The how to’s, don’ts, and yes please’s of holiday fashion

Posted by admin on Dec 1, 2009 in Arts & Culture | 0 comments

It’s that time of year again—we are trying to hold our excitement for the Christmas season at bay while studying for final exams. There is so much to do, and so little time to get it all finished, but you can feel the frantic festiveness energizing and buzzing like the hundreds of little lights that will soon be wound around each house and tree.

There is plenty to consume your time with, but before visions of sugar plum fairies can dance in your head we should address one question that won’t appear on any of your tests: What will you wear to the holiday parties?

The concept of the quintessential Christmas dress is something that mustn’t be overlooked, and it’s certainly a nice distraction from the term papers and exam studying. When keeping eyes open for party attire, there are a few important themes to hold in mind. Remember that this is indeed a Christmas dress, and therefore it should reflect the glorious idiosyncrasies of the season. Pull inspiration from what you love most about this holiday, whether it be rich and luxurious fabrics, or colours that mimic the decorations adorning your house. Gravitate towards regal velvet, silk, or dainty lace, which all speak of special occasions and embrace the romance of winter. If you’re feeling a bit audacious, look for animal prints such as snakeskin and snow leopard, or glamorous sequined and metallic fabrics in golds, silvers and bronzes.

Silhouettes of the season include elegant and voluminous drapery beginning at the neckline, synching in at the waist, and then either flowing away from the body again, or hugging the figure in a pencil skirt-esque fashion. Drop waists, vintage-inspired puffed sleeves, and asymmetrical lines at either the neck or hem all also make for inviting options. Another concept that perfectly suits the romanticism of the Christmas season is the low-backed or open-backed dress. These dresses not only highlight the subtle beauty that a lady’s bare back has to offer, but also serve as a little surprise when you slip off your coat in the foyer and the other party guests catch a glimpse of skin peaking out as you turn around. So deck the halls and don a perfectly classy and utterly lady-like dress framing that pretty little back of yours.

There cannot be enough emphasis on choosing colours that are divinely and sublimely festive. The shades of the season serve as a muse for party dress options, including deep greens, night-sky navy blues, sugary plums, merlot reds, and of course beloved black. Although deep and rich colours are ideal for winter, if you are aching for some lighter hues, look for golds and champagnes. Bows at the waist, or an embellished neckline also add to the Christmas festivity and provide that je ne sais quoi.

Lastly, look to those legs, which are lovely when daringly bare or shielded from the cold with a pair of black tights – but please, no leggings ladies, they will only cheapen the feel of an otherwise festive ensemble. Top this all off with some ballet flats or pumps in metallic or neutral hues, patent or matte leather, studded or sequined, but always highlighting and never distracting from your delicately chosen party dress. Hear those sleigh bells ring, and get that perfect holiday frock ready for its debut.