Athena Calderone Shares Effortless Style Tips for Party Season

As party season approaches, renowned creative director and author Athena Calderone offers essential advice on curating memorable outfits for various occasions. Calderone, who is the founder of Studio Athena Calderone and the influential platform EyeSwoon, emphasizes the importance of versatile and stylish choices that reflect both personal taste and practicality.

Calderone’s busy schedule, filled with design meetings and vendor visits, necessitates outfits that merge comfort with sophistication. She suggests that a tailored pair of trousers paired with a simple cashmere sweater strikes the right balance for her day-to-day activities. “When I’m dressed well, I feel confident, and that sentiment goes a long way on long days,” she explains.

Crafting the Perfect Ensemble

When asked about her go-to outfit for early morning events, Calderone recommends tailored trousers, a belt, and a simple crew neck sweater, completed with heeled boots. “A classic trench coat over your shoulders really brings everything together,” she adds, highlighting the importance of elegance and professionalism without sacrificing approachability.

Calderone also addresses the anxiety that can accompany specific dress codes. While she does not dread any category, she expresses a preference for avoiding certain silhouettes, such as puff sleeves and overly ornate skirts. Her strategy for a luncheon, for instance, revolves around smart-casual combinations like a beautiful knit dress or a structured blazer with trousers, ensuring comfort during meals.

As evening approaches, Calderone transforms her look for dinner parties. “My Mary J. Blige, Rihanna, and Ashanti playlist—and some sips of Mezcal—energize me,” she shares. The process of getting ready becomes part of the celebration, enhancing her overall experience.

Reflections on Attire and Style

Costume parties do not excite Calderone; she prefers to reinterpret themes in ways that align with her style. For Halloween, she opted for a dark, moody look, reminiscent of 1990s goth, while incorporating a dress from her closet. “There are definitely ways to make a costume party feel like ‘you,'” she notes.

In moments of urgency, such as after-work gatherings, Calderone keeps a selection of outfits ready for quick changes. Her reliable choices include strapless dresses or chic pant suits, ensuring she remains stylish even in a bind.

Cocktail attire holds a special place in Calderone’s heart, with her favorites being floor-sweeping silk gowns and backless slips. For black tie events, she prefers a classic approach, recalling a birthday dinner in Rome where she wore a stunning backless sequin gown in a creamy porcelain hue. “The risk was in exposing most of my back, but the neutral tone kept it classy,” she reflects.

Calderone emphasizes the timelessness of her late ’90s and early 2000s Dolce & Gabbana pieces, which continue to be versatile for both formal events and nights out. One of her standout creations, a pair of rock crystal drop earrings lined with diamonds, often sparks conversation and showcases her unique design sensibility.

In terms of essentials, Calderone carries a Nars lip pencil, Aquaphor chapstick, and even doggie bags in her evening bag, underscoring her practical yet fashionable approach to style.

With the holiday season fast approaching, Calderone’s insights provide a roadmap for individuals seeking to navigate the complexities of dressing for various events while maintaining their personal style.