Wednesday, December 10, 2008

How to Dress for the Holidays with Class and Style, not a Walking Christmas Tree or Disco Ball


December is one of my favorite months. The Christmas tree, the stockings, the fresh snowfalls, the family and friends, the gifts, the lights, hot cocoa, a fireplace…in 30 seconds I can probably make a list of 45 items. But, my all time favorite thing about holidays are the parties – the office Christmas party, the formal dinner party and the NYE party.

Us ladies get a chance to really dress it up in style. Well…at least for some of us. There is an unwritten rule to holiday office parties – one person must commit every fashion faux possible. Last weekend, I was at my office Christmas party. The ballroom was beautiful, the drinks were never ending, and the food was plenty. The ladies wore dresses and the men wore ties. And, then there was “Manpreet” (names have been changed to protect the fashion culprits identity). She wore black velvet gauchos, a t-shirt with a reindeer whose nose blinked, a black velvet shirt/jacket (still not sure what it was) and a reindeer headband. Her Tashaan had a very hard time shining through that costume.

To prevent you from making the same mistake, I have put together the following list of “guidelines” to consider when trying to find your holiday dress.

- Always be comfortable with what you’re wearing. And, I don’t mean in the sense of being able to run errands. But, wearing an outfit that makes you feel confident, sexy and beautiful. You shouldn’t be worried about things popping out or what people are saying about you. Rather, your outfit should bring out you, only better. It should bring out your Tashaan.

- With the state of the current economy, invest in classic pieces that you can wear again in the future – the little black or red dress is a staple in any Tashaan wardrobe. Look for quality, chic style at Macy’s, Banana Republic, White House Black Market, Cache or Club Monaco. If you can, shop after holiday season; I bought beautiful, classy gowns from Macy’s for 60$ a piece last year that I’ll be wearing this year and the next.


- Metallic and sequins are all the rage. Keep the colors classic and accessories simple. I once saw a woman wearing a black and yellow sequins dress – she resembled a bumblebee!!


- For a casual dinner, dark washed straight leg jeans paired with a metallic, dressy top and accessories are HOT HOT HOT! Find great tops at Express and killer shoes at Aldo.

- Accessories. You have plenty of options and a statement piece will add flare to any outfit. Add a pair of satin pumps, a clutch, necklace, earrings or bangles (dig in your bangle box in your closet). Accessorizing can be chic or they can be overdone by being matchy-matchy. Less is always more with accessories.

- Get a French manicure, dark nails or metallics.

- If you’re going to a desi holiday party, the above guidelines apply. Keep the silhouettes simple and clean. The churidaar and Capri pants are great options to keep it trendy and classic. Pair it with simple stilettos, statement earrings and wear your dupatta around you neck for a classy look. The sari can be a statement piece with a sexy halter blouse or elegance with a simple blouse.

What are you wearing this holiday season? What’s the worse holiday fashion faux pas that you have seen? Post on the blog or email me at desigirlhouston@gmail.com

1 comment:

opibrar said...

Awww poor "Manpreet" you should give her your website, maybe she can get a few pointers!!

For christmas, I wouldn't mind that pink Prada purse. Verrry nice!

For NYE's I'll be wearing a jewel purple sequinced dress, with very simple accessories. Trying to avoid that whole disco ball look!