Dear Mattie:
What should I be wearing this holiday season?
— Ready to Celebrate in Lynn Valley
Dear Lynn Valley:
This holiday, fashion is looking very festive. There is a range of looks, which extends from an accessorized LBD to a completely new outfit. Ladies are in the mood to dress up with sparkle, luxe and bling.
Many of your holiday pieces are worn once a year and on special occasions. Think of your holiday wear as investment pieces. Investment pieces don't have to be conservative. As long as you plan to wear them with different outfits, they can be trendy and fun. Since many of us have various parties to go to, here are some ideas that will help you look like you have an extensive holiday wardrobe.
I always suggest pieces rather than one dress, as pieces go a long way in creating many ensembles. Black is an easy go-to colour, but also consider red, white, cobalt blue, silver and gold. These are the trendy and festive colours this season.
The first feature to look for in a trendy holiday outfit is the fabric. Fabric always indicates a special occasion. There are a few themes this holiday and they all include luxury and shine.
The fabrics to look for are leather, suede, lace, satin, silk, velvet, sequins and fabrics that have metallic threading and trim. The silhouette is lean as well as fit-and-flare, my two favourite shapes. As long as the look is neat and tailored, you are ready for your party.
The interesting thing about holiday wear this season is that all these fabrics are interchangeable with tops and bottoms. Instead of a dress, you may want to consider a holiday suit. It is a great season for mixing and matching.
With suiting, look for a (faux) leather skirt or pant with a leather-trimmed top. Lace and metallic fabrics can also be worn as a skirt as well as a top. A holiday suit looks more formal. You can then take those suiting pieces and create many new looks as formal or casual as your party dictates.
There are a few trends that are popular that can easily be incorporated into your holiday ensemble. Zippers have become a detail that is not covered, they are part of the design. Roses are a trendy print in colour as well as in tone on tone. It is a matte and shiny look.
Now that you have your holiday outfit ready, add some accessories to make it complete. Modern looks this season have been refreshed with vintage details and have been integrated into holiday wear. Fishnet stockings, velvet cumberbands, (faux) fox fur pelts, capes and small glitzy box clutches are the types of accessories that make a vintage statement.
If dressing up is not your thing but you still want to look festive, keep your look neat and simple. Remember, earrings, necklaces and bracelets are an inexpensive way to dress up any outfit.
It is a fun time of year, don't stress too much. Take the time to enjoy the holidays with your friends and family.
Happy Holidays,
Mattie
Mattie is a freelance writer and fashion expert. Reach her on her Facebook page Mattie-a-la-Mode.
