Casual White Dress

It seems as if I blinked and suddenly December is just a week away. With the holidays on everyone’s mind, it’s time to start prepping your closet for all the holiday festivities.

With everything that’s piled on your plate during this festive season, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Your wardrobe doesn’t have to be a source of stress. Throw away outdated fashion taboos and add a little sparkle to your look for effortless holiday chic for any festivity that’s thrown your way. Below are a couple holiday trends to get you started on your fabulous festive wardrobe.

Don’t Wear White After Labor Day

In a hurried attempt to get dressed for an unexpected dinner party several weeks ago, I slipped on a white silk chiffon maxi dress. When she spotted me my mother shrieked, “white after labor day?”

This pesky little fashion faux pas has been looming for decades. An American fashion stipulation heavily enforced in the 1950’s and 1960’s, it initially forbade the wearing of white dress shoes and pumps after Labor day, the first Monday in September. At some point, this fashion rule was extended to include white clothing.

The theory behind this idiosyncratic rule has never been confirmed, but the most plausible is that it was established because in cold climates it’s impractical to wear white shoes during the winter months because they can get soiled easily and do not offer much warmth.

Tailored White Suit

Whatever the rationale, it is a guideline that has been largely rejected by modern fashion professionals and really never applied to warmer climates such as ours to begin with. So break out the winter white!

Bright white can be very stark, so slightly warmer shades such as eggshell, cream and other off-white hues are great for a holiday wardrobe. Tailored white suits for cocktail parties and church events or more casual white dresses for family brunch – white during the holidays is crisp, elegant and refreshing.

 

Sequin Shift Dress

All that Glitters Ain’t Gold

Sequins and other glittery embellishments have been on the ‘what’s hot list’ for several seasons now. With the holidays approaching, it’s a trend that is on full blast from budget all the way up to designer lines.

However, looking festive doesn’t mean you have to adorn yourself like a Christmas tree. Tread carefully to avoid going overboard with this popular holiday trend.

The idea is not to achieve head to toe glitz, but to incorporate beautiful shimmering accents for a look that’s elegant, fun and ultimately balanced.

When done right, the simplest silhouettes can become special evening gems adorned with rhinestones, sequins and other inexpensive jewels for an overall look that’s affordable and regal.

I’ve seen several local fearless fashionistas in over the top sequin shifts, a very fun look for a night on the town. When pulling off such a bold piece, everything else should be understated - a monotone bag, shoes and demure jewelry as well as simple makeup and no-fuss hair. Any competing elements combined with such a bold dress will plunge you into the overdone zone.

Sequin Bib Necklace

For those less risky, incorporate a little sparkle in your accessories. A jeweled bib necklace paired with a sleek little black shift dress is perfect for an office cocktail party. Or add a little arm candy to your look with a festive sparkly clutch. When worn in small doses, sequins and embellished accessories can be pulled off elegantly by fashionistas of any age.

The holidays are a time of celebration. Venture a little out of your comfort zone and experiment with some of the current trends. Remember, fashion should always be fun!

Tyrina Neely

Tyrina Talks Fashion is your weekly serving of fashion forecasting, trend reporting, figure analysis and helpful fashion tips and tricks. Email Tyrina with your fashion questions and photos at tyrinaalicia@hotmail.com. Visit www.primadonasales.com