What To Wear To A Holiday Cocktail Party + A Beauty Secret Weapon You Can’t Forget

Well I’m officially in holiday mode! As of last weekend my apartment is decorated, clothing in every shade of red/silver/gold has taken over my closet and I have lots of fun posts coming your way over the next few weeks– tis the season!

So many of you have been asking for holiday outfit ideas so I thought I’d kick things off with a look that would be perfect for a number of occasions (especially an event with coworkers!) and clue you in on one of my beauty secret weapons that you’re going to want to add to your arsenal ASAP.

At any event where you’re required to dress up it’s important to look and feel your best. Putting together an outfit that’s appropriate to wear around bosses and colleagues is tricky enough, but adding in elements like nasty weather and cold temps can really make things difficult.

Normally my easy go-to combo for any holiday gathering would be a dress and pumps, but bare legs aren’t always the best way to go when it’s freezing outside and snow is in the forecast. At a party you’re likely going to be on your feet, doing a lot of mingling and there’s a chance this could all be taking place in a hot crowded space like a bar (or a small NYC apartment..)

So what do you wear and how do you do to prepare for an event where the atmosphere indoors could not be more different than the weather outside? Well I have a 3-part solution for you: find a pair of flattering pants (ideally in a festive shade), a statement-making sleeveless top (bonus points if there’s a bow) and grab a bottle of Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant.

HOLIDAY BEAUTY SECRET WEAPON: Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant

I’ll get more into my outfit in a sec, but let’s first talk about my holy grail deodorant. I’ve been using Dove for years and could not have been more pumped when the Dry Spray Antiperspirant first launched. A deodorant I could spray? Too good to be true.

If there’s one time of year to really be a deodorant snob it’s the holidays and this stuff is the best. You get 48 hours of protection, the moisturizing formula keeps skin smooth and soft, and most importantly it goes on invisible. Wearing dark colors to events where you need to impress, combined with sweat and deodorant stains is a pairing I think we’d all prefer to avoid.

DOVE DRY SPRAY ANTIPERSPIRANT BENEFITS
• Up to 48-hour antiperspirant protection
• Contains ¼ moisturizers for soft and smooth underarms
• 0% alcohol formula is kind on underarms
• Fruity florals, lily of the valley and a woody musk fragrance
• Contains vitamin E

Can you imagine raising a glass of champagne to cheers only to reveal an underarm covered in globs of white deodorant? Not a fun scenario to envision yourself in, but hey it could happen especially if you aren’t using the right deodorant!

Fun fact: Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant is so good that Nick even uses it! Yes, my fiancé prefers my deodorant over any men’s product. For years I’ve had to deal with him stealing it from me, but I can’t blame the guy. Another reason we both love it so much is the alcohol-free formula. It’s perfect for sensitive skin, especially skin that might be irritated from shaving. Not only does it not burn, but it leaves your skin super soft and helps smooth away bumps and redness. It’s a must-have if strapless tops or dresses are in your future and can be found at any grocery or drugstore for just $5.49.

Okay now about this look! As soon as I saw this top I knew it had to be mine. I mean that bow… I LOVE a good party in the back! I ordered these pants on a whim because the price was just too good, but didn’t expect to love them as much as I do. The fit is so flattering and the color is the perfect shade of red for the holidays.

OUTFIT DETAILS // Bow Halter Top | Red Tie Waist Pants (only $60!) | Handbag | Nude Pumps | Bracelets | Red Lipstick

The great thing about an outfit like this is you don’t need a lot of accessories. I just grabbed my favorite nude pumps and bag, threw on my every day jewelry and called it a wrap! To avoid any beauty worries on a night out I’d recommend styling your hair in a braid or updo to keep strands in place, find a great red lipstick and never forget to apply deodorant ❤

Big thank you to Dove for sponsoring this post!