Holiday Family Party // lace dress + statement coat

Saving the best for last, this holiday look is classic and effortless. It's a no-fail, always-flattering, perfect go-to for any festive affair. But I recommend reserving this type of ensemble for the big day itself - it's just THAT good. 

Lace dresses with nude underlay were huge this year. They're a modern take on a romantic favorite and I am ALL for this chic trend. While I styled mine with a fun coat, a piece like this looks JUST as stunning all on its own. 

Throw on a killer outer layer for a look to remember. Of course Christmastime is all about those bold pops of red, so this cherry peacoat compliments my holiday LBD perfectly. Matching red lips are encouraged but not required ;)

Going along with the theme of my entire outfit, these grownup Mary Janes are super fresh and stylish yet provide that classic touch that just screams sophistication. Chic heels like these are the perfect way to polish off your favorite party look. Trust me, you can't go wrong. 

I'm always gushing about this black patent leather clutch - and for good reason! Its simple, no-fuss design makes this bag an ideal companion for more detailed looks. In short, I find myself relying on this bad boy on the regular!

To add even more modern appeal to my timeless ensemble, I threw on a black velvet choker - after all, nothing says born-again-2016 trend more! Donning this necklace style is the quickest way to update any look in your arsenal.  

A fearless spin on a true classic, pearl-back studs are a NEW forever piece. 

It's so tough to wear this coat without pulling out some red lipstick! Here, I'm rocking Kylie Jenner's KoKo Kollection in "Okurrr," but this brand has a similar color. Red lips are a total necessity this time of year and you better believe I take full advantage! 

 Out of all my holiday looks this season, I'd say this one is definitely the most relatable. This is an outfit that anyone can pull off quite easily. And while I love sparkles, feathers, and cutouts, I also totally get that they're not for everyone. But an ensemble like this? Completely doable no matter your taste! Even better, it's 100 percent family-approved as it's classy, flattering, and definitely not over-the-top. 

 How about these Christmas decorations - SO gorgeous, am I right? These photos were taken at Lotte New York Palace (in 26 degree weather I might add), and I could not get enough of the festive ambiance. A hotel staff member even told me that in 18 years, these were the best decorations the Palace has ever had! 

Photos by Antonio Owens 

[dress: Ann Taylor (old, but I also like this one) // coat: Ann Taylor (similar here) // heels: Ann Taylor  (sold out, but I also like this pair) // clutch: Hobo (similar here) // choker: Urban Outfitters // eyeshadow: Lancome in "Rose Satin" // lip color: Kylie Cosmetics KoKo Kollection in "Okurrr" (similar here)]

Is it just me or did the holidays creep up on you too and then fly by WAY too fast? This truly is the most magical time of year and I can't believe this spectacular season is quickly coming to an end. But the good news is, it's not over yet! I can't wait to fly home for Christmas this week and spend the holidays with my loved ones in Chicago. Merry Christmas, everyone - don't forget to live it up!

// SHOP // 

Holiday Glam Party // sequin outfit + strappy flats

Become a mastermind of modern evening wear by showing up to your next fete in head-to-toe sequins. And while I'm not quite sure what a "glam" party is, let it be your excuse to don some major sparkle! The holidays are, after all, the perfect time for all things shiny and bright - including your wardrobe. 

This navy sequin top is a dream (and it's on sale). Even better, I can picture myself wearing it time and time again with high-waisted pants, a plain black skirt, even boyfriend jeans and a chic heel. But paired with a matching skirt, this piece instantly feels luxurious and special. You go, Queen! 

Ah, the matching skirt; this look would not be complete without it. It truly transforms my outfit into a contemporary black-tie look, which is JUST what I was going for. Sequins, meet more sequins. 

These shoes have it all. Pointed-toe: check, velvet texture: check, multiple straps: check, extreme comfort: check. You get the idea. These are a must-have for the holiday season as well as into the spring. What I love is that they're equally as stylish as a heel, but a million times more comfortable - securing your spot on the dance floor ALL night long! 

I know I sound like a broken record, but leopard is THE most fashionable neutral a girl can own. I pair this printed clutch with everything, and it always adds glamour and sophistication. When you rock leopard, it looks like you tried harder than you really did, which is key. 

I've got a little dangle-earring action going on, which is slightly rare for me, but I break these favorites out when I'm wearing something extra special. Over the holidays, that's quite often! They always seem to give my outfits that extra pop I never knew I needed. 

A sultry red lip is perfect for this type of glam party look. Instead of choosing a cherry red, I opted for a richer, more oxbloody shade of red, which is super sophisticated and always a showstopper. I can't think of a skin tone this shade wouldn't look amazing on! As for my lids, I chose a light, silvery eyeshadow by Lancome. It has just enough shimmer to elegantly reflect the light, I'm kind of obsessed. 

Sequins have a tendency to look and feel cheap, but Ann Taylor did a great job with these two pieces to ensure that you feel just as luxe as you look! And boy do I feel fancy dancy when wearing this outfit. There's no question this skirt-and-top combo is a power pairing - these beautiful sequins will make you unstoppable at any party. 

Dressing for the holidays is all about standing out, right? It's about putting your best-dressed foot forward and letting yourself get all glammed up just for fun! That's why I love going all out in brilliant, look-at-me outfits that MIGHT be considered too over-the-top on a regular day. But hey, I mean, I'll confidently rock sequins any day of the week...but maybe that's just me?

 Photos by Antonio Owens 

[top: Ann Taylor // skirt: Ann Taylor // shoes: Ann Taylor // clutch: Michael Kors (similar here) // earrings: Ann Taylor (old, but I also like this pair) // heart tag bracelet: Tiffany & Co. // amethyst bangle: David Yurman // lipstick: Kylie Cosmetics Koko Collection "Gorg" (similar here) // eyeshadow: Lancome in "Blanc Scintillant"]

These festive photos were taken outside the Plaza Hotel in NYC. And while all of New York is completely decked out for the holidays, there's just something so classic and stunning about the Plaza. I knew its twinkling lights would be the perfect backdrop to my own twinkling ensemble. 

After my BF and I snapped these pics, we headed to brunch in midtown at The Upsider - one of my favorite spots! If you ever go, and I highly recommend that you do, definitely order the French toast - it's like nothing you've ever had before. 

// SHOP // 

Holiday Office Party // cutout LBD + leopard pumps

An LBD is a classic staple, whether it's the holiday season or not. But during this  special time of year, a little black dress is a no-fail, sophisticated option when you're in a pinch and don't know what to wear to a last-minute get-together. I especially love a noir frock for that yearly office party! 

Classy, elegant, and versatile, a black dress is literally perfect for any occasion under the sun - but you've heard that a million times before, right? Update this essential for the holidays with so-now bell sleeves and cold-shoulder cutouts for a modern spin on a forever favorite. 

A hint of leopard effortlessly jazzes up a solid black dress. And you better believe these conservative pumps ensure a FULL night of dancing in total comfort. Form, meet function ;) 

Every holiday look needs a spark of razzle dazzle - this shimmery gold clutch is mine. If nothing else, your bag is a great way to bring some festiveness into your outfit! 

Updating my look further, I couldn't resist throwing on THE necklace of 2016. Chokers and I have become BFFs this past year, and I love how this one completes my outfit in a no-nonsense way. A longer necklace wouldn't have had the same impact. 

Minimalism seems to be at an all-time peak right now. Going along with the trend, I layered two super simple studs to create a whole new original earring look - it almost looks like I'm wearing just one interesting earring. It's all about those geometric shapes! 

Using the original Naked palette from Urban Decay, I gave myself a highly-pigmented bronze lid. I wanted something neutral yet festive with just a hint of shimmer. I also went neutral on my lips, giving myself a matte nude look courtesy of KoKo Kollection by Kylie Cosmetics (I'm wearing "Khlo$"). 

This is this year's go-to office party look for the holiday season. When attending a special event with co-workers, you definitely want to dress to impress, but you also don't want to overdo it. While a skintight dress and risky thigh-high slit may be great for Girls Night Out, they're big no-nos in the presence of your boss. This outfit is stylish, flattering, and festive without the work-related fashion faux-pas. Let's keep it classy, people! 

Let's just take a minute to admire the shoulder cutout trend. I absolutely LOVE this look! It's sexy, flattering, fierce, and totally work appropriate all at the same time. Seriously, this (on sale) dress is just BEGGING you to wear it to your next shindig! 

Photos by Antonio Owens 

[dress: Ann Taylor // shoes: Ann Taylor (sold out, similar pair here) // clutch: Rebecca Minkoff (old, but I also like this one) // necklace: Kennth Jay Lane (similar here) // earrings: Kevia (similar here) // gold knot bracelet: Kate Spade // gold chainlink bracelet: Stella & Dot // lips: Kylie Cosmetics KoKo Kollection "Khlo$" (similar shade here) // eyeshadow: Urban Decay Naked palette]

While this outfit is definitely not warm enough to be wearing outside, indoors it's the perfect getup to celebrate in style. This December I challenge you to style a completely different look for each one of your holiday parties. Keep coming back to Kat's Fashion Fix for more inspo! You can also check out my earlier two posts here and here. Or even popular looks from last year here and here! 

// SHOP //