The end of the semester is imminent; fun and festivity lie just around the corner.
"What am I going to wear?" Is almost as familiar a jingle as "ho ho ho" when the season of giving, and subsequently holiday party invitations, arrives. Those knitted sweaters your grandmother gives you every Christmas may keep you warm, but nubby yarn and appliqué snowmen will do nothing to highlight your best attributes. Although different occasions call for different attire, it's safe to say that Kringle-themed apparel should be strictly reserved for family functions. Here are a few alternatives that may help sass up your holiday wardrobe.
The holiday season is the one time of the year when sequins are the hottest fashion staple. The trend works great as a dress, top, skirt, or purse. Although the number and configuration of sequins may vary, the end result is generally the same: attention-grabbing glam. If you go heavy with the sequins, go light with accessories. A sleek hoop earring won't compete with the rest of your look. A word of advice: if you don a sequined top, go for a less ornate skirt (and vice versa). You'll look more polished and less Las Vegas.
Dresses come in all shapes and sizes this winter, so go for the color and style that best flatters your complexion and body type. The full skirt is in, so don't be afraid to wear a dress that's strapless and fitted at the top and poufs out at the bottom. This style is great for all body types. Halters are also fashionable and flattering, as well as cap sleeve and wrap dresses. The little black cocktail dress is a timeless staple, but if black isn't you, go for a copper, gold, silver, maroon, or cream.
If your occasion calls for a more relaxed look, slip on the perfect pair of jeans. Although fit is most important, color certainly plays a role in the overall look. Dark denim makes a bold and classy statement for nighttime affairs. Luckily for the girls, this winter's perfect match for a dressy denim look is a flowing top. Starting with an empire waist, the fabric loosely shapes the torso, flowing down to the hips. This cut is flattering on everyone, and eliminates the need to "suck in" after attacking the buffet table.
An outfit is never complete without a great pair of shoes. Peep-toe shoes are a must-have right now. Not only glamorously retro, they'll work for spring too. Peep-toes tend to visually shorten the leg with pants, so a better option with your denim might be the classic pointy-toe shoe. Opt for a shiny pump or a leather boot with a knee-length skirt and you'll be at the height of fashion. Speaking of height, if your man is a Tom and you're a Katie, there's no shame in wearing flats. Go for a ballet flat, and you'll be dressed to impress without towering over your date.
For the guys out there who want to spice up there holiday attire, we have some tips for you as well. If the event calls for a shirt and tie, there are ways to modernize the ageless trend. Striped ties are appropriate for almost any occasion. For a subdued look, err on the side of neutral shirts.
If you want to go bold, try an unusual color combination. Pastels paired with a dark color works nicely. Just remember, it's great to be edgy, but you want to stop short of ridiculous. If you skip the tie, you have more freedom to experiment with the shirt. Go for a French collar shirt or a nice v-neck sweater minus the collared shirt. The look is streamlined and classic, without looking overdone.
The same light-versus-dark denim rule applies for guys, so keep that in mind when choosing a pair.
Another option for day or night is a great pair of slacks. The chino pant has a flat front, which lends to a cleaner overall appearance. Front pleating is not only outdated, it creates an unnatural shape with an overabundance of material at the hips and a tapered leg. Pair nice trousers with a brown or black loafer, and you're all set to ask a gorgeous sequined lady to accompany you to the next cocktail party.