Beauty and The Geek: Holiday Party Fashion for Geek Guys and Gals
With the coming of Black Friday (not to be confused with Rebecca Black, “Friday”), the holiday season is officially here. No matter what holiday(s) you celebrate in the month of December, you’re bound to be invited to a holiday party or two. Whether it’s a more casual get together or a formal gathering, here aresome different outfits that are sure to be a holiday hit.
Guys
Dressed Up Casual
If you look up the definition of “casual” in the dictionary, you’ll probably see a picture of a guy in a t-shirt and a pair of jeans. What else could define casual other than the most basic and comfortable clothes out there? Well, if you’re heading to an informal holiday party, jeans and a t-shirt can be great; when dressed up just a little bit, your t-shirt and jeans can go from man-cave to par-tay in no time.
Here we have a great casual party outfit that takes the t-shirt and jeans and kicks it up a notch. We start out with a brown leather jacket from the Gap, and complete the ensemble with a long-sleeve football t-shirt (the Browns are depicted in this collection for Dan, but make sure you pick a more awesome team like the Cowboys) and a pair of gray-wash jeans. Top (or should it be bottom?) that off with a pair of classic black Vans, and you’re set for a great night out.
Alternatively, if the holiday party you’re going to is a little more biz than casual, you can swap out the t-shirt for a button-down shirt and throw on a v-neck sweater, and you’ll be all set (see below).
The Dressed-Up Doctor
Maybe you’re heading to a party that’s a little fancier than what you might wear at a casual party, but it’s not a party where a tuxedo is required, or necessarily a suit and tie. Just because you can’t wear jeans, however, doesn’t mean you can’t look good and feel comfortable for your next holiday party.
Our outfit begins with a basic item that most guys should have in their wardrobe, whether it’s just for an interview or something they have to wear daily: the white dress shirt. Layered on top of the dress shirt, an argyle v-neck sweater (the “Cosby Sweater” as Cape Rust calls it), and a snowflake bow tie (pre-tied and ready to clip into place from Banana Republic). A pair of gray flannel trousers and a black pair of Kenneth Cole Reaction Final Note-ice loafers completes the ensemble, which is topped off with a black mole-skin blazer.
If that tickles your fancy, but you’re looking for something with a little more color, try this on for size (see below): a blue gingham button-down shirt, a navy sweater vest (Ralph Lauren is optional), a red plaid pre-tied bow tie (thanks again, Banana Republic), and a pair of black chinos. Of course, if you’re really going to go for that whole Doctor Who look (please, I know that’s what you’ve been thinking ever since I said “bow tie”), then don’t forget the brown tweed jacket.
Gals
The Girl Who Waited For Flannel
Flannel is always a really big winter thing — and it was hip before it was hip to be a hipster and wear flannel, so don’t worry about being a hipster just because you’re wearing it.
We’ll start out with a purple fitted flannel shirt and a sharp gray corduroy mini skirt. Add these camel-colored slouch boots by Lumiani, purple striped boot socks and round it off with an off-white (or ivory or cream, if you prefer) cable-knit wrap sweater. Complete the ensemble with a light brown faux-leather saddle bag (you can go for real leather if you’re not on a budget) and accessories of your choice.
To switch things up, switch to a drawstring-waist henley top, a plaid mini-skirt, sheer tights, and black suede booties. Switch out the off-white cable-knit wrap sweater for one of a charcoal color, and add a gray faux-suede (or real suede if you prefer) mini cross-body purse and your favorite accessories to finish the look (see below).
The LBD
As for a second holiday look for the ladies? Well, to be honest, there’s really only one other choice: LBD.
The little black dress is the dress of choice for any fancy holiday party. Of course, with it being the holidays, something in a stunning red, green or blue might look festive and fashionable as well.
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