Holiday party outfit – little black dress, strappy heels & crystal necklace

The occasion

Office holiday parties, cocktail invitations, a friend's birthday in December. A black sheath suits almost any party dress code short of black tie, and later in the evening it dresses down easily with flats and a jacket.

How it's styled

The ruching does the decorative work. Gathered fabric creates folds and shape across the body, so the dress needs no embellishment. Crepe generally has a matte, finely grained surface, which keeps an all-black outfit from looking flat. The Nine West heeled sandals and the Steve Madden crossbody are black as well, so the outfit reads as one long, unbroken line. The Swarovski Constella pendant is the only bright point; keep earrings small so the necklace stays the focus. The wallet crossbody is big enough for a phone and lipstick and small enough to wear while you dance.

Fit

Ruching tends to be forgiving: gathered fabric skims rather than clings, and it can soften small differences between sizes. Before the party, sit down and climb a few stairs in the dress to make sure it moves with you. Try the sandals on with the dress, too, since the placement of the straps changes how long the leg looks.

Alternatives

Cold climate or a long walk to the venue? Swap the sandals for black pointed pumps or sleek heeled ankle boots with sheer tights. If you prefer gold, change only the necklace; black takes either metal. For a more casual gathering, an oversized blazer and loafers turn the same dress into a dinner outfit.

Care

Crepe can lose its texture or shrink with heat, so follow the label and steam rather than iron where you can. Don't wring out the ruched seams.