By Lisa Dante
The holiday season is here! And with it comes a long list of parties, festivities and to-do lists. With a little inspiration, your holiday wardrobe can be full of effortless choices. It’s time to savor the season to sparkle! Of course classic dressing never goes out of style. But each and every year, the changing fashion season seems to come with a little extra twist. No matter what looks you prefer, there are dazzling options for everyone.
CASUAL TULLE
Upon hearing the words “tulle skirt,” you’re probably thinking poofy ball gowns and ballerina tutus. The truth is, tulle is incredibly versatile and has the possibility of veering more casual than you may expect.
For me, the first thing that comes to mind is Carrie Bradshaw’s signature tulle skirt in the opening montage of the iconic series, “Sex and the City.” For holiday 2024, designers are reinventing the look by pairing it with oversized, super soft, cable knit sweaters with voluminous sleeves. I think the key here is the emphasis on oversized. Of course you could wear a fitted tank top with a tulle skirt, but pairing the look with an oversized sweater just has a more modern look and feel to it. The color options are endless and footwear choices are completely up to you. Suggestion: An ankle boot would be fabulous.
CRUSHING ON VELVET
Rich textural pieces ooze glamour. The cloth is renowned for its soft feel and distinctive sheen, which makes it the first choice for evening or cocktail dresses, suits, jackets and other pieces of luxury clothing. Think bodycon dresses and sharp velvet blazers paired with flared pants. Velvet can be worn again and again, from a Thanksgiving dinner to Christmas party dressing. There is no doubt that velvet exudes confidence, elegance and charm. If sequins are the disco ball attention seeker, then velvet is the smooth, sensual counterpart. Plus, it’s supremely warm and cozy. As luxe as velvet is, it’s versatile enough to wear every day. The holiday/winter runways featured jewel-toned velvet coats paired with hoodies, flannel shirts and untucked layers.
SEQUINS- LIQUID METAL
Sequins are an obvious popular choice for holiday dressing, adding a touch of glamour and sparkle to any outfit. Whether you’re attending a formal event or a casual gathering, incorporating sequins into your ensemble can elevate your look and make a statement. Let the sequins be the star of the show by keeping your accessories minimal. However, when it comes to makeup, a glamorous sequin outfit calls for a bold dramatic look. Play up your eyes with a smoky eye or a winged eyeliner, and don’t be afraid to add a pop of color to your lips.
When you feel good, you’ll look good, and that’s what party dressing is all about. So, embrace the sparkle within, exude confidence, and get ready to shine this holiday season, because there is something about dressing like a sparkly ornament this time of year that just feels right. Of course you can dress in head to toe sparkles or maybe just throw on a few sequin accessories.
Do you want to know a secret? For a simple yet show stopping party look, any sequin outfit will hit that mark.
Can you wear sequins on a regular day? Of course!
If you’re attending a more casual gathering, you can still incorporate sequins into your outfit without looking overdressed. It’s the rule of juxtaposition. What? Well, let me explain. Opposites attract. Pairing sparkly, shiny, sequined pieces with more casual, rugged items, like jeans, sneakers or a tee, makes fancy items, less fancy. And conversely, it also ups the dressy factor of the jeans, sneakers or tee, allowing these garments to feel more elevated.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with your outfit choices.
After all, one of the many reasons we partake in the holiday season is all about celebrating and embracing the joy of dressing up.
Wishing you and your family many blessings this holiday season!