HOLIDAY ATTIRE MADE SIMPLE
It is officially holiday party season, so revisit the usuals in 2013 with velvet, sparkles, jewel tones, and tights.
“I think holiday time is the perfect excuse to dress up,” said celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe. “Haul out the pieces cut from heavier, richer fabrics like velvet, fur, brocades and satin. There’s no better time for metallics, paillettes, beads and crystals.”
This is also a time to break conventional fashion rules, and create fun, perhaps unlikely outfits. Patterned pants have been popular the last six months.
Incorporate these into your outfit with a more cropped, white shirt, and a simple pendant necklace. Wear fun chunky wedges with this outfit to be comfortable and chic.
Layers are also a great idea. Since it’s cold out, it may not be ideal to wear a short dress by itself. Try wearing black tights, with thigh-high socks, and tall boots. This creates a cool effect while adding warmth.
Cropped pants with ankle boots or fun heels look dressed up if you don’t want to wear a dress or skirt.
Since there tends to be a lot of food at holiday parties, preparing for perhaps extra room may not be a bad idea.
“Let’s be real, it has to be something totally comfortable and not tight around the waist,” said senior psychology major Emily Sirrell. “So you can eat a ton of food without feeling like you need to unbutton your pants.”
Keeping this in mind, dresses are perfect. Try a looser fitting style, as Free People has romantic, bohemian options that do not constrict.
An elastic waist skirt and a big chunky sweater create a fun look allowing for lots of eating. Leggings are very forgiving after a huge dinner. Wear them with a tunic or longer shirt. Layer an embellished sweater or tailored jacket to dress it up a little.
Blogger Jenn Im has a video on her YouTube page about “Food baby friendly” dressing. Anything that is looser is key, especially dresses with a drop waist. These leave your stomach area totally free of constraining hemlines.
This is perhaps where the appeal of the ugly sweater parties comes from. Wear a goofy, 90s Christmas sweater that you couldn’t bear to wear any other time. The more crazy embellishments, the better.
If you’d rather go with a simpler, maybe more casual outfit, dress it up with accessories or your hairstyle. Braided styles always look pretty and intricate. Add some sparkly bobby pins for a more glamorous look, or add twine (braided in or tied at the end) for a rustic or boho feel.
There is always an element of magic and hope around this time of year. Why not this holiday season incorporate some of your lucky pieces in your wardrobe into your outfits.
Molly Bello is a Comment staff writer. Email her at mbello@student.bridgew.edu.
