Two Ways: Holiday Red Pants

Pants: J.CREW Cafe Capri ($49)

From Left, Rings: Square Bezel Stack Band ($27) and Champagne Ring ($78) Clutch: Bronze Metallic Clutch ($29) Shoes: Franco Sarto Cicero Pump ($80) Coat: Bow Coat ($365 +30% off) Earrings: Kate Spade Freeze Framed Studs ($48) Blouse: Dolce & Gabbana Sheer Lace Blouse ($698)

From Right, Earrings: Bernini Disk Earrings ($69) Ring: Bernini Disk Ring ($59) Clutch: Kotur Snakeskin Clutch ($295) Top: ALC Arissa Blouse ($239) Shoes: Boutique 9 Orson Pump ($50)

For a Family Dinner.  In addition to rollicking holiday parties, there are often family events to attend.  Maybe Dad wants you to be his date to an office dinner, or Mom needs a plus-one to a charity event.  This outfit mixes modern with romantic to create an outfit that is stylish but family friendly.

A lace blouse moderates the impact of the bright red pants.  This blouse has an ivory bodice and chiffon sleeves.  I thought I’d never find something similar, until I found this almost-identical Ann Taylor blouse for under-$100. Awesome.

I added this coat a) because it rocks and b) because the camel coat ties the tortoise pumps and the blouse together with the pants.  They still work without the coat, but I like the added zing.  The tortoise pumps are pretty fantastic, and they’re under-$100.

The jewelry is a mix of gold with champagne and cognac-colored stones.  The stack rings go on one hand, the cocktail ring on the other.  They also pair well with the inexpensive bronze and gold clutch.

For the hair, I would wear it up in a curly updo.  Something romantic, like this hairdo on Jessica Alba. For the makeup, I would choose a pale pink nail, a gold shimmer shadow, brown gel liner and a rose lipstick.

For a House Party.  All red is a brave move, but ever since I saw it on Penelope Cruz in 2009, I’ve been dying to try it.  A holiday party at the house of a friend, where the wine will flow freely and the rules will be less stringent than at an office party or large get together, seems like the perfect opportunity.  

I would tuck the blouse into the trouser for a clean look.  I would also unbutton an extra button, which I can do without being immodest because God wasn’t as generous with me as he was with others.  So decide whether that’s something that suits you based on your own measurements.  If you like the red silk shirt, but aren’t crazy about button ups, try this inexpensive tie neck blouse.

I added red shoes, but you could choose a metallic or a nude-to-you pump. I chose a mixed metal ring and earrings because I thought the gold might be a bit much on its own.  I chose the snakeskin clutch because red would be too much, black would be heavy and another color would ruin the look.  If this clutch is too rich for your blood, this clutch is $198 and this one is $26.

For the hair, I would go super sleek.  Break out the flat iron.   You could then wear it down, or pulled into a ponytail.  For the makeup, I would suggest a greige nail, a red lip tint and black liquid liner.