Keep these 10 fashion items on hand and you’ll be ready for any special occasion – from winter formals to holiday parties. All it takes are a few dressy basics to mix and match your way to glamorous holiday outfits! Happy Holiday dressing.
It just doesn’t get any better than a perfect little black dress for party wear. The trendiest ‘midi’ lengths fall modestly between below the knee and mid-calf, and the ‘classic’ LBD hemline is right at the knee. Satin, velvet, jersey and crepe are some of the best fabrics for this style. Looking for arm coverage? Here are 3 easy to dress up or wear as is LBD’s that have a lot of glam and provide that long sought after, but hard to find – A Dress with a SLEEVE!
Chelsea28, Metallic Flecked Sheath, $79
Vince Camuto, Contrast Dress, $148
Dress the Population, Sequin & Velvet Midi Sheath Dress, $276
A sparkly top is festive enough to stand on its own. An embellished cardigan looks especially fresh right now. Pair with black trousers or a straight skirt, pull back your hair and slick on red lips for a classic party look.
Karen Kane, Sequin Long-Sleeve Top, $118
Lafayette 148 New York, Nessa Sequin Pullover, $698
Trousers are en vogue for any part of your day. Plaids and corduroys make great daytime selections, but for the holidays, it is best to keep the bottoms simple because of all the other bling head-to-toe. Black and winter white are faves – and festive fabrics, like velvet.
Tahari Arthur S. Levine, Velvet Side-Zip Pants, $89
Boden Selwood, Velvet Wide Leg Pants, $126
The Row, Ane Virgin Wool Pants, $1,190
A beautiful shawl does more than just look good: it can cover bare shoulders, too. Embroidered styles go great with basic strapless dresses; velvets and fringed pieces add richness to separates. Stick with a shawl in approximately the same fabric “weight” as your outfit (you wouldn’t want to pair a heavy velvet piece with a gossamer gown).
Bernie of New York, Silk Chiffon Wrap, $68
Nordstrom, Silk Fringe Wrap, $99
La Fiorentina, Wool Blend Wrap with Genuine Fox Fur Trim, $425
Complete your holiday outfits with a sophisticated clutch bag. Look for clean lines with subtle details (like gold or silver hardware) to get the most mileage. Some styles have a short strap to go over your shoulder or a loop to hang around your wrist, but holding a dainty bag in your hand is still the chicest way to go.
Rebecca Minkoff, Leo Envelope Clutch, $99
Tory Burch, Kira Leather Envelope Clutch, $278
Jimmy Choo, Celeste Glitter Tulle & Suede Chain-Strap Clutch, $1,195
Any high-heeled shoe will go with everything from pants to little black dresses. Can’t wear heels? No need to fret! There are some fabulous glitzy flats and kitten heels for you to choose from. Fabric is the key element and woven sparkly fabrics make evening shoes adaptable to many occasions.
Nina Tirisa, Metallic Dress Pumps, $79
Vince, Rafe Flared Heel Pump, $350
Roger Vivier, Ballerine Chips Satin d’Orsay Flats, $975
The dressy jacket is a staple because it classes up everything from simple white blouses to plain black trousers. Burn-out and embroidery are two finishes that add interest; look for traditionally rich velvet colors like black and burgundy.
Alex Evenings, Two-Piece Tank Top & Sequin Jacket Velvet Set, $159
Smythe, Box Pleat Blazer, $695
Lafayette 148 New York, Faven Satin Blazer, $798
If you can swing it (and there are plenty of good buys out there), real diamonds are the only way to go. If that’s not your style go for colored stones and earrings with swagger. Hoops, drops and studs are all popular styles. Just pair your earrings to your updo (the more pulled back/up your hair, the longer the earring).
Rosantica, Etna Quartz Tassel Drop Earrings, $160
Oscar de la Renta, Crystal Flower Drop Earrings, $209
Anzie, Aztec White Topaz & 14K Yellow Gold Starburst Earrings, $850
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