What would you call "formally festive" attire? I have been invited, via email, by a group of people for a holiday party and networking on Saturday. I joined their mailing list and received the invitation, but have never met a soul (apparently, they sent the invitation around Thanksgiving but I never received it, and when I inquired about holiday events today, they re-sent it, so that is the reason for the late notice). First, they will have drinks at a pub, then go next door for a proper dinner party at an Indian restaurant. They mentioned there will be dancing and a live cabaret.
I am not sure if I will go, the cost is a bit high ($70, includes all food, wine and entertainment), but I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone and meet new people. Thing is, the mention of "formally festive" attire, I guess, means I need to go shopping. I assume this means more than just slacks and a pretty, beaded top. It's not something I am used to, living in such a beachy/casual place as Miami, so I am trying to figure out if anything in my closet would meet that requirement, or if I'd also have to buy an outfit, which may make the whole thing not worth it, after all. I have a few dresses in my closet, but nothing festive, and shopping for dresses is extremely difficult for me due to being so short and top-heavy but small everywhere else, so rushing off to Ross and then expecting to get last-minute alterations would be impossible at this point.
I have work clothes, but I wouldn't call that "formal", more like business-casual. I am very much stumped as to what would pass as formally festive attire, especially in a tropical climate. Does that mean a gown, like something a bridesmaid would wear to a wedding? I am pretty much a jeans and a cute top type, or a shorts and flip-flops type. I only really "dress up" for work or something like an awards ceremony. My mother has offered a cream-colored beaded top with a black velvet jacket, and a pair of black palazzo-like silk pants. I don't know if it will fit me, but do you think that's appropriate? Maybe it's not quite "festive" due to the colors. Looking forward to some outfit suggestions from you though, before deciding if I'll go or not. Thanks :)
Thank you all for your suggestions! I rushed over on Friday evening to my mother's house to try on her attire. The beaded top didn't fit and I couldn't get it past my upper chest. The jacket looked a bit too matronly on me as well, so we rushed out to Macy's to the formal clothing/dresses department and I found a sparkly lace top with a black belt, and a pair of velvet pants (https://www.macys.com/shop/product/alex-evenings-scallope.... I wore that to Saturday's party and had a jolly good time! The ladies had lots of different things -- some had formal gowns with updos (perhaps 2), others wore black slacks with a red top, or you'd see some ladies wearing a red laced suit, things of that sort. Some wore gold, some wore green, so all sorts of colors, and some wore work clothes and just wore sparkly makeup or had a formal updo. I met a nice couple and everyone in general was welcoming and fun.
I think someone messed up by putting formally with the festive. From the sound of the venues, formal is not appropriate. So I’d think festive and go with the outfits others have suggested.
I agree with the other responses. The pub and restaurant are good indicators that by "formal" they don't expect tuxes and gowns, just something more formal than business casual but more fun than business formal. Dress pants or a skirt with a top that has some color or sparkle (or accessories that do) will do fine.
I wanted to add that when I'm invited to something that's an annual event and I'm unsure of how to dress, I try to see if the group posted photos of the last event online. That way you can see what people wore. If they have a Facebook page or website or Instagram account or whatever, scroll through past postings and see if there are any pics to confirm.
If they're going to a pub, it's not that formal. No gowns, no tuxes. They just don't want people wearing jeans and khakis. I don't know what's wrong with the beaded top and the velvet jacket and the palazzo pants - that sounds perfect. If it were me, I'd wear black pants, a snazzy top, and dressy heels. Anything with a little glitter or sequins will do. If you do bridesmaid attire, you'll stick out like a sore thumb. Understated is the way to go. Don't go spend a lot of money - you don't even know if you want to continue with this group. I think it's great you're pushing yourself a bit - but you have to be comfortable.
sounds to me as if they just don't want casual- no jeans or leggings or band t-shirts. a pub and an indian restaurant don't require jackets for gentlemen and gowns for ladies.
dress slacks and a pretty beaded top sound perfect. so does your mom's outfit suggestion. accessorize with a red and green silk scarf or pin or jaunty barrette and you're good to go.
khairete
S.
The outfit your mom offered sounds great - also, probably most anything you wear to work, but "glitzed up" a bit would likely work as well. I hear you about not wanting to spend the extra money for something you likely won't wear or don't need, but rather than spend on the clothing, how about pairing with a festive scarf or extra blingy (but tasteful) jewelry, or even a beautiful holiday pin? No alterations needed and really never goes out of style (or stops fitting) so still useful for a future holiday event if needed.
Good luck and have fun!
It sounds like they mean: "this is a holiday social gathering, but please no jeans or 'Ugly Sweater' stuff".
In general, I think holiday "festive"-ness can come either from holiday colors or from a bit of sparkle (or both!).
Black pants and a glittery top sounds great. (Even some dark jeans could probably slide by as pants, since you mentioned liking jeans, if you own any dark-washed jeans.)
For the future, it can be great to have something like that in your closet if you do not already, to use throughout the year. Basically the non-dress version of a cocktail dress. Look online for a "metallic sleeveless top" or "sequined sleeveless top" (I say "sleeveless" because you mentioned your warm climate) - you'll see many options at various price points, from stores like Macy's and from higher-end labels. Or look for a "sequined cardigan" to wear over a plain white shirt. Pair that with black pants for any evening event. With plain black shoes, or, look online for a shoe that sparkles, like gold or silver flats or heels.
Also, at least in my NYC cold winter climate, as someone who celebrates the Christmas holiday, at this time of year I get a lot of use out of red+green clothing - like a red+green plaid shirt or just a plain red top - and "holiday" earrings (you can look online for cute Christmas earrings, they are not expensive). I think that even just owning one outfit like that can be helpful, to wear it whenever needed during the holiday season.
I think the beaded top with black silk pants sounds perfect--I bet you could use one of your own tops. Also, assuming that you enjoy dancing, remember to wear shoes which will be comfortable! Have a great time.
ETA: Exactly what chacha recommends - that's what I was thinking - a sleeveless glittery top to go with what you have for pants!
A friend of mine just posted a picture of herself at a festive event and she was wearing something you just described (that your mom has offered to lend you) and I think that would be perfectly suitable. I think there will people more formal and some less formal - I think you'll be right in the middle. Perfect.
I don't do formal dresses unless it's a real formal sit down dinner/dance type event. I don't typically do cocktail dresses unless it's dress up either (I'm pretty casual - just feel more comfortable - that's why I like palazzo type pants too).
If you feel it's not quite festive enough - you could swap out the top for something silvery or red (whatever you will wear again) but I think the cream sounds fine - especially where it's beaded. However - if you find one that won't break the budget, that you'll get use from again - why not, if you think it's fun? If it will make the outfit, maybe splurge or get one on sale this time of year. Some sparkly earrings ..
I would go - remember, you can always leave early :)
*I agree with Diane - they just write that to make sure people don't wear jeans. If it's at a pub, so long as you look pulled together, you're good.
I don't think this sounds "formal" formal, if you know what I mean. They don't want jeans, ugly sweaters, etc. Your mom's outfit sounds great. If it doesn't fit, then see what you have. Black slacks are perfect. A snazzy heel would be great. Since you are hard to fit in dresses,then find dressy separates. A shiny or even sequined top with a black jacket would look great. That would also work well with a black skirt. The black will make you look formal, but you have tons of options for your top to make it fun and festive.You can also have fun shopping for a shimmery and glittery purse to complete the ensemble!
I would do the black pants and jacket, and put a pretty red scarf with it and call it done. I've also done a simple black dress (maybe you already have one) with a red scarf for a holiday party.
I would contact someone in the group and ask them.
