Glitz and glitter

Dressing for the holiday season

With the festive season just around the corner, we have been busy helping our clients put together just the right outfits for their various events.
Office parties, family gatherings, and cocktails on the town — each might demand a very different, but equally stylish look. Now is a good time to start thinking about that perfect ensemble so that you won’t find yourself scrambling to put something together at the very last moment — again.

In this column, we explore a few key trend ideas that will allow you to dance your way through the holidays with flare.
If you’ve been anywhere near a clothing store of late, or flipped through any number of fashion magazines, you’ll have noticed that sequins are being strewn on anything from camisoles and jackets to skirts and dresses.

Sequins — big or small, clear or colour saturated — are everywhere. So why not take advantage of this trend and add just the right amount of glitter to light up the party.

 If you’re thinking about an office event and want to dress up without going overboard, wear a sparkly top with a more subdued skirt in wool or leather, and finish with a bold pump or boot.

Feeling a little more conservative? A sequined camisole worn under a body-conscious pant suit à la Yves Saint Laurent can make your outfit that much more festive.

If your party is happening at a restaurant or lounge, let your outfit take on more of an evening feel and slip into a dress embellished with sparkly stones or the ubiquitous sequins.

If you fear that such an outfit might be too much for a day event, frame the dress (or skirt and top) with a boyfriend-blazer, black opaque tights and boots (thigh-high if you dare).

Though sparkle and shine add an immediate “party factor” to your outfit, you can achieve a holiday look by playing with the numerous folds and gathers that are structured into garments this season.

A beautiful lustrous skirt with exaggerated pleats worn with a simple camisole top, a dress with fun frills at the front or back, or a one-shouldered top paired with skinny, silky, pleated pants can all be eye-catching festive favourites.

If you’re thinking about what to wear while receiving or visiting friends and family in a more casual environment, consider wrapping yourself in a luxurious cashmere tunic sweater (cut just above the knee or shorter) with playful tights and funky shoes or boots.
If cashmere’s not your thing, or if it seems to hug all the wrong places, try a wrap-dress in a printed jersey fabric or a slightly 1960s style A-line shift.

More casual than that? Let some over the top costume jewelry do all the work while worn with dark, dressy jeans and a feminine top that highlights some of your best assets.

Speaking of jewelry, allow us to segueway into the realm of accessories. While there are still plenty of long, chain link necklaces out there, the necklace of the season is shorter, but embellished — really embellished — with a treasure chest worth of stones, shells and other charms.

Don’t fear these chunky chokers. When chosen well, these pieces become art that you wear and will no doubt become a conversation piece at some point during the party.

And footwear. This is definitely the year of the shoe. Sky-high stilettos, platforms with attitude, and peep-toe pumps offer a plethora of choices to make any shoe lover skip (or trip) down the street.

Can you wear an open-toe shoe with tights? Definitely! Pairing a colourful shoe with black, opaque tights or the reverse will create a look that is both playful and fashion-forward.

Enjoy this trend and find just the right combination of footwear and hosiery to make the look all your own.
Happy holidays!

Whether shopping for you, with you, or advising you on how to create the image you want to project, Caroline Alexander and Jeff Golf of Ludique offer a range of personalized services. To contact Ludique, call 514-278-4895 or visit www.ludique.ca.