2 Bloggers Show Us How to Style Traditional + Non-Traditional Holiday Party Dresses

When it comes to finding the perfect holiday dress (or non-dress!), there’s a big decision you have to make: Do you wear the ultra traditional color palette of festive red and green? Or do you choose something in a more unexpected color that wows in other ways (think: non-sequined embellishments, textures + bold prints)? Tbh, you really can’t go wrong with either — as you can see, we’re split on the decision ourselves! Whatever style you do choose to rock this holiday, we have a tip on how to make the look completely Insta-worthy. Here’s how to style traditional and non-traditional holiday party dresses:

How to Style a Non-Red or Green Dress This Holiday

Britt: The holidays are my favorite time of year — multiple excuses to get dressed up and wear those party dresses that have been sitting in my closet for far too long! Since I tend not to wear a lot of red or green, my holiday style is all about rich textures and fabrics. There is something about this season that makes me want to wear velvet and lace non-stop.

#StyleHack: As much as I love rich fabrics, they tend to be a bit bulkier and stiffer than your standard cotton or jersey dresses. Therefore, my style hack for the holiday season is to pick not only a festive fabric, but also a flattering silhouette. My go-to is the fit and flare, a style that’s universally flattering on all body types and perfect for doing a little dancing! Use a belt to exaggerate your curves even more — I like a thin belt in a subtle contrast color to keep things chic. Add the flare with a metallic mani and a quirky clutch.

How to Style Traditional Colors for the Holidays

Whit: If you’re more of a traditionalist when it comes to holiday colors, you can’t go wrong with a festive red or green look. I’m a big believer in sticking to the festive palette — my holiday style mantra is “Go bold!”

I got this dress in 2007 at Zara while I was in Paris. It’s so old, but it’s such a classic piece. I love the high neck collar and cut across the front that makes it feel trendy. It’s a piece I always pull out around the holidays because of the bold red color.

#StyleHack: Style your favorite red or green piece with classic wardrobe staples in neutral tones to keep it feeling anything but cheesy. You can’t go wrong with pieces like a badass biker jacket, haul-everywhere clutch and minimalist strappy heels that’ll tone down the vibrance but amp up the elegance. If you prefer not to go all-over red like the sheath dress I’m wearing, reverse the color combo and amp up your LBD with accessories in fun holiday colors (and, of course, a red lip!).

Britt and Whit are San Francisco style bloggers, but really feel more like your fashion girl bffs — you know, those gals who know how to throw together the most on-point outfit like that. All through December, they’re sharing their best cold weather style hacks! Check back here for tips on how to nail your trickiest winter style dilemmas.

What are your style hacks for holiday party dressing? Tag us (+ @brittandwhit) in your festive getups snaps on Instagram.