HO-HO-NO!
First of all, let's talk about what NOT to look for in holiday attire. Do not, do not, do NOT wear any sort of attire that features reindeer, wreaths, holly berries, etc...and resist the temptation to wear red and green together, period. You will just end up looking costume-y, cliche and frankly, tacky. Look for rich jewel tones, like plum, deep jade and peacock blue. Also resist “seasonal accessories” which include, but are not limited to, ceramic reindeer pins, bell earrings and Christmas tree broaches. Accessories are an important part of holiday dressing, but instead buy timeless, beautiful, interesting jewelry that will last you throughout the year with lots of outfits, not December. Even then, don't get carried away.
Choose focal pieces, instead of over- accessorizing. Choose
bold over quantity. Anything too delicate will simply get lost on you. Try chandelier earrings, chunky cuffs, multi-layer
necklaces and sparkly cocktail rings (J.Crew has some beautiful ones!) — but not all at the same time. A good rule of thumb is not to put items too close together on the body. Instead of big earrings AND a big necklace, try big earrings and a cocktail ring.
MUST HAVES FOR HOLIDAY PARTIES
1) A sassy, short cocktail dress either in a metallic, dressy material, such as thick satin, and/or with a little sparkle or embellishment. See below for examples:
Maggy London Beaded Waist Strapless Matte Jersey Dress, $118 @ Nordstom.com
Diane Von Furstenberg Victoire Silk Wrap Dress, $425, Net-A-Porter.com
Loeffler Randall Cotton Sheath with Ribbon Detial, $375, Saks.com
Moschino Cheap And Chic Jacquard Lamé Dress, $795, Saks.com
2) A chic evening clutch: sized only to hold the essentials like lipstick, cell phone and a credit card
3) an evening coat or wrap : Nothing ruins a party dress more than throwing on your big bulky overcoat over it. Even worse is wearing your husband's suit jacket by the end of the night! An appropriate outer-layer can be anything from a pashmina to a knee-length brocade coat. My favorite and the most versatile is a knee-length version. There are even evening trenchcoats. To ensure the most wearability, choose black or a metallic.
4) Bold jewelry - like a statement necklace, jeweled cuff or cocktail ring:
J.Crew Giant Starburst Ring, $68
Banana Republic Broach Bangle, $39
White House/Black Market Candlelight Necklace, $54
5) A fitted velvet jacket: November thru January is about the only time I like velvet, and usually only in the form of a structured jacket. great to pair with a ruffled blouse and trousers for a semi-dressy or office occasion, and jeans for something more casual. This goes for
men, too! My favorite outfit of my husband's holiday attire is his Diesel jeans, white button-down shirt with French cuffs (special cuff links are a great way for men to accessorize!) and deep cobalt blue velvet blazer.
Ann Taylor, $158
Banana Republic Brown Two-button Velvet Blazer, $250
John Hardy Midnight Cuff Links, Bromberg's, $1595
NOTE: Christmas parties start in early December, so shop now! Definitely don't wait until The Biggest Shopping Day of the Year (day after Thanksgiving) when your choices will be limited as things will all be picked over.
