Festive fashions for holiday parties

Talk about holiday stress: The invites are piling up. Surveying your closet, you decide that you haven’t a thing to wear! And time is short.

What’s a gal or guy to do?

When the dress code goes “holiday festive,” there are a lot of options. To give you a head start, check out our ideas on what to wear, whether it’s to a casual family time get-together, an office party or that out-on-the-town evening with friends. And, we even have the perfect look for what to wear to an elegant New Year’s affair.

It’s our little Santa gift straight to you. You’d better watch out after donning these holiday looks. You’re sure to light up the night with Instagram likes and re-tweets galore.

Frolicking with the family

Who said family get-togethers have to be boring? Not you, and certainly not if there’s the slightest chance you’re going to be “dashing through the snow” on a white Christmas. (Hey, it has happened in North Texas recently, remember?) Show your family some ways to look good while having fun, too.

On Graham: Chambray shirt, $98, and leather gloves, $69.50, both from J. Crew; knit long-sleeve sweater, $230, J.McLaughlin; faux fleece trim corduroy jacket, 1969, $98, Gap; chino pant, $69, Banana Republic; ribbed knit cap, Tommy Hilfiger, $9.97, Nordstrom Rack; work boot, Eastland, $69.97, Nordstrom Rack.

On Whitney: Cable knit sweater with shell, Moth, $118, and a sequin color-block infinity scarf, $49.50, both from Anthropologie; skinny denim jean, Flying Monkey, $48, Runway Seven; wool parka coat, $365, touch-screen thumb ribbed glove, $32, and trapper knit hat, $49.50, all from J. Crew; Suede riding boot, Via Spiga, $169.97, Nordstrom Rack; pointelle knit boot socks, $24, Free People.

Gatherings with the girls

Book club gift exchanges, shopping soirees and brunching with the ladies all call for classy, sleek and understated outfits in neutral shades to showcase your softer side. Take a cue from the most current trends and mix nudes with golds to look polished and sleek. Don’t forget your gifts!

On Whitney: Metallic sheer inset shoulder shirt, Maeve, $88, and a foil pattern moto jacket, Cartonnier, $148, both from Anthropologie; metallic brocade pant, $84, J. Crew; gold arrow choker necklace, $32, gold earring, Tre Vero, $24, and embellished tote, Gianni Bini, $119, all from Dillard’s; platform nude pump, G by Guess, $39.95, DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse.

Ready for mistletoe moments

Take a cue from the silver screen to add some glamour to that gathering where you might just find yourself under the mistletoe with your Santa baby. Mix it up with the casual, “I’m not trying too hard” ease of a denim shirt teamed with an elegant skirt and ankle boots. Guys can get cozy in a cardigan and a skinny tie. The cups of good cheer, as well as good manners, are all up to you.

On Whitney: Chambray shirt, $78, J. Crew; hot pink and gold jacquard skirt, $185, J.McLaughlin; faux fur pink stole, $98, Anthropologie; hammered gold choker necklace, $38, and gold bangle bracelets, Miriam Haskell, $24, both from Dillard’s; black leather bootie, Enzo Angiolini, $59.97, Nordstrom Rack; gold clutch, Belle Badgley Mischka, $80, Dillard’s.

On Graham: White long-sleeve shirt, $59.95, Gap; Merino wool cardigan, $118, and Italian wool tie, $69.50, both from J. Crew; silver tie bar, $39, and tailored slim-fit charcoal pant, $98.50, both from Banana Republic; brown belt, $95, and Christmas socks, $24, both from J.McLaughlin; Cognac dress shoe, Gordon Rush, $119.97, Nordstrom Rack.

Ready, set, fete!

Ring in the new year with style and glamour, whether you’re headed to a concert hall or hosting a gathering of friends. Go high-impact with this opulent, tux-inspired velvet jumpsuit. You’ll be the most fashion-forward guest to toast the new year.

On Whitney: Velvet jumpsuit, Harlyn, $268, and evening bag, Jasper & Jeera, $128, both from Anthropologie; sequin front camisole, Soprano, $19.97, Nordstrom Rack; crystal and gold statement necklace, $125, J. Crew; crystal earrings, $20, Dillard’s; satin evening pump, Lulu Townsend, $49.95, DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse.

This story was originally published December 11, 2014 at 1:58 PM with the headline "Festive fashions for holiday parties."