2015 Holiday Party Outfit…Inspired by The Black Tux!

When it comes to celebrating the holidays, I’m all in.

I’m not satisfied until I’ve gone to an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party, participated in a Gingerbread House Making Contest, and brewed up a pot of mulled wine (or two, or three). That being said, it’s probably no surprise that I look forward to putting together a Christmas-inspired party outfit every year, and this year is no exception.

I don’t have any galas or balls to attend this Christmas (but here’s hoping that I become a princess in 2016!) so my party dress needs are for something casual and fun. I’ve opted for a black, crushed velvet sleeveless skater dress this winter.

It’s a very simple LBD but the texture of the fabric keeps it from being boring.

It’s a basic scoop neck with a scoop back that I’ve paired with chunky black platform heels that I got in Seoul, South Korea. I love these shoes because they’re so comfortable to wear throughout the night. The incline isn’t that high but they make me a lot taller because of their thick platforms.

As for makeup, I’ve decided to go with a super simple eye look and bold red lips. I’ve chosen one of my favorite statement reds, MAC’s Viva Glam Rihanna.

This red tends to feather after a while so I made sure to use a lip liner underneath so that I can spend the whole evening sipping sparkling cider without worrying where my lipstick is on my face.

I wanted my lips to be the statement piece so I left my eyes simple. I just lined my upper lashes with a bit of black liquid mascara, keeping the line super thin. If you have larger double eyelids, go for thicker mascara. I don’t have a large lid so keeping my eyeliner thinner actually makes my eyes appear larger.

Swipe on some thick mascara. DISCLAIMER–I used Covergirl’s Clump Crusher Waterproof mascara in black and don’t like it. It’s build-able if you really want to take the time, but doesn’t give you that bold falsies look. My lashes are weak in this photo but I thought I’d leave my lashes as-is and recommend against this product. I love Maybelline’s eyeliners and am especially loving Lash Sensational right now!

Lastly, I parted my hair in the middle, gathered it into a low, loose ponytail and pulled out a few strands in the front. My hair is too short for a bun but go for a bun if you have longer hair!

Now that I have my holiday party outfit sorted, I want to make sure my date comes prepared, too!

I love The Black Tux’s Holiday Party Style Guide for tips on how to style your look AND your date’s look this holiday season. Going casual like I am? Headed off to a work function? Or do you have a ball to attend? (I’m jealous if you do!) They have a super simple guide that makes styling your holiday outfit effortless!

And if your date doesn’t own a tux, check out their super cheap, customizable tuxedo rentals. I’d love for my date to come in a matching velvet suit like this one (wink wink):

Velvet Jacket Tuxedo from The Black Tux (Rent coat and pants for $125)

Are you going to dress up or dress down for your holiday parties this year? Let me know in the comments!

-Ashley

This post was inspired by the lovely people at The Black Tux!