What Is Festive Attire? Plus 8 Tips to Add Holiday Sparkle to Your Outfit

festive attire

Needing a makeover or a chest waxing? It’s that time of year again. The invitation has arrived at a holiday party or dinner, and the suggested dress code is Festive Attire.

Festive attire is NOT, what the person in the above photo is wearing. These sweaters are reserved only for a growing poplar party theme: Ugly Christmas Sweater holiday parties.

Now you are faced with two very important questions. What do I wear and for heaven’s sake, what is Festive Attire?

fall scents for your home

Typically festive attire is a way of asking the guests to dress up, as in no jeans, but not go as far as a gown. It is a way of guiding you to make an effort to dress up, jazz up what you wore to work or to have a little fun with your basic black dress or pants. If any piece of clothing or accessory requires batteries, then they are not appropriate for festive attire invites to parties.

So many invitations are suggesting this new dress term, and so many more people are confused by what it means.

So if you’re looking to get some ideas on how to turn your basic black dress or pants outfit into a wow outfit that is fit for any festive attire event, then try a few of the following tips.

Red Dress by Donna Karan
Red Dress by Donna Karan

A basic dress in red that would look really great with some of my suggested what is festive attire pops.

8 Ways to add instant pops of festive attire, without spending lots of money:

  • Wear a necklace that has more than one strand to it. Try a multi-layer strand of pearls, or combine two or three necklaces together to make a statement.
  • Combine bracelets that are slightly similar so as to create a more dramatic look than when just wearing one single bracelet.
  • Or add a cuff (wide) bracelet that has some color and/or shimmer on it
  • Instead of a necklace, add an interesting lightweight scarf in a color that compliments your eyes.
  • Wear dramatic earrings if you are not wearing a necklace or if you chose a scarf.
  • Don’t wear your everyday handbag when you are dressing up. Wear a smaller and dressier handbag. Try one with color or even basic black as long as you do not look like you didn’t bother to switch out your bag from work or shopping.
  • Switch your shoes as well. This is the time to dust off those special occasion shoes that might be less than comfortable, than your regular pair but definitely worth it.
  • Apply gloss over your regular lipstick. It quickly dresses up your face and makes the eyes sparkle.
    Kekopean Sitches
    By Kekopean Sitches

Don’t fall into the trap of wearing all black. Deep brown, navy, ruby red, emerald, and sapphire are great alternatives. If you do choose to wear black, then add color to your necklaces or a scarf.

Remember to have some fun with your choices, and enjoy the festivities.

Scarlett is a professional Image Consultant and the founder of The always Know What To Wear System. For over 6 years, she has successfully changed the lives of many women, by showing them the correct clothes, colors, styles and accessories that will flatter them the most.  If you keep buying clothes and still have nothing to wear, Scarlett will make it possible for you to always know what to wear.

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What Is Festive Attire? Plus 8 Tips to Add Holiday Sparkle to Your Outfit
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