It’s that time of the year again.  Holiday work parties.  You’re excited to get sloshed with your co-workers, (including Nancy who has been giving you the stank eye all year), but you’re dreading the idea of what you should wear.  There’s a big difference between dressing up for your friend’s Thanksmas party and your company’s soiree.  Depending on the location and dress code, your best choice is a dress with a nice silhouette.  You want to be conservative enough to get that promotion, but sexy enough that HR has to do a double take.

I am wearing a gorgeous, vintage DVF Tie-Neck Keyhole Wool Dress.  I got this dress a super long time ago when I was still working in the corporate world.  I purchased this dress on sale at Saks and knew that I was going keep it and wear it for as long as I could fit into it.  What I love about this dress is that the wool keeps me warm without having to wear a jacket that would hide the puffiness and detail of the shoulders.  The dress is suppose to hit right above the knee, but since I’m short it hits me right below the knee.  Technically, I should go get this altered, but the extra length gives me more wiggle room to sit and dance without flashing anyone.

The dress ties at the neck and has a big keyhole at the chest to show off my femininity.  This silhouette would be great for someone with curves because the neck-ties cover up just enough of the chest so that you’re not being too ostentatious with your girls, (hint hint, nudge nudge, wink wink).  The dress also has a gathered front that cinches at the waist to show off the curves that you have, or to give the illusion of curves that you don’t have.  Here are similar looks:

DVF China Short Wool Wrap Dress

DVF Emmie Gathered Wool-Jersey Dress (on sale at Net-A-Porter)

DVF Bevina Gathered Stretch-Jersey Dress (on sale at Net-A-Porter)

I’ve worn these Steve Madden Varcityy in Wine Suede heels on the post, LADY IN THE STREET, when I first purchased them at the end of October this year.  Since then, I’ve been breaking in these pumps and wearing it with almost everything I own.  The burgundy, the suede, the d’Orsay style are all the essentials of a great go-to fall shoe.  This style is currently on sale for less than $50 in Nude Suede at Nasty Gal so I would get them before they’re sold out. 

I’m super excited about all the holiday parties because I’ll finally be able to wear the fabulous stuff that I’ve been hiding in my closet for the past year with nowhere to wear them to.  Does anyone else have this problem?

Ray-Ban Aviator Flip Out Sunglasses / Large Pearl Earrings (custom made)

Photographed by Laurie Douglas