The latest look worthy of adding to that “Office Party Looks” Pinterest board comes by way of the queen of all things understated: Dakota Johnson.
Four days into December, and it’s fair to say sequin fever has already taken hold. Every store I’ve walked past in the last week is offering some variation of sparkle, whether it’s a neon-pink tinsel-covered tree, a glittery minidress, or a blushing head radicchio on the shelf at Meadow Lane so shiny it hurt my eyes. And while it’s a nice change from November’s relentless gray, the switch to full festive mode can occasionally tip into Christmas-induced migraine territory, which is not exactly the ideal state to approach party season in.
Thankfully, there are more pared-back options for anyone looking to forgo all-out glitz until New Year’s Eve, at least. Enter, Dakota Johnson. Yes, she’s had her moments—the naked dressing and all those Stevie Nicks-esque looks—but recently, she’s stuck pretty religiously to the understated style handbook. From the classic jeans and loafers combo to the trench coat paired with The Row’s bag of the month, nobody is doing elevated basics quite like Dakota.
Wearing Khaite to an entertainment gala last night, she reminded us that, just because you’re a few days into your advent calendar, it doesn’t mean you need to abandon the less-is-more approach for all-out opulence. As December descends into a blur of drinks and cocktail parties you’d rather not attend, there’ll be plenty of opportunity to whip out the novelty Christmas socks. Until then, embrace the Dakota Johnson approach and lean into a little simplicity.