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While it truly is fun to get dressed up during the holidays there is always the possibility of too much of a good thing. You definitely want to get your sexy on and take your fashion sense up a notch but proceed with caution, this can be tricky. If you have ever given the Christmas tree a run for its money or turned down a party over nothing to wear, you know what I mean. Here are a few holiday hiccups to avoid.
1. Wearing Too Much Glitz - - Beading, metallic and shimmer are all perfect for the holidays, but the truth is most women wait until a good party to break out all of the glitzy finery and go overboard. Too much shine can overwhelm anyone, especially if you wear it in areas that you don't necessarily want to highlight. Here's how to get your glitz on safely.
Start by incorporating small embellished items into your wardrobe, like a handbag. Make sure the embellishments are scaled to your figure. Huge sequins may overwhelm petite figures. Large, intricate jewelry looks best with streamlined, simple clothing.
In general, embellishments such as sequins, embroidery, trims and studs look classier on basic colors like black or white. Make sure embellishment is used on or near a body part you want to call attention to -- it draws the eye to it. For maximum impact, wear just one embellished item at a time.
If you do mix embellishments, make sure they are different types, such as a fringed shawl with an embroidered skirt.
2. Showing Too Much Skin -- Thigh-high miniskirts and cut-to-the-navel dresses may look great on the runway, but they are almost impossible to carry off in real life. It is possible to dress sexy while leaving lots to the imagination and the holidays are more about looking pretty than sexy. There is no reason you have to sacrifice modesty to have a bit of sizzle. Here are a few of this seasons fashion trends that are fabulous ways to tastefully add a bit sexy for the holidays-
Wear something ordinary in an unexpected way- perhaps a cashmere cardigan buttoned up in the back instead of the front or a basic man's white shirt (slightly oversized), unbutton it, wrap it so that one side overlaps the over and tuck into a pair of gorgeous trousers or glam skirt.
Do red lipstick. Go light on the rest of your makeup so your lips take center stage.
Accessorize with shoulder-length earrings. Skip every other piece of jewelry, pull your hair back and make sure your makeup stays soft. This look goes great with bare shoulders and updo’s, too. Definitely an after-dark look.
Make it metallic - Black may be super sexy, but gold, silver, copper and pewter are especially luminous when you're going for vavoom. Look for simple shapes (the story here is the fabric and color, not the line of the outfit) and tones that flatter your skin color. Pass on major jewelry and makeup to let the dress really shine.
Stay soft with touchable fabrics Forget everything you've ever heard about hardcore leathers or sparkly sequins being heat-inducing. Cashmere, silky satin, buttery soft suede are the real scene-stealers. Touchable fabrics not only invite another's touch, they have the added bonus of feeling great against your skin so you feel pampered and sexy.
Play peek-a-boo with sheer fabric; no need to bare anything, even with lace. Nude linings, camisoles and slips all keep you covered while the lace itself stays really suggestive.
3. Getting caught with nothing to wear -- Nothing is worse than being invited to a fabulous party and having nothing to wear. By keeping a few dressy basics in your closet you can always be prepared for last-minute invitations. You can even re-wear items and make them look totally different mixing and matching them and using different accessories Here are a few of this seasons trends that make perfect holiday basics: Little black dress, Full menswear inspired trousers, Statement bag, Leather, Embellished top, Dressy wrap faux fur / velvet , Over the top shoes, Statement hosiery, Fitted suit, Dressing in one color, Dressing all in black, Pencil skirt, Twinset; add a colorful scarf, sparkly brooch, festive handbag or shoes and off you go.
4. Being Under or Over Dressed -- There is nothing worse than showing up in jeans when everyone is wearing velvet or you're wearing a long dress and enter a room full of business casual clothing. To avoid this, make sure you ask the hostess what the dress code is for the party. You can also ask other guests how they are planning to dress. A few dressy items span several categories -- such as the little black dress for her or dark suit for him -- both of which can attend everything from semi-formal to cocktail parties.
Have fun, work the room and hit the dance floor to make sure everyone sees your fabulous outfit or offer to head up the cleanup crew in return for a take home goody bag, since you’re in your favorite jeans.
Enjoy in style,
Tracey, December 2009
Need advice? Show me your choices by sharing your Virtual Closet or simply dish about your fashion choices on my blog.
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