Fashion trends for the upcoming winter holidays concentrate on luxury and an element of sparkle. Color is making a major comeback in formal wear.
Radical red and emerald green will be in the spotlight at holiday parties which will be kicking off in a few weeks. Long dresses are always a classic way to turn heads in a roomful of people. A single shoulder style is this season's front runner. For cocktail parties, slip into a strapless baby doll dress in an eye-catching color such as royal blue or hot pink.
Classic black and white is also a top choice for holiday formal wear. Pale black, ebony, winter white and ivory, all look chic. These neutrals can be anything but boring in a variety of different fabrics and patterns.
With a little glitz, glamour and style in mind, dresses featuring hand sewn embellishments, sequins and metallic mesh inlays are great party choices. Metal is in for the holidays, whether it's a metal-mesh evening bag, studded killer heels or a mix of metal jewelry. Many of this season's metal accessories have a hard-edge vibe. Others appeal more to fashionistas who favor a vintage look.
Soft, plush velvet feels good and says luxury. Velvet is a timeless holiday mainstay that can be fashioned into a pair of chic jeans or a long flowing evening dress. Top any outfit off with a fitted velvet jacket, adding that extra wow factor.
To enhance your holiday mood, look for a sequined tank in black, gold, silver or any of the popular jewel tones. This piece can be paired with a skinny jean for a more casual look or worn with a floor length skirt for more formal occasions. A sequined tank can be purchased at a variety of price points and is a welcome addition to any wardrobe.
Rhinestones will give your jewelry some holiday twinkle. For a touch of class wear pearl bracelets mixed in with a few rhinestone ones. Simple strands of pearls worn around the neck can be accented with a vintage rhinestone brooch. A chic rhinestone brooch can also be used to dress up a loose, effortless-looking chignon.
Another popular trend this season is wearing gloves to complete a formal look. But they must be holiday special. Gloves are moving into the luxe category in velvet, satin, soft leather or lace. Embellishments, such as ruching, beading or sequins move the glove into a class all of its own. In a nod to the 1980s, fingerless styles are on trend.
Fur sends a message of luxury and style. Keep warm on your way to holiday parties with a faux fur coat, jacket or stole while looking glam at the same time.
To complete any look, formal or on the casual side, sparkle this season in a pair of glittery heels. Paired with dark jeans or a simple feminine dress, these attention-getters are the perfect finishing touch.
Why not make every day during the upcoming holiday season a party? After all it truly is the season to sparkle!
Jacquie Bennett, formerly of Milroy, writes from her new home in California. She can be reached at jabennett48@embarqmail.com.
