I love formalized gatherings of friends to celebrate the season. They have so much more meaning than our typical casual dinners out after work. I really enjoy this time to stop and enjoy each other (and mashed potatoes) and remember why we’re all friends in the first place. Here’s the thing about Friendsgiving: It’s like Thanksgiving, but with less stress, and more wine. This is a celebration, okay? You want to dress in a way that gives the occasion a sense of festiveness, but also comfortably enough to be able to enjoy your pie in peace. Piece? Whatever. For me, the go-to Friendsgiving outfit is an easy to wear and style maxi dress with a little something special up its sleeve (or at its neckline, in this case). Remember, Aunt Peg isn’t going to be there to offer passive aggressive comments about your outfit choices. Have a little fun.

[shop_product num=”1″ image=”left”] [shop_product num=”2″ image=”left”]

This Nicholas knit dress features a keyhole cutout and thigh-high slit to add a unique level of interest to your overall look. And that’s before I’ve even accessorized, which I do with a Schutz snakeskin-embossed heeled ankle boot and a Maison Boinet python print waist belt to match. This part’s important: The shoes and belt are going to match each other, but my bag, a simple black suede evening bag by YSL, will match the dress. Throwing in a third accessory in python print would tip the scales of the overall look into something costume-y, and Halloween is in the past. To top things off quite literally with something that gives the outfit head-to-toe balance, I’ll be sporting this Norma Kamali trench that should look familiar to you from the Monday Memo. (And it’s still on sale!)

[shop_product num=”3″ image=”right”] [shop_product num=”4″ image=”right”] [shop_product num=”5″ image=”right”]

My point with this look is that it’s entirely possible to dress for a festive occasion in a way that showcases a little seasonal style without sacrificing how comfortable you’ll be sitting for an extended period of time around a table pretending you don’t want more stuffing. This look lends an easy formality to the occasion, is made from the comfiest of fabrics, and who doesn’t love a good keyhole? Now, go forth, and find those Friendsgiving recipes. (And then send them to me this baby is really monopolizing my time, the nerve.)

[shop_product num=”1″ image=”left”] [shop_product num=”3″ image=”left”]

Check out more of my favorite dresses perfect for Friendsgiving and beyond below!!