Privilege Blog

The Budget Version Of A Festive Hostess Outfit

I hear you. My picks tend towards the expensive. Let’s fix that. In shifting down the cost curve, you want to follow a few key principles:

  1. Stick to one neutral shade, i.e. all gray, all taupe, all cream.
  2. Mix textures.
  3. Add shine, but not too much.
  4. Show your ankles.
  5. Unbutton the cardigan’s top buttons for a flash of metallic tank and skin at the collarbone.
  6. Wear dangly earrings.
  7. Don’t skimp too much on shoes, and don’t ignore the flat/pointy-toe/ Audrey Hepburn vibe.

That’s it. So when should we arrive? I’ll bring appetizers, shall I?

 

25 Responses

  1. So spot on…!! I just bought an Eileen Fisher classic ankle-length black pants, and flats: Splurging on very few basics that will last, and thrifting the rest… Shared this on my Facebook page! xx

  2. YES!! I must confess, I love the outfit and would wear every piece of it, with the exception of the earrings, simply because I don’t wear jewelry, other than my wedding ring.

    Thank you so much!!

  3. I’ve got a version of all these pieces, except the sparkly cardi — and I don’t tend to wear an apron. . . Velvet and sequins and patent-shiny . . . so Tralala!

  4. The only inexpensive shoes that have worked for me are Clarks–and they are quite nice. Other than that I spend the dollars and enjoy my shoes for a long time if they are comfortable.

    I like this ensemble! I have no issue with wearing the sparkly dangling earrings. I have a couple of pairs that I love. I should wear them more often. Thank you for reminding me of that. Somehow I had it in my head that sparkly dangling earrings were only for dressy occasions. I need to mix it up a bit.

    Thank you for this post!

  5. Conflicted on this one. My lifelong experience + my mother’s cautionary words = get that sweater from Jigsaw, if you get nothing else at all. If funds are tight and you cannot complete an all-new outfit this very minute, then pull bottoms already waiting in your closet and wear that sensational sweater asap. A sweater that swell rarely comes along.

  6. Love this outfit, but it raises a question for me. Would you wear this out in winter months? I have a similar outfit and love the look but always get eye rolls and comments because of the naked ankles this time of year in the north east. Just wondering your thoughts. Thanks!

    1. I’d wear a black sheer sock with it – but wouldn’t go out and about except to the car:).

  7. Wearing one shade head-to-toe is something I’ve never felt brave enough to try … it seems somehow too sophisticated!

    Maybe that’s something I should work on. :-)

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