Harmattan Festive Party Outfits

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Happy Festivities, Fashionistas! The festive season is upon us and with Harmattan in full swing, dressing up for parties requires a perfect blend of style and practicality. Whether you’re heading to a family gathering, a glamorous dinner party, or an end-of-year celebration, here are outfit ideas that will keep you chic, cozy, and Harmattan-ready.

Guys, I’ve got a lot of events planned from the 20th of December until the end of the year, and let me just say, I have no idea what I will wear for those events. It’s like even to work, I’ve got to choose outfits that put people in the mood for Christmas because I am definitely in the mood (lol). So let’s dive into different occasions and I’ve got a lot of options for you guys to choose from so you don’t have to feel like Christmas is rigid.

1. Harmattan Dinner Party Elegance

Like I said before, I’ve got events packed up for December 20th, including a dinner party. Even though I’m the host and the planner, I can’t seem to know the outfit I want to wear. Which is why I picked it from my archives and thought I’d share it with you guys.

Option 1: The Statement Blazer Dress
Blazer dresses exude sophistication while providing coverage for chilly evenings. Choose a velvet or satin finish for a luxe touch. Pair with knee-high boots, strappy heels, and bold accessories like a chunky necklace or statement earrings. Although blazer dresses add a touch of elegance, they can also feel heavy, which is why it is important to choose the kind of fabric wisely. The reason why it is advisable to pair blazer dresses with knee-high boots, especially during this season, is because of the dust and the chilly evenings.

Option 2: A Velvet Wrap Dress
A velvet wrap dress combines comfort and glamour. The adjustable fit is perfect for indulging in holiday treats, while the rich fabric keeps you warm. Pair with metallic heels and a clutch for a refined look.

Option 3: A Sheath Dress with a Shawl
A classic sheath dress in a deep color like maroon or black is perfect for an intimate dinner setting. Drape a faux fur shawl over your shoulders for added warmth and a touch of elegance. Complete the look with stiletto heels and a jeweled clutch.

Option 4: Silk Palazzo Pants and a Sequined Top
For a more contemporary look, pair flowing silk palazzo pants with a sequined top. This combination offers a chic balance of comfort and glamour. Add a tailored blazer for warmth and accessorize with statement earrings and pointed-toe pumps.

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2. Christmas Carol Glam the Harmattan way (wink)

Christmas is my favorite season of the year and as such, I enjoy dressing up for events that have to do with it, such as carol services. If you are like me and you’re a fan of royalty, then you must have liked the outfit Princess Catherine wore for her carol service. It was honestly modest, elegant, and, well, regal. However, dressing up during the harmattan requires a little more thought and just like our princess, here are some ideas to keep you cozied up but still look as regal as ever.

Option 1: An Elegant Midi Dress
Opt for a midi dress with modest details such as long sleeves or a high neckline, perfect for the reverent atmosphere of a church event. Choose rich seasonal colors like burgundy, forest green, or navy blue. Pair with block heels and a statement necklace for a refined finish. For those of us in Nigeria, where if you wear heels to such a fun-filled carol occasion, you may end up with a stumped toe, it is better to wear shoes that cover your feet completely. I prefer to wear gowns, especially midi gowns, with sneakers because, well, you can’t go wrong with sneakers.

Option 2: A Classic A-Line Dress and Coat Combo
A structured A-line dress paired with a tailored coat or cape is both chic and weather-appropriate. Accessorize with pearl earrings and comfortable-heeled pumps. Add a matching clutch for a polished look.

Option 3: A Skirt-and-Blouse Ensemble
Pair a midi or maxi skirt with a lace or silk blouse. Tuck in the blouse for a defined waistline and finish with a slim belt. Add ankle boots and a light scarf to stay cozy.

3. Family Gathering Chic outfits for this Harmattan season

Nope, I do not have any family gatherings (lol). This is because, on Christmas, I am not pulling off my pajamas. However, for those who do, then feel free to inspire yourself with these:

Option 1: Maxi Dresses with a Twist
Maxi dresses with long sleeves or high necklines keep you cozy and stylish. Go for bold patterns or jewel tones and accessorize with drop earrings and ankle boots.

Option 2: A Denim Skirt and Sweater Combo

For a more relaxed vibe, pair a midi denim skirt with a tucked-in knit sweater. Add a statement belt and sneakers or ankle boots for a family-friendly look. What can go wrong with denim? Okay, guys. I have always been a fan of jeans because they are more comfortable and easy to pair, especially when it comes to shoes. However, skirts are also amazing, especially when paired right.

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In fact, I recently bought a new denim skirt that has a slit in the front because, well, I saw everyone buying it and when I paired it with my custom black sweater shirt, I got a lot of compliments at work (wink). It was also probably because I kept singing Christmas songs wherever I went (lol).

4. Office Party Sophistication

I had an office party a few months ago and the theme was Ankara vibes. Everyone wore their best outfits and this was just for a department. Now imagine the entire company is having a Christmas party. You wouldn’t want to turn up looking like just anyone, now would you? (wink).

Option 1: Jumpsuits for Effortless Glam
Wide-leg jumpsuits with sequins or lace elevate your look. Add a cropped faux fur jacket or tailored blazer, statement heels, and a metallic clutch. Honestly, I got this particular outfit inspiration from Meta AI because I wanted to see what it could say and even though it’s not bad, I’m not really into sequins. I know people would be saying, “Then why did you write it?” Well, that’s for people who do.

Option 2: A Satin Skirt and Blouse Duo
Yeah, I do this even for normal work days and I absolutely love it! Pair a satin midi skirt with a structured blouse. Go for festive hues like burgundy or forest green. Complete the look with elegant heels and a pearl necklace. If you’re going to an office party, which I hope I do go to, then this is my best choice.

5. Casual Festive Vibes

Other than staying home cozied up in my pajamas because I prefer to watch Christmas movies and eat food at home, my best picks are these:

Option 1: Layered Skirts and Cozy Knit Sweaters
To create a stylish look, pair a pleated midi skirt with a cozy knit sweater. For a polished silhouette, tuck in the sweater and then complete the outfit with ankle boots or heeled mules. Finally, add a vibrant handbag or scarf to tie the ensemble together.

Option 2: Jeans and Festive Tops
To keep it casual yet chic, go with dark-wash jeans and a sparkling or embellished top. Next, throw on a tailored jacket for added sophistication, and finally, complete the look with loafers or Chelsea boots for a polished finish.

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6. Accessories to Elevate Your Look

You can go ahead and check out my recent blog to discover how to accessorize your outfits for Christmas while staying stylish during the Harmattan season. Whether you’re dressing up for a festive party or keeping it casual for a family gathering, the right accessories can truly make all the difference.

Scarves: During Harmattan, stylish scarves are a must-have as they double as functional layers to keep you cozy. For example, you can opt for bold prints or rich textures like silk, cashmere, or velvet to add a touch of luxury to your ensemble. However, it’s important to be careful not to overdo it—balance is key because, after all, we’re celebrating the reason for the season. If scarves aren’t your style, I recommend gifting one this Christmas—it’s both thoughtful and practical.

Hats: Meanwhile, a wide-brim hat or a chic beret not only adds flair to your outfit but also protects you from the dry Harmattan breeze. For instance, you can choose neutral tones for versatility or bold colors to make a statement, depending on your outfit’s theme.

Bold Jewellery: In addition, statement earrings, chunky necklaces, or stacked bangles can instantly elevate any outfit, making it perfect for a Christmas party or an evening event. Nevertheless, remember to balance bold pieces with simpler clothing for a cohesive and polished look.

Overall, this Harmattan season, let your party outfits reflect your festive spirit while staying practical for the weather. With these outfit ideas tailored to every occasion, you’re sure to turn heads at every gathering. Finally, cheers to a season of style, celebration, and joy!”

What are your go-to festive party outfits this Harmattan? Share your favorites in the comments below!

Alrighty folks, that’s it for today’s blog episode. Please stay tuned for more alluring and interesting content with Oluwatoyosi (haha, I’ve always wanted to do that). And please don’t forget to follow me on Instagram (@toyosioludare) and on my timeline (@oluwatoyosi) for more updates.