Holiday Mixers

Sacai denim jacket More info/purchase

With more social engagements on the calendar than at any other time during the year, the holiday season can heighten our fashion anxiety. Whether the invitation calls for festive, cocktail or even casual, that age old question of how to decipher the dress code can almost make you want to stay home in your PJ’s. Does anyone remember the “come as you are” party? Did anyone actually do that? Of course, the semiotics or message that we want our clothes to convey can also change with our moods.   Prim and proper? Sexy and seductive? Elegant or edgy? Naughty or nice? I love an item that encompasses the wearer’s quirky personality especially if the energy is likely to change at any moment.   Feeling a little sartorially bipolar? This trompe l’oeil mixed media Sacai denim jacket meets tuxedo jacket certainly fits the bill as does much of designer Chitose Abe’s playful and creative line. You know it’s a winner when Linda Fargo models it on her BG Instagram plus it’s now marked down from $1,375 to $687!

Tov Button-Front Shirtdress More info/purchase

Sacai long-sleeve shirtdress More info/purchase

English Factory plaid combo A-line  shirtdress More info/purchase

A super affordable “onesie” option is this plaid combo A-line shirtdress by English Factory.  You can never go wrong combining a white button down with plaid especially when it’s already attached saving the trouble of having to find one to layer under. $99 marked down to $59.40

Alexander Wang white bell sleeved tee/black leather strapless dress

If you spent a recent Saturday night in Brooklyn at the Alexander Wang Collection 2 show (or just watched the livestream) you’d have seen this look come down the runway. A checked man tailored button down with an attached slip dress over striped boxer shorts as well as a white bell sleeved tee/black satin strapless dress combo — indicating that this trend has luxe legs going forward.

Oscar de la Renta dip-dyed tartan twill shirtdress More info/purchase

Back in variations of plaid as it’s virtually impossible to overdo the plaid tartan thing this time of year this Oscar de la Renta dip-dyed Tartan twill shirtdress should see you through those festive holiday luncheons with class and a little extra attitude.

Maria tie-dye and check print shirtdress by Alturzarra More info/purchase

Who would have guessed that tie-dye and plaid combine as winningly as chocolate and peanut butter? Altuzarra’s Maria tie-dye and check-print shirtdress is the proof in the holiday plum pudding.

Lanvin Lace day dress More info/purchase

If you’re looking for a slightly dressier non-plaid “two-fer” how about this Lanvin lace day dress? It’s got enough pattern and texture to make sure you stand out among the black-clad ladies who lunch.

Lauren Klani Matte Jersey Elbow Sleeve Day Dress More info/purchase

If subtle, minimal color blocking is your thing try this layered look from Lauren Ralph Lauren. This jersey day dress could be belted or accessorized with a long necklace or worn as is for a sheath silhouette featuring just a pop of color at the sleeve.

Christopher Kane laundromat “T” More info/purchase

Finally, into each party season, a laundry day must fall.  Here’s a top that solves that age-old problem of nothing to wear on wash day.  Leave it to Christopher Kane to create the perfect “laundry day swag” — this oversized “metaphoric” tee will ensure that you’re the talk of the laundromat or perhaps the artsy cocktail party scene. Certainly, the artistic irony is there — this item needs special care so don’t throw it in with your sheets!

– Laurel Marcus

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