I've said it before, and I'm sure I will say it again and again, but Denver is a casual city. And as a lover of dresses and heels, I'll jump on even the smallest excuse to get all dressed up. Naturally, that makes me awfully fond of the holiday season. Many parties = many opportunities to wear the most fun pieces in your closet.
When dress shopping, I'm all about the shape first. I have a pretty good handle on what works best for my body type, personal style, and current lifestyle. But for this dress, it was the vibrant color that really sold me. The rich royal blue is perfect for the holiday season because it simultaneously blends with default winter jewel tones and deep colors, and yet stands out from the sea of little red/green/metallic/black dresses; it's appropriate yet unexpected.
The front and back darts through the body slim the waist for a feminine hourglass figure. The full skirt is festive and flirty. The unusual shape of the jeweled neckline adds a bit of a modern edge to a classic dress. For me, this Mark + James by Badgley Mischka frock is party dress perfection. Simple earrings that play off the silver woven through the collar, a bright red lip, and a deep side-part are all easy-to-execute-yet-elegant styling choices.
And because it's so lovely, I've not only styled this dress for a Christmas cocktail party, but also for a more low-key-yet-still-festive soirée. Check back later this week for the second look.
all images by Melissa Glynn Photography
{SHOP THE LOOK}
{Mark + James by Badgley Mischka, Beaded Jewel-Neck Dress}
{Michael Kors, Silver Clutch // similar $$$ // similar $$ // similar $}
{Stuart Weitzman, Silver Shoes // similar $$ // similar $ // similar $}
{Sparkle Earrings // similar}
