Holiday Dressing 101

by Erin Nadler

The holiday season is fast approaching and when holiday parties start to jam up my calendar, my immediate concern becomes what to wear to these social gatherings.  Holiday dressing does not have to be stressful.  The key is to spice up your wardrobe without breaking the bank.  But how do you do that?  Here are some simple and easy tips for holiday dressing.

1) Wrap it up: Find a great big luxurious pashmina in a bright colour like red, plum, or winter white, to go with your favourite little black dress.  Or why not look for a chunky knit scarf or perhaps this season’s must have infinity scarf to add to your favourite white blouse and skinny jeans for instant interest.

2) Jewellery: Try adding a chunky chain statement necklace to brighten up last year’s clothing purchases. Oversized studs, chandelier earrings, or vintage pieces that are one-of-a-kind can also act as a great conversation piece at cocktail parties.  And remember don’t be afraid to mix different colours and textures of jewelry, it makes for a more interesting look. 

3) Belt it: Add this season’s must have corset belt, funky studded belt, or chunky chain belt to give instant shape and draw in your waist.  Adding a detailed belt can instantly take your plain black dress or favourite black pant to any holiday function.  If the chunky belt look is too much for you then why not try a simple yet elegant bow belt, or be daring and double up two of your skinny belts by wearing them together? 

4) Give it the boot: A woman can never have too much footwear. Why not try something new? An over the knee boot, detailed peep toe bootie, or a coloured or textured heel can make you walk a little taller and give an injection of style into any basic outfit.  If buying new shoes is not in the cards, then adding a broach or a clip to the front of your basic black pump is a fun and inexpensive way to change the entire look of the shoe.

5) Colour and Texture: The key to the holiday season is that pop of colour, the dash of sparkle, and the injection of bold patterns and prints.  When you think of holiday you think colour: pretty purples, luscious reds, and winter whites will surely spice up your fall closet and take you into the holiday season.  Nothing says holiday like lace.  Either on a great trimmed cardigan, or on a fabulous draped blouse, it’s an easy piece to tie back to your favourite pant, skirt, or little black dress.

How ever you choose to celebrate the holiday season remember one thing: be comfortable.  No matter what you do to get your closet into the holiday spirit, you have to be happy with how you look and feel. Those parties are a lot of standing and awkward mingling.  The belle of the ball is always the one most at ease.

Image courtesy of Microsoft Office.