Before the year comes to a close, there is one thing left to be done — party. Whether with close family or dozens of friends, the party season has arrived in full force, and you’ll want to prepare for whatever the holiday calendar throws your way. The key features for any winter party look should be warmth and weather-resistance. Thankfully the trends this season will endure long nights out on the town or wherever you find yourself during the break.
Fur and leather have remained integral staples of the Fall/Winter fashion season and can be implemented in more ways than simply donning a nice coat. Leather dresses and skirts have been featured in several collections including Saint Laurent and Alice + Olivia, and fur or faux-fur scarves are sure to add a cozy touch to a holiday outfit. Velvet and wool have also had a big presence this past season and can be made party-friendly by incorporating accessories that bring life to the signature fabrics. To complement the richness of velvet fabric, pair it with shimmery jewelry for a Hollywood glam look. With wool, add some glamour to its heat factor by spicing up a monochrome knit swing dress ($24.95, H&M) with berry-colored platforms and patterned tights.
With regards to work- and school-related events, it’s important to maintain a level of professional conservativism in any ensemble, but keep it fun and youthful as well. Play around with lower hemline wool or leather pencil skirts of varying colors, which can be paired easily with a loose-fitting blouse and metallic pumps to bring the holidays into a professional setting.
For attending a more formal party, look for dresses that allow for movement and aren’t likely to weigh you down during the night’s events. Styles popular this season range from bright glitter and sequined frocks to sheer paneled A-line dresses, and almost nothing is off-limits in terms of cut and fit. A retail favorite for this holiday season is the slip dress, and the look can be amped up with a structured jacket and ankle booties with socks and sheer tights, or made casual via layering with chunky knit sweaters. For those looking for a classic, seasonal party look, a black body-con dress with sequins ($29.80, Forever 21) is the perfect mix of wintertime elegance and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
Keep in mind that following the trends is less important than dressing for your specific body type, so pick party looks that fit the season while also highlighting personal assets. Also, it is easy for holiday ensembles to take over their wearers, so remember to wear dresses and ensembles that showcase you as the statement and not just the clothes. After all, holiday fashion is about having fun, letting loose and transform your daily look into yuletide chic.
A version of this article appeared in the Tuesday, Dec. 10 print edition. Gianna Collier-Pitts is a staff writer. Email her at [email protected].