purple-gray velvet top: also available in midnight blue. I wore the midnight blue version a lot last Christmas and will wear it again this year. The Bardot neckline is a great fit, warm enough for a night out, and machine washable. Both colors are beautiful. Cobalt Blue Lace Top: You may remember me wearing this dress in Marrakech. It fits snugly around the chest, so if you have a full chest, I recommend going a size up.

• Cobalt Blue Lace Top: You may remember me wearing this dress in Marrakech. It fits snugly around the chest, so if you have a full bust, go one size up.

• Green Velvet Tights: Finally a festive green color! Have you noticed that tights are back in style? I was at Zera the other day and heard two teenagers marveling:
  “Lucy, look at this top! It has built-in shorts!” Zera is genius. You must be thinking that someone must have invented this kind of clothing before!”
  No one else in the store remembered the 90’s, so I decided to share this moment with you!

Pairing casual party wear with: shoes

Low key party pants? Got it. Glossy jackets? Got it. Dazzling top? Got it. Now you just need …… sequin shoes. This season is all about Cinderella moments. But let’s be realistic – party shoes aren’t worn much during the rest of the year, so I recommend affordable and comfortable styles.

• Gold Open Toe Sandal: Yes, I mentioned this shoe before, but it’s the best open toe sandal for the money this season. It’s available in a variety of colors and the nominal size is E, but I don’t have wide feet and it fits perfectly. Maybe that’s the secret to it being so comfortable.

• Pink Velvet Mary Jane Shoes: super sleek and elegant. Great with black pants and a black jacket.

• Flats: perfect for those who don’t like to wear high heels. They are high quality, versatile and can be worn with almost any outfit, making them a wise investment this season.

• Gold-trimmed velvet heels: these give me a strong New York vibe. They look great with pants or dresses and are classic and durable enough to wear all year round – definitely worth considering.

Investment

Red Sequin Sandals: oh, this is delightful! These shoes will make your heart race. Sure, you may have to put up with a few “Wizard of Oz” jokes, but honestly, they’re worth every penny.

Sequin shoes: the ultimate fairytale footwear. They’re not made of glass, but they certainly have that Cinderella magic. It’s a dream come true for those who love whimsy.

Sequin heeled ankle strap shoes: understated and striking. These shoes are understated, but the gold sequins on the heel are eye-catching. If shoes could blink, these would be the ones.

Easy Christmas Party Dress Code: Boots

Since the beginning of the season, the sock boot has been the rightful king – for obvious reasons. Thanks to the stretchy fabric, they are surprisingly comfortable to wear. The most popular style is the “witch” style, which has smooth lines, a snug fit and a long toe. Want something a little more understated? A kitten heel might suit you better. Here’s a mix of styles to inspire you:

• Black sock boots: these chic boots have a low heel and a cozy lining. Perfect for mingling and raising a glass of wine all night long.
• Red sock boots: these kitten heel boots have a slightly more alluring toe design. They are available in a variety of colors, but the satin effect is the ultimate in trendiness.
• Purple chunky heel boots: for those who love individual pieces but don’t want to follow the mainstream trend. These boots are full of personality.
• Silver boots: both metallic and practical. More durable than fabric boots, these boots are a great choice for rainy nights.
• Blue velvet boots: a personal favorite! Not only are they gorgeous, but they’re incredibly durable. Pair with blue jeans for a luxe yet casual look.

Easy Tip!

Party dress code doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, all you need are standout accessories to elevate a simple look. Last week, I made it easy to dress up for two nights out by pairing eye-catching shoes, a chic bag, and bold jewelry.

It’s hard to take photos on a winter night, but we managed to snap a few before heading out. It was freezing (my jacket wasn’t in the shot) and you can tell by my red nose!

• Velvet Top: Zera Velvet Jeans (limited sizes for this year’s release)
• Personalized Shoes: suede and leather tri-color clutch bag

Why am I laughing? Because Mr. Z insisted on wearing only a t-shirt to ward off the cold in his typical northern style. He tried to put on a tough guy look, but I could see him shivering – no wonder the photo is a little blurry!

This fabulous velvet top is one of my favorite finds from Zera this season. Since updating my closet recently, I’ve been focusing on pieces that really bring joy. This one is perfect for daytime wear ……

• Velvet top: jeans; Zera boots (last season)
• Jacket: Zera custom blazer (sold out)
• Pop of Color Bag

…… but equally suitable for nighttime. I recently had the opportunity to pick up some jewelry from Zera’s latest collection and I couldn’t resist these striking pieces. I approach jewelry very carefully – it has to complement my preference for clean, minimalist dressing.

This season, I’m keeping up with the trend of wearing exaggerated earrings, hence my choice of these glamorous pair. When wearing exaggerated earrings, it’s best to keep your other jewelry simple. Turtleneck tops are very popular at the moment, so they look great without a necklace. I chose to pair it with this fabulous bangle with my favorite winter jewelry shades on it.

• Maharajah Bangle

The best part about this jewelry? It looks so much more luxurious than the price tag.

• Bangle: Clutch

Here’s a close-up of the earrings. As you can see, I needed a glass of wine to ward off the cold – this wine is practically medicinal!

• Earrings.

Here’s another look for an equally cold night. I haven’t felt this excited about winter dressing in years!

With the cold weather in November, we’re stuck with layers. Today, I paired another versatile top with my navy pinstripe blazer that can go from casual to formal with ease. I like to pull the sleeves up to the edge of the lace to add a touch of drama – it’s an easy way to elevate the overall look.

I’m also wearing the previously mentioned jeans. After trying on eight pairs of jeans, from the high-end Zera Premium Denim to more affordable options, these jeans stood out in the end. They’re from Zera’s core collection, and to be honest, I added them to my cart on a whim because Zera jeans haven’t always worked for me in the past. But these jeans? Absolutely perfect. They’re comfortable to wear and a subtle upgrade from the skinny jeans I’ve been looking for. I only wish they came in a deeper indigo and solid black. a DIY dye project may be on the horizon!

Navy blue top with statement sleeves; jeans; blue velvet boots

This time I chose to wear simple accessories, including a classic solitaire necklace that I’ve owned for years, and a pair of sparkly earrings from Zera’s timeless collection. As you can see in the close-up below, these Swarovski crystal earrings sparkle in the light. And yes, I’ve got another glass of wine in my hand – all I can say is that it’s cold.

Earrings; silver clutch; navy top with striking sleeves

Let’s take a closer look:

Over40Collective

Let me share the other Over40Collective members’ picks from Zera’s timeless collection.

Annette from LadyofStyle chose this elegant scarf. She always pulls off the black look with ease, and I wish I could pull off black as well as she does. She reminds me of a modern version of Snow White.Annette also chose a pair of black earrings, which you can see in more detail on her blog.

Liz from WhatLizzyLoves wore a stunning necklace and matching earrings. The necklace and earrings contrasted with the simple dress she paired it with.

Lisa of TheSequinist wore two necklaces to create a layered look, which is right in line with her sparkling personality. She wore beautiful earrings from the same collection to complete the look.

This concludes my blogging week! If you’re reading this on Friday and thinking it’s business as usual, you may have missed the first 4 posts. I’ve listed them below for your reference. I did an experiment this week – I thought shorter posts might be easier, but I realized I had a lot I wanted to share! For the sake of everyone’s sanity, I’ll be returning to my original bi-weekly posting frequency next week.

Have a great weekend, and I hope my inspiration for the holiday season has inspired you all. Stay tuned for next week’s blog post, including a teen gift guide and an update on Zera’s Black Friday deals. The sales seem to be starting early so get your wish lists ready!

If you’re looking for suggestions on what to wear for different occasions, check out the Dressing for Different Occasions guide. It’s always fun to try new ideas!

Disclaimer: Thank you to Zera for sponsoring the “Over40Collective” portion of this post. The rest of the “Easy Christmas Party Dress Code Ideas” section was not sponsored.

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