The Chaotic Good Guide To Party Clothes
Every worthy holiday outfit from Art Basel Miami Beach.
Panic at the disco, not in your closet. This holiday season is chaotic—almost as chaotic as the party caravan of Art Basel Miami Beach. That's why we're using its best-dressed guests as our ultimate inspiration for winter statement style.
This article originally appeared on Harper's BAZAAR US.
Good artists mimic. Great ones steal. So when this artist arrived at Gucci's "Deux Femmes Noires" event in the same monogram corset last seen on Dakota Johnson, it confirmed she's a true genius for party clothes. (Her paintings are fantastic, too.)
Bermuda shorts at a cocktail bash? Absolutely—especially when paired with a buttoned-up short and a fabulous blazer.
We love this trick of mixing riding boots with booty shorts, though if you're in a colder climate, you might want to go with sheer black tights and a miniskirt instead.
Invest in one fabulous sparkle skirt and you'll never be bored a day in your life—even when going to your millionth holiday party. Thank you for your service, Jessica Wang.
Monochrome is always cool, but it's especially sweet if you spice it up with a teeny tiny pattern. Kitty Cash's Valentino suit proves it, but if you want to wear it with a t-shirt underneath instead of peek-a-boo style, that's cute, too.
Yes, little black dresses are still cool. No, you don't have to go nuts with the execution—just grab the one that's already on your floor (oops), pair it with some sheer black tights from CVS (the Leggs ones are really good) and head out the door.
Besides being fun and super-easy to accessorize (shoes, bag, done), this Saint Laurent bodysuit is surprisingly warm in gusty or frigid weather. And if you think it's only an option for one body type...
Mais non! Here's Lizzo in a Richard Quinn bodysuit with Issa Rae, just before a brunch. We never thought we'd be jealous of avocado toast, but it was at their table and we weren't, so yes, we are envious of a breakfast entree. It happens.
Jeans + heels + easy smile = the only way to stave off holiday chaos. Camila Mendes is nailing the laid back vibe that holiday cheer requires. You can do it, too, even if your jeans aren't Chanel. (But it helps.)
A puffer vest and Bottega Veneta sandals? Please come sit with us. Artist Monica Ahanonu nails the current cool girl vibe with a mix of '60s kitchenette hues and ultra-modern proportions.
She's beauty and she's grace, she's got the most coveted Fendi bag in the United States. (Also an artsy tank dress that requires 100% guts and 0% fussiness, which we love.)
Sweatpants on. Shoes off. And you're still at the party! This is how the chaotic good manifests itself through the fashion gods. Pay attention and you, too, can athleisure your way to the ball.