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Festive Holiday Fashions
By Cindy EdwardsFestive Holiday Fashions
The house is decked, the lights are glittering, the gifts are wrapped and now it is time to get ready for holiday parties. Life is busier than ever, and sometimes we just don’t take the time to relax and enjoy this time of year with family and friends.
With several events right around the corner, I went to BleuBelle Boutique in Savannah to get some quick tips on this season’s fashion trends. Readers of Savannah Magazine have voted Bleubelle Savannah’s “Best Women’s Store” for seven straight years.
I was in good hands with owner and style-maker Heather Burge. She began by giving me some practical advice: “Sometimes the best place to begin is in your own closet.” Special events during the holidays provide the perfect time to update and enhance your wardrobe. She recommends looking for a few key pieces and building from there according to your lifestyle and personality.
Here are a few tips that add sparkle and keep your budget intact:
Love the Little Black Dress (LBD)
This is a must!! Burge took one basic dress and really went to work. She says that the LBD is perfect for any occasion after 6 p.m. She added a faux fur vest and boots to the LBD for a casual holiday event, like an oyster roast.
Diane von Furstenber Black “Alora” Dress, $385. Faux Fur Vest-insert from a Waverly Grey Coat, $325.
Next she added a glittery necklace for a more dressed-up look.
Long Drop Black Crystal Necklace, Chouette by Maraquin McMath Campbell, $95.
Focus on Must Have Accessories
Leg Wears:
Burge says tights add an instant update to just about any outfit. “Pantyhose are fine, but tights are a more modern and younger look for any age” she believes. While Burge recommends NOT wearing hose with sandals, she says runways ARE showing open-toe pumps with opaque tights. She continued, “Tights are a modern update on a timeless classic.”
Glitter and Sparkle
Glitter and sparkle are back, and it is the perfect way to dress up any outfit. Whether you choose a sparkly necklace, glittery earrings or a special shoe, just one item will really make you look and feel festive. One of Burge’s favorite accessories is the new Kate Spade “Karolina” glitter pump.
Scarves
A scarf is a great day-to-night accessory. Just a simple, yet colorful, scarf can be the perfect addition to your holiday wardrobe. Tie it in a knot or drape it around your shoulders for a stylish—and warm—look.
Shawlsmith London Turquoise Dune Scarf, $35. Ice Princess Necklace, Chouette by Marquin McMath Campbell, $225.
Color
Don’t limit yourself to green and red. The holidays are a good time to add some gorgeous jewel tones to your closet. Burge showed me some beautiful dresses and scarves in magenta and teal blue. But, for the woman who loves the traditional Christmas colors, Burge recommends an elegant emerald green blouse or a festive new lipstick. She added, “The holidays are the perfect time to play with a ruby red lip.”
Break the Rules
Winter white is such a classic look. The old rule of “no white after Labor Day” is gone, but that doesn’t mean white linen or pique are appropriate. Instead, try a soft cream or silvery white cashmere piece that will be fitting during the holidays and throughout winter.
Burge also challenges the old myth that one should never mix navy and black. She thinks that it is fabulous combination. “The way to make it right for winter is to pair a navy dress with black tights and black boots,” she explains. “Or, try a navy silk blouse with a black skirt.”
Look for Key Words on Invitations
If you are struggling with what to wear to an event, study the invitation. If it uses words like “dance,” “reception,” “cocktails,” or” festive,” you should probably lean toward more formal attire. On the other hand, if the invitation uses words like “casual,” “outside,” “barbeque,” or “oyster roast,” it would probably be best to go for a casual, warm look. When in doubt, just check with the hostess.
Embrace Your Own Style and Personality
The best fashion advice is to be yourself. You want to walk into a party feeling pretty and comfortable. Do not try a new trend, unless you feel good about it. You should wear clothes that make you feel confident in who you are.
Years ago, I was about to give into a dress that just did not feel right. The young salesperson thought it was trendy and great, but an older sales consultant walked past me and sensed my hesitation. She advised, “Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.” I have always remembered those wise words. Celebrate your own style, have fun and let yourself sparkle this holiday season.
As always, thanks for reading.
Properly yours,
Cindy