Dappered | Style Scenario: What to Wear to a Smart Casual Holiday Party

[Dappered | Style Scenario: What to Wear to a Smart Casual Holiday Party]() --------------------------------------------------------------- - [Style Scenario: What to Wear to a Smart Casual Holiday Party](#1) - [Steal Alert: The Barbour Beacon (Skyfall) Jacket for $252](#2) - [The 2019 Dappered Holiday Gift Guide for Her: Under the tree](#3) [Style Scenario: What to Wear to a Smart Casual Holiday Party](r/Dappered/~3/XWepm1_QZ7g/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 04 Dec 2019 03:00 AM PST Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. [Here’s why.]( What are you going to wear? Sometimes it’s good to look at a few suggestions then add your own tweaks and ideas. That’s what these are for. This one is for the somewhat dressed down affairs that might be out, or, might be at someone’s house. The key is to keep things tailored but relaxed. You aren’t closing a business deal, but you are aiming to make an impression. It is a party, after all, so it would do you well to show up in style and leave your mark. [Style Scenario: What to Wear to a Smart Casual Holiday Party | Dappered.com] The Sportcoat: [Bonobos Unconstructed Italian Wool Blazer in Burgundy – $400]( Santa, baby! Channeling our [inner-Michael Scott]( for a classy but casual Christmas. Seasonally appropriate, but still works year-round. Exceptional comfort. Probably (definitely) the best item Bonobos has in their catalog. Was just on sale for 30% – 35% off during the Black Friday / Cyber Monday corridor. The Shirt: [Banana Republic Merino Long-sleeve Polo in Black – $53.70]( ($89.50). Long-sleeve polo shirts are “in” right now, so take advantage of a trend that actually skews toward timeless, for once. Great fabric and cut that accentuates a more athletic frame. It will lend a casual look under a sport coat, and will stand out in a sea of V-neck and crewneck sweaters. The Pants: [Banana Republic Athletic Heathered Traveler Pant in Smoke Grey – $98](. More BR, but they do a lot of foundational items very well. These are my favorite pants I own; great stretch, cut, and feel to the fabric. These are worth the full price, but being BR, you won’t ever (like, ever) have to pay it. And even if you did, you’ll get great mileage from these beauties. The Coat: [Spier & MacKay Charcoal Wool/Cashmere Overcoat in Charcoal – $398](. Outerwear is something [you should splurge on](, or at least be ready to shell out for, to get an actual durable-good with a proper cut and features. Spier & MacKay, among others, excels in this department. Charcoal is a great option for a do-it-all coat. [Looks great dressed way up too.]( The Watch: [Orient Bambino 2nd Generation in Black/Black – $150](. Simple, beautiful, refined. Orient excels at bang for the buck automatic timepieces, and this entry in the Bambino lineup for only $150 is one of my favorites. The Belt: [GAP Basic Leather Belt in Black – $40](. The beloved GAP leather belt, but in black. The Boots: [Cole Haan Waterproof Wakefield Chelsea Boot in Black – $200]( Chelsea boots being featured in a Dappered style scenario. I know, you’re shocked! But these, while spendy for Cole Haan, are waterproof, have soles with grip, and should be plenty comfortable. A do-it-all fall/winter boot. For something cheaper but still waterproof, [try CH’s Kennedy](. The Scarf: [J.Crew Abraham Moon Wool Scarf – $68]( A great way to add a pop of color to an otherwise understated outfit. The Socks: [Allen Edmonds Herringbone Merino Cool Dress Socks – $14.97]( ($19.50). Temperature regulating and made in the USA. The Gloves: [Banana Republic Wool-Blend Snap Gloves – $59.10]( ($98.50). Wool on the top side, with leather palms. The glove mullet! Only, this actually works. Not too dressy, but not puffy insulated either. The Gift: [Colonel E.H. Taylor Small Batch Bourbon – appx $40](. Don’t show up empty-handed. Since we’re leaning into the “smart” in smart-casual, opt for something out of the box, yet still, y’know, “nice.” Instead of wine, bring a standout bourbon. For about $40-$45, Colonel E.H. Taylor’s Small Batch Bourbon is tough to top. Bourbon is aged for approximately seven years in barrels located in the original storehouse built by E.H. Taylor, instrumental in building the American bourbon industry and the pioneer of the [Bottled in Bond Act,](~:targetText=The%20Bottled%2DIn%2DBond%20Act,director%20for%20Heaven%20Hill%2C%20says.) the nation’s first real advertising law. It helps that it’s a delicious nip of dram, too. About the Author: Jason P. is a Dappered devotee, having curated the majority of his wardrobe through the site. He is an enthusiast of wool sweaters, chino pants, and affordable automatic watches. In his free time, you can find him at his boxing gym or antiquing with his wife. Coming up Monday: A style scenario for a much more dressed down/laid back get together. Need something fancier than the above? [That was yesterday](. (Top Photo: [Elliot P]() ff/Dappered?a=XWepm1_QZ7g:RxcgSZAnSOE:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=XWepm1_QZ7g:RxcgSZAnSOE:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=XWepm1_QZ7g:RxcgSZAnSOE:gIN9vFwOqvQ [Steal Alert: The Barbour Beacon (Skyfall) Jacket for $252](r/Dappered/~3/74erPca8qk8/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 03 Dec 2019 03:01 PM PST Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. [Here’s why.]( [END: Barbour Beacon Waxed Cotton Sports Jacket – $252]( ($745) Currently an extra 20% off at checkout. Waxed cotton. Elbow and shoulder patches. Lined in Barbour tartan. All the “sporting” trimmings you’d expect from a heritage sportswear maker. [This is the Beacon that’s a little closer]( (identical?) to what Daniel Craig wore in Skyfall ([while this one]( is newer and has had a few style updates.) There’s also, at post time, all sizes. But there’s a catch. The thing is, you’re on the hook for returns. To the U.K. No pre-paid label. Nope. Old School. You have 14 days (from delivery? from it being shipped? I can’t tell…) to get the thing prepped and sent on its way, back across the pond. Could involve a super fun, during-the-holidays, trip to the post office. And shipping costs? Who knows! So yeah. It’s a risk. Enormous thanks to Jason P. for sending in the style tip here. That’s all. Carry on. ff/Dappered?a=74erPca8qk8:bTcRg6bWo_k:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=74erPca8qk8:bTcRg6bWo_k:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=74erPca8qk8:bTcRg6bWo_k:gIN9vFwOqvQ [The 2019 Dappered Holiday Gift Guide for Her: Under the tree](r/Dappered/~3/ig2tI3YKJXg/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 03 Dec 2019 02:00 PM PST Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. [Here’s why.]( Sarah W. is a long time member of the Dappered team, typically working behind the scenes editing posts, taking some photos, and keeping the books in good standing. Amber D. is Dappered’s graphic designer, social media manager, and photographer extraordinaire. ([featured photo credit]() Well, here we are again. The most wonderful time of the year. Or something. The holidays can be a lot of fun, getting together with family and friends, eating comfort food and drinking delightful libations. But they can also be stressful, and one of those points of stress can be getting the right gift for the women in your life. Hopefully this gift guide can help, either with an actual gift, or by sparking an idea. This collection of gifts spans quite a wide price range, taking into account all types of budgets and tastes. In this guide we’re focusing on things that will go under the tree. We’ll follow it up with a separate post of things that could go in a stocking. With that in mind, away we go… [Topolski New York Bee Earrings – $30]( [Topolski New York Bee Earrings]( Lovely pendant earrings that combine several popular elements: brass, chain, geometry, bees. I bet she’ll get lots of compliments on these. [Old Town Japan Miniature Diorama Bookend – $150]( [Old Town Japan Miniature Diorama Bookend]( Is the lady in your life a reader, or aspire to be one…or maybe just likes to fill her place with books to impress others (not talking about myself at all)? This would be an irresistibly charming addition to her bookshelf, and a fantastic conversation piece. Handmade so every piece is unique. [Totes adorbes](! [Nordstrom Faux Leather Leggings – $69]( [Nordstrom Faux Leather Leggings]( If you are gifting to a woman that lives in black leggings, these might be a fun addition to her collection. Faux leather that is machine washable, these will look good with this season’s trend of over-sized sweaters. [Bamboo Cutting Board with Laser Engraved Recipe – $36]( [3D Carving Bamboo Cutting Board with Laser Engraved Recipe]( How cool is this? The maker of these bamboo cutting boards will take a photo of a recipe and laser etch it into the cutting board. This results in the recipe being transferred as is, so if it’s in mom’s, dad’s, or grandma’s handwriting, that’s how it will be on the board. This could be a highly personal, touching gift for someone on your list. If you’d like it in a nicer wood, [here you go](. [Amazon Essentials Women’s Blanket Scarf – $16.95 to $20]( [Amazon Essentials Women's Blanket Scarf]( A basic, but maybe you know a woman who is moving from a more temperate climate to colder weather. She might be in need of something like this. [Ninja Foodi Blender – $99.99]( ($169.99) [Ninja Foodi Blender]( For the smoothie connoisseur. This blender also makes soup (yes, there’s a heating element). Supposedly comparable to a Vitamix, but much more affordable. I’ve also heard great things about the [Ninja Foodi 5 in 1](. [1.State Blouson Sleeve V-Neck Sweater – $58.90]( ($89) [1.State Blouson Sleeve V-Neck Sweater]( Baggy, slouchy, blouson… these trends are in this season. To our eye, this can sometimes look downright frumpy, but a little less so with this sweater. The blouson sleeves are feminine, and the seam down the center breaks up all the fabric. [Living Composter – $199]( [Living Composter]( First, be sure she’s not squirmy about worms, because this counter-top composter requires that. But the magic of food scraps and worms combined is worm castings, nature’s MiracleGro. [Sam Edelman Faux Shearling Lined Puffer Coat – $139]( [Sam Edelman Faux Shearling Lined Puffer Coat]( An on-trend puffer available in several different colors. [Zodiac Constellation Vase Topper – $20]( [Zodiac Constellation Vase Topper]( As someone who loves having fresh cut flowers in her house, this is pretty cool. Especially for small bouquets, like the cheapies at Trader Joe’s. This will keep just a few stems propped up and display worthy. [Fossil Fiona Small Crossbody Handbag – $63 to $118]( [Fossil Fiona Small Crossbody Handbag]( Our favorite version of this handbag is the simple black, which happens to be the most affordable. [Wool Nest Starter – $40]( [Wool Nest Starter]( Know a bird lover? She can feel good knowing that she’s contributing to the nests being built in her neighborhood. Or this might even make a good gift for someone that knits, as leftover scraps of yarn can also be put in this nest starter for winged creatures to use. Subscription Box – $Varies A subscription box is the gift that (potentially) keeps on giving, with monthly and seasonal options. Sign her up for a single month/season, or continue the subscription for as long as you’d like; most companies allow you to skip deliveries and cancel at any time. It’s almost guaranteed that there is a subscription box out there for whatever she is interested in – beauty, athletics, flowers, food, alcohol, home decor, the outdoors, etc. Here are a few examples: Self-care Variety/Makeup ([FabFitFun](, [Ipsy](, [BirchBox](), [TheraBox](, [Hygga Box](), Clothing ([Stitch Fix](, [Fabletics](, [DailyLook]( ), Food ([Butcher Box](, [Purple Carrot](, [Home Chef](), Dessert/Candy ([Harry & David]( [CandyClub](), [Jackies Chocolate](), Flowers ([BloomsyBox]( [Bouqs](, [Full Circle](), Outdoors/Camping ([The Nomadik](, [Get Cairn](, [BattleBox](), zero waste cleaning ([cleancult](). In this, google is your friend: “[blank] (whatever your gal is interested in) subscription box”. BAM! Choices galore. [Moonshadow Macrame DIY Beginner Macramé Kit – $24 to $26]( [DIY Beginner Macramé Kit]( Some of us are born naturally creative and crafty, some of us are…not. This DIY macramé kit makes it easy to create something unique, without your lady having to figure out the process all on her own. It may also fan the flame of future DIY craft projects. [Form•Function•Form Penny Clutch – $176]( [Form•Function•Form Penny Clutch]( This is a drool worthy clutch by [FFF](. Handmade in Orlando, with the highest quality leather, this clutch is available in multiple shades of suede and smooth leather, with or without a detachable strap (monogramming is also available). The perfect grab-and-go clutch, able to hold all of the out-and-about essentials of the lady in your life. [Isaac Mizrahi Ladies’ Velvet Puffer Jacket – $31.99](-velvet-puffer-jacket.product.100489700.html) ($39.99) [Isaac Mizrahi Ladies' Velvet Puffer Jacket](-velvet-puffer-jacket.product.100489700.html) Sold at Costco, so you’ll need a membership or to know someone with a membership. Word is these a) run a bit big and b) work best for slender arms. It has that un-tailored baggy thing going on through the body, so best for a fashionista that is down with current trends. [Handsewn Cashmere Lined Deerskin Leather Gloves – $48]( [Handsewn Cashmere Lined Deerskin Leather Gloves]( There’s something so satisfying about putting on a softly lined pair of leather gloves during the winter. Whether for driving or for being outside in general, the colder weather calls for the addition of accessories that are as comfortable as they are useful. [New Balance Heat Loft Hoodie – $79.99]( [New Balance Heat Loft Hoodie]( I have this particular hoodie. It served me well on a chilly run last weekend. It’s boxy, but that’s part of the comfort. Can be used for exercise, or just to lounge. One thing to note is how cropped it is. If the lady you’re buying for has a long torso, be sure she likes cropped stuff. At least cropped is in right now. [WANDF 16″ / 20″ Gym Bag – $23]( [WANDF 16" / 20" Gym Bag]( Available in two sizes, this gym bag has a bottom compartment to store shoes and other necessities that you don’t want mixing with your clothes. It also has separate compartments in the bag itself, to separate wet clothes from dry ones. It would be a really handy bag to have, not just for the gym. [Whale Air Plant Holder – $9.00]( [Whale Air Plant Holder]( Air plants are incredibly easy to take care of and are a great way to add visual interest around a room. The [air plant]( is not included with this holder, so you’ll need to purchase one separately. Lucky for you, they can be easily found online and at any garden center. There are many different [air plant holders]( available as well. Maybe she’s more of a [hand]( person, or a [head]( person…there are [hanging]( options too. [Dainty Zodiac Sign Necklace – $28 to $32]( [Elegant Swan Dainty Zodiac Sign Necklace]( This zodiac necklace would be a really sweet addition to anyone’s necklace collection. It’s great to wear on it’s own or to layer with other pieces. Available in silver or gold, and in various lengths. [Round Plus Square Girl Power T-Shirt – $37.50]( ($50) [Round Plus Square Girl Power T-Shirt]( Although [Macklemore warned us about paying $50 for a t-shirt]( there’s some philanthropy behind this purchase. 10% of sales goes to Equality Now, a non-profit that advances the rights of women and girls around the world. Plus, it’s just a cute t-shirt. [Here’s the story on the company that sells them](. That sale price ends today, 12/3/19. After that I’m assuming it goes back up to $50. [LeFlore Studio Personalized Watercolor Pet Portrait – $38]( [LeFlore Studio Personalized Watercolor Pet Portrait]( Send in a photo, and get a custom watercolor portrait back as a digital print. Know that you’ll have to print and frame it, but that shouldn’t be too hard. ff/Dappered?a=ig2tI3YKJXg:awkvCp6fVGA:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=ig2tI3YKJXg:awkvCp6fVGA:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=ig2tI3YKJXg:awkvCp6fVGA:gIN9vFwOqvQ You are subscribed to email updates from [Dappered Style Mail](). To stop receiving these emails, you may [unsubscribe now](. Email delivery powered by Google Google, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, United States