HSN's Lauren Wilner Dishes on Holiday Party Style

Whether you've got an office party, hot date or a black tie event, check out Lauren Wilner's tips on what to wear this holiday season!
-Brittany Roshelle Davis, BettyConfidential.com

holiday lede
holiday lede

Whether you're dressing to impress or simply enjoying a night on the town, we've got just the thing for you. Fashion expert Lauren Wilner, HSN's Fashion Director, is here to give us the 411 on hot, holiday trends and tips this season!

Office Party

The key to looking fabulous at an office party is to dress in classic colors such as cream or grey. Lauren Wilner stresses, "Always go for tonal shades- winter white, cream and greys are sophisticated and a perfect palette. A classic silhouette in a dress with a sparkly metallic shoe and metallic jewelry always does the trick." She adds, "I like keeping the holiday look festive without screaming Santa!!"

tommyhilfiger dress
tommyhilfiger dress

Tommy Hilfiger dress, three quarter sequin strip sweater ($74.99, macys.com)

milly poppy top
milly poppy top

Milly Poppy Jacquard Stella bow blouse ($295, saksfifthavenue.com)

rebecca taylor dress
rebecca taylor dress

Ocelot braided wrap dress ($295, rebeccataylor.com)

Professional

But what do you wear if you're a female executive, who wants to look good but also dress professionally despite the holiday atmosphere? Lauren suggests, "Wear a wardrobe staple that you wear often--like a black suit. Just change the underpinning to a top or tank with a little bit of shine in the fabric like a silk or charmeuse. Keep the rest of the wardrobe looking boardroom ready with the fun sticking out a bit."

lela rose top
lela rose top

Lela Rose pleated blouse ($39.90, hsn.com)

yarnx scarf
yarnx scarf

Yarnz Vintage Cameo silk scarf ($185, nordstrom)

emerald isle satin top
emerald isle satin top

Emerald Isle satin blue top ($31, lulus.com)

Black Tie or Charity Event

Just because your guy is dressed in a tux doesn't mean you get to pretend you're a contestant on Dancing With the Stars. Lauren warns to, "Keep it simple. Wear a basic black sheath dress and adorn yourself with festive accessories."

abs studio dress
abs studio dress

AB Studio pierced sheath dress ($32.40, kohls.com)

charlotte russe metallic bangles
charlotte russe metallic bangles

Metallic beaded bangle set ($8.50, charlotterusse.com)

forever 21 clutch
forever 21 clutch

Embellished maze clutch ($27.80, forever21.com)

Night on the Town

Lauren reminds us that by simply pairing "touches of shine" by adding a sequin top or metallic sweater to your outfit is an easy way to show the holiday spirit in a chic way. But be forewarned, old-fashioned Christmas sweaters should be tossed. Lauren urges, "You can have a holiday theme without wearing Santa Claus on your cardigan!" If you want to show Christmas, "touches of winter like snowflakes and angels," are also a great way to do it.

karen kane sequin sweater
karen kane sequin sweater

Karen Kane sequin front cardigan ($138, bloomingdales.com)

ruby red sweater
ruby red sweater

Ruby Red Petites snowflake knit top ($34, dillards.com)

floral sequin tank
floral sequin tank

Read 10 Great Gifts for Foodies: Holiday 2011

Floral sequin tank ($34.94, oldnavy.com)

Jewelry

Leave your statement necklaces behind and hit up the ever-classic pearls. Lauren adds, "It's important to keep the variants of the pearls at varying widths and sizes. I love layering pearls. The more the merrier."

rj graziano necklce
rj graziano necklce

R. J. Graziano Simulated pearl nested drape necklace ($39.95, hsn.com)

silver white pearl necklace
silver white pearl necklace

Silver white freshwater pearl 8-strand necklace ($63.89, overstock.com)

carolee maya crystal bracelet
carolee maya crystal bracelet

The Maya Crystal Fireball and white pearl bracelet ($30, carolee.com)

Coats

Coats are always a Christmas problem. I want something that looks good but keeps me warm so I'm not shivering. Thankfully, Lauren has the perfect solution. "One of the hottest trends of the season is faux fur. It looks dressy but keeps you warm at the same time!"

kristen black belted coat
kristen black belted coat

Kristen black belted faux fur coat ($109.90, nordstrom.com)

american fur jacket
american fur jacket

American Glamour Badgley Mischka faux fur cropped jacket ($179.90, hsn.com)

jacklyn smith leopard jacket
jacklyn smith leopard jacket

Jaclyn Smith long sleeve faux fur jacket ($23.99, kmart.com)

Brittany Roshelle Davis is a freelance writer who specializes in all things fabulous. Visit her site!

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