Holiday Attire 2022
Holiday season is all about being festive, looking fancy and having fun. ‘Tis the season when sequins, metallics and velvets reign supreme, which means every wardrobe needs a few frivolous, showstopping pieces. Comfort is equally as important as style, though, so curating a holiday capsule takes strategy, planning and shopping to ensure success. Nothing ruins a good party like an uncomfortable outfit!
Since holiday gatherings can range from casual to formal, it’s smart to have versatile separates than can be dressed up, dressed down and mix-and-matched. Festive party dresses are a must-have too, though it’s important to know what to wear when. Here’s a holiday party-hopping roadmap that will keep you fabulous, appropriate and comfortable straight through the party season:
Showstopping favorite
A tuxedo dress is chic at any age and for every body shape. It’s sophisticated, classic and the perfect holiday “Little Black Dress”. Its sheath silhouette flatters all shapes and the structured fabric smooths lumps and bumps. Wear with opaque black tights for a monochromatic effect that elongates, or pick hosiery in a fun color, texture or print to add whimsy and dress down. Pair with pumps, high-heeled sandals or booties for a dressier look, or velvet slippers, sequined flats or metallic loafers to be casual and comfortable. All hems are great — knee-length, mini or micro mini, which can be layered with faux leather or knit leggings. Accessorize with some sparkly bling!Play it casual
Every woman needs a classic holiday suit at the ready. Red, black, velvet, silk or satin, anything goes as long as its worn as separates to dress down. Temper the formality of, say, crushed velvet palazzo pants with a cashmere turtleneck, denim shirt or smart, upscale sneakers. Or pair the matching crushed velvet blazer with an untucked, over-sized crisp white shirt and bootleg jeans, jeggings or knit leggings. Keep footwear low but fun — metallic, patent leather, plaid, red, super-sized statement bows, embellishments. The more casual the party, the lighter colored the denim.Fancy, Schmancy
Formal parties are when the perfect LRD — “Little Red Dress” — comes in handy. A Little Red Dress is a woman’s secret wardrobe weapon because it’s both a year-round staple and special occasion piece all-in-one. Wear in December and watch how it instantly morphs into a perfectly festive holiday cocktail dress. True red is a winning, universally flattering hue that compliments brunettes, blondes, red and gray hair plus all skin tones. Orangey-reds are best with warm complexions and blue-reds with cool ones. Style with tone-on-tone textured tights and pointy-toed flats, Mary Janes or kitten heels. Elevate the look with a silk kimono wrap — it communicates you’re an interesting woman and gives others a helpful icebreaker.The Office Party
This isn’t the time to take fashion risks so keep it simple for the office holiday party. Rely on basic black for an elegant, restrained color palette but complement with accents that “wow” — holiday red, green, silver, gold or sparkly jewelry. Think black trousers with a grey, bejeweled rhinestone sweater. Or, a classic LBD with a festive red neck scarf, red clutch and red faux fur jacket. Choose jewelry that makes a statement and sparks conversation — dangly earrings, silver or gold chokers, an arm-stack of bangles or cluster of holiday brooches.Accessorize like you mean it
The key to accessorizing is to direct attention up and toward the face to properly frame it. Wear a drop earring or one that hugs the lobe to command attention. Place necklaces and scarves closer to the face than bust and get creative with brooches — pin on outerwear, neck scarves, hats, on shirts like a bolo-tie, and place higher on lapels not lower. A good cocktail ring packs a big punch and jewelry that comes with a story is always a hit — a family heirloom, gift from someone special, gift to yourself or unique treasure from a faraway land. Above all, never forget a smile is a women’s best accessory!