Tuesday, October 20, 2015
‘Tis the season to sparkle! As soon as we put away our Halloween costumes, we shift gears to get ready for a month of parties, travel, family get-togethers and charity events. The holiday season is full of festivities and you’ll want to make sure you’re dressed well for them. So while you’re gift shopping for your friends and family, treat yourself to a few new pieces so you’ll be prepared.
Just like snowflakes, no two holiday parties are alike. You probably wouldn’t wear the same outfit to your company’s office party as you would for Christmas dinner at your aunt’s house! This season’s style is about jewel tones, sequins, soft fabrics and festive fashion, so you’ll enjoy putting together different ensembles for each event.
Dressing for the festivities doesn’t have to be a rushed panic or mean reaching for the same old LBD. Keep in mind as you’re gathering ideas to get ready for this soirée season that you'll want to feel as comfortable as you look festive! Here are some of our ideas:
The Cocktail Party
The sophisticated cocktail party is practically synonymous with the holiday season. Cocktail parties are a happy medium where you can go flashier than at the office party, but don’t have the pressure to dress like you’re at a black tie gala. They don’t call it the “cocktail dress” for nothing—a light, breathable dress with a playful hemline and fitted waist is a flattering option for any figure. If the gathering will be chilly, throw on some tights and a faux fur jacket.
If your dress is patterned or bright, keep accessories minimal. A pair of fashion earrings for women and a Lucky 5 Bangle will suffice. If you have a more subdued outfit, you can be a bit more adventurous with your jewelry. The Olivia Necklace is a versatile, elegant piece that can dress up a casual pantsuit or dress down a fancy outfit.
The Office Party
Your outfit for your work party will depend on the atmosphere. Work in the corporate world? Choose an outfit that will dazzle your co-workers while still maintaining some professionalism. Try a sweater, sequined pencil skirt, a pair of pumps and a Troubadour Necklace. If you wear a dress, show off your curves with the cut, but avoid cleavage.
If you work for a more casual company and the party will be informal, you can keep your look more laid back as well: think dark denim, a sparkly top and a fitted blazer with a pair of gold earrings for women. You could also go for a classic holiday look and sport a pair of black pants, a red sweater, a Biltmore High/Low Cuff and some ankle boots.
The Black Tie Gala
Move over little black dress, there’s a new LBD in town — the LONG black dress. If you have the pleasure of attending a black tie event this holiday season, but are fraught with what to wear, fear not. As opposed to the cocktail dress with a shorter hemline, black tie affairs are all about length and formality. But because they are distinctive and recognizable, you can only wear your show stopper once. That is, unless you opt for a classic, long black gown paired with some visually arresting jewelry, like our multi-stand, gold and pearl Lacy Necklace, and gold earrings for women. If you already have a gold chain or choker, you can add a statement enhancer, like our Miramar Rock Crystal Enhancer or Biltmore Medallion Enhancer Pendant. In the mood for a pop of color? Try our Biltmore Necklace encrusted with jewel-toned gems and bezel-set cabochons. The great thing about a long black dress and some jewels is that they can both be worn again separately, and in different ways, so you’ll get more mileage out of all the pieces!
New Year’s Eve
Whether you’re going out to a crowded club or enjoying a quiet night at home with your friends, don’t miss out on this chance to sparkle. A sequined shift dress and a blazer will work for practically any party, but if you’re staying in, a more subdued shimmery tunic with leggings and flats would be a more comfortable choice. If your outfit sparkles it’s always best to keep your jewelry simple, but that doesn’t mean you can’t throw on a Beverly Ring.
Giving Back is Glamorous
Don’t forget about those holiday charity events. There’s something about the holiday season that makes people feel warmer and more generous, and December is packed with silent auctions and benefits to help those in need. This is the time when your classic LBD will come into play―this wardrobe classic can be dressed up with a shimmery clutch, bold heels and gold earrings for women, or it can be dressed down with a pair of flats and a cardigan. Swapping out your accessories can give your little black dress several different looks.
One organization that always gets us into the spirit of giving is GLAM4GOOD, a movement started by world renowned stylist Mary Alice Stephenson. GLAM4GOOD partners with nonprofits, media outlets and fashion and beauty brands to give life-changing makeovers and fashion expertise to everyday heroes and those in need. Recently, Camille K donated several signature pieces to GLAM4GOOD in hopes that we could help make someone’s holiday season a little brighter. We love any nonprofit organization that helps women feel beautiful.
Your time is precious, so surround yourself with the people who make you feel good and see the good in you. As fun as it is to get dressed up for all the events that are on the horizon, it’s more important to focus on catching up with people you don’t get to see as often as you’d like. Eat, drink, laugh, love and enjoy the season.