Fashion Tips for Creating Casual Holiday Party Outfits

Are you going to a holiday party that is specified as being a casual affair? Do you need some style tips on how to create a party look that is fun, yet dressed down? Here are a few personal fashion pointers on how to create a look that is cute and fun, yet casual enough for a laid back affair.

In today's fashion, there are many choices for creating a casual look that is still dressy and fun. For instance, large over sized sweaters in fetching colors are a hot look this winter. These look fantastic with a pair of skinny jeans and worn with a fitted tank top or lace camisole underneath. Ballet flats and flat suede boots are an excellent shoe choice for this look, and if it happens to get too warm at the party, remove the sweater and you will have a cute jeans and cami ensemble. Be sure to accessorize with lots of sparkly jewelry in gold or silver.

Another great choice to wear with jeans and ballet flats is a cardigan sweater. I love cardigans because they are such a fashion staple and are always in style no matter what. A fun way to dress up a cardigan is by adding a few sparkly brooches or sweater clips. These add a nice little whimsical sparkle to a casual outfit. Cardigans now come in all sorts of different styles ranging from trendy 'fly-aways' to the more traditional button up ones. Stick with simple cotton ones for a casual party and save the sequined ones for more dressy affairs.

One look that I did for a casual Christmas party a few years ago was a western cowgirl inspired look. For this, I wore a white short sleeved cotton top, a medium length prairie skirt, and a pair of cowboy boots. Now, this might seem like a dressy ensemble, but honestly its the most laid back and comfortable look there is! A western look is great for a Christmas party that happens to be thrown at a BBQ restaurant or a place that has a live country band playing. Depending on where you live, a cowboy hat is optional, but since I am a Texas gal I cannot go out without one!

If you really want to dress down but still look sensational, opt for a pretty velour track suit in a festive color such as green or gold and style your make-up in a more 'evening' look. This way, you are dressed way down in the most comfortable way, but still look radiant with a dramatic, made-up face. Add some tiny diamond studs and you are good to go.

A few fashion DONT'S: Do NOT wear any tacky Christmas themed sweaters or sweatshirts or cheesy Christmas themed jewelry! Loud sweatshirts with puff paint Santas and gold jingle bell necklaces simply scream Christmas circa 1989, and these clothing items are to be worn only for those 'Tacky Christmas Sweater' themed parties. Also avoid wearing any novelty themed Christmas socks if you are over the age of 12.

Remember, keep your casual look fun, yet stylish and elegant!