Holiday Dress 101

Holiday dresses available at The Purple Zebra.  Image courtesy of StudioD.

 

Well, it’s officially time to diet.  Waiting until after Christmas is out of the question for this gal for two main reasons:  1.  I will probably eat enough pumpkin pie by myself on Thursday for at least 12 normal people to consume during the next 5 holidays (especially considering that I started baking them three weeks ago).  2.  I like fancified little holiday dresses and I’d really like to be able to fit into at least one or two of them.  While I’d love to be able to share successful diet tips with you, I’ve never been all that great at dieting, so I suggest you join a gym.  Looks like I am going to have to dust my membership off next week.  Bootcamp, here I come... again.

On the bright side of things, this year’s holiday dresses are filled with things that make me smile.  Sequins, lace, velvet, and fur... these are just some of my favorite things!  Yes, pretty dresses are certainly everywhere, but they don’t come with a how-to-pull-it-off tutorial, which is what many of us desperately need.  Yes, I’m trying to brainwash you to be a classy lady, so keep reading!

I suppose the plan of attack must commence with the concept of what type of image we are trying to pervade.  Are you trying to look professional and polished, enchanting and a little sexy, or just simply festive and cute?  I know this time of year brings us together with people we haven’t seen in possibly years, and occasionally a person we would like to impress, so it can easily become a baffling time of dress.  Personally, I suppose that I like to try to achieve an eclectic look of sorts, achieving (or attempting to) as many of the aforementioned looks as possible, so that I can be prepared for anything that comes my way.  For example, you wouldn’t want to meet your boyfriend’s parents in a midriff bearing tube top and cutoff jean shorts, correct?  Let’s hope not.  My point is, you should probably leave this type of outfit for the beach (like literally, on the beach), not the general public.  Unfortunately, some of us lovely ladies (especially my generation and younger) have a common misconception that sexy means dressing scantily.  Ahem, oh how misguided you are.  Here are some simple rules that I live by (and you should, too).

1. Cover up.  This one gets me every time.   So you want to look sexy, attractive, beautiful, etc.  I wouldn’t think that anyone gets dressed and says they want to look particularly undesirable today, correct?  Around the holidays we tend to get a little more dressed up and put on a little more glitz than usual.  Even those of us who may not typically get “dressed up” may attempt a dress or two during this time of year.  If you are going to don a pretty little party dress, however, be conscious of what you’re flaunting.  My rule of thumb is to generally bare one not all.  I’m mainly talking about your legs and arms, of course!  Basically, if you are going to wear a sleeveless dress or any type of shoulder bearing top, you need to be covering up those legs, girlie. Of course you don’t have to wear a full length dress or pants, but in my eyes, tights(pantyhose) are not optional.  I cannot even count how many times a week I ask a customer if “they’re going to be wearing tights with that”. It’s not so much of a question, but a strong suggestion.  For example, let’s say you are going to a holiday party where the dress is “cocktail attire”.  Yes I am aware of where we live, but I’m certain there are some classy Christmas parties out there somewhere (feel free to add me to your guest list if you happen to be having one).  Let’s say you opt for a short (above the knee) somewhat fitted short-sleeved cocktail dress.  You still need to wear tights because of the short hemline and fitted nature of the dress, and you should probably throw on a cardigan or blazer for good measure.  This is not detracting from your appeal, but simply adding to your elegance in the least.  As a matter of fact, we live in NEPA where it’s cold, so you should just wear tights at all times.  Lucky for you tights are so in right now it should be very easy to find a favorite pair.
2.  Festive, not Frumpy.  Some of us get confused by holiday attire and think that dressing festive means ugly sweater party.  My mother used to think it was cute to make me wear embroidered holiday vests when I was in grade school, so I feel your pain (she also gave me a lot of perms growing up- sick sense of humor she has).  Traditionally, a “Festive” attire invite probably falls somewhere between business casual and cocktail attire.  This means you could definitely get away with wearing a nice pair of jeans with some color or glitz on top.  Leave your rudolf t-shirt at home (unless it looks really slick with some black skinny jeans and a sleek blazer, of course).  If you’re most comfortable in your favorite pair of bootleg jeans, throw on a colorful shoe, bright silk top and glitzy cardigan or fur vest for a polished festive look!
3. Old Fabric, Fresh Look.  All of the vintage-y textures that are in this season can sometimes be confusing.  While it’s not ok to dress to young, at the same time no one wants to dress too old, either.  Lace and velvet can be absolutely stunning, but it’s important to choose ways to wear them that don’t overwhelm your body and make you look older than you are. The easiest way to transform a lace dress into the perfect party look is to add some leather details.  Whether it be a leather jacket, some black platform booties, or a mean little leather clutch, a touch of leather is a little lace dress’s dream come true.  Try not to get too matchy-matchy with this idea, and you’ll definitely be the cool girl who isn’t trying too hard.  Velvet can also be a little tricky to wear without looking dated.  Velvet has come a long way this season, however, and there are a ton of options in stretch velvet(ish) fabrics that are meant for the modern girl.  Try a sleeveless black stretch velvet number that’s body hugging with a hemline below the knee.   This silhouette is huge right now.   Pair it with some sheer tights and a bold shoe (think leopard or a bright green pump).  Another way to have success with velvet is to opt for a long sleeve ballet type dress.  Offset the shorter hemline with a pair of sheer tights and a sequined blazer or cardigan.  Add some metallic pumps and matching jewels for a smoking hot holiday look!

Yes, this time of year can be especially stressful, but dressing doesn’t have to be.  Keep it fun and flirty this season by mixing the luxurious fabrics of the season with sparkle and color.  Just remember those tights.  For more fashion wholesomeness, check out my store website at www.purplezebrashop.com and follow me on twitter @goodnpretty.  For topic suggestions, questions, or comments, email me at goodnpretty@gmail.com!