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Dress Up Your Basics
for the Holidays

Knowing what to wear for special occasions can be nerve-wracking, challenging and frustrating for many of us. Simply deciphering dress codes on invitations can often be confusing! The following information should help you crack the dress code mystery as well as save you time and money. Purchasing completely new ensembles for every special event is unnecessary if you already have the key basics in your wardrobe.

The classic wardrobe pieces every woman should have in her closet:

~ Tailored Suit (jacket, trousers, & skirt)
~ Leather Jacket
~ Classic Black Dress
~ Trench Coat
~ Crisp White Shirt
~ Knee High Boots
~ Sling Back Heels
~ All Purpose Handbag
~ Dressy Camisole
~ Festive Party Dress

Black Tie Optional:

AKA: Formal Attire, Gala, or Creative Black Tie. This is where you can use your festive party dress or classic black dress with pizzazz. Add a great clutch bag with sequins, dangling sparkly earrings, or a dramatic necklace. Remember not to over accessorize. Make sure your nails are freshly manicured. Your make up should emphasize your best facial feature whether it is a smoky eye or a dramatic lipstick. For your basic black dress add accessories that will pop! Have fun with it; remember this is not an everyday occasion. This is your special opportunity to shine!

Suit and Tie:

AKA: Jacket requested, semiformal, dark suit.

This dress code often leaves us women scratching our heads in confusion. What are WE supposed to wear? Wear something pulled together but don’t show too much skin! Silk and satin evening fabrics look chic. Black and white is always quite appropriate. If you will be coming from the office, lose the jacket to your suit, and slip on some sassy heels or high boots. Bare legs are just fine and you can really express yourself with some funky accessories. Don’t forget to glam up your makeup a bit. Basically, keep it somewhat conservative but boring. Don’t be afraid to show your own unique sense of style.

Festive Party:

AKA: Holiday chic, fiesta fashion, or holiday threads.

Go the extra mile here ladies. Take a fashion risk. If you always wear blacks and neutrals, choose something in hot pink or electric blue. You can find fabulous trendy tops and skirts to mix in with your basics at all price points. From Target to Nordstrom’s let your budget be your guide. Unless you want to look like one of Santa’s helpers, run away from Christmas plaids. And we do mean fast! If you really must wear the plaid, do it sparingly. Never head to toe.

If you want to stick with your basics, pair that crisp white shirt in your closet with the leather jacket, some funky velvet pants, the sling back shoes, and a fabulous glittery necklace.

You say you can’t leave your conservative comfort level of black? Then we suggest adding one showy item. Wear your classic black dress and lightly spray on some glitter. Glitter spray is available at most drug stores, cosmetic counters and gift shops. (Don’t go overboard with it). Wear some shoulder sweeping earrings that are so in right now. Throw a bright silk wrap around your shoulders. You get the idea. It bears repeating: Take a fashion risk!

Cocktail Attire:

AKA: Simply Fabulous, Dress to Kill, or Gorgeous Gab. Simply put, this means a little black dress with a modern twist. Try a dress with black interest or a unique neckline or hemline. Black always looks more formal than navy or camel so if you are coming from work, use black as your base in the form of a skirt or dress. Jazz up your ensemble after work by eliminating the suit jacket and changing into a metallic sweater or a fun off the shoulder top with the skirt. Wear some fun strappy high heels. The black dress will instantly look party fabulous with big jewel earrings and/or a dramatic bracelet. Remember to carry a small pretty clutch purse. Avoid every day looking clunky handbags, which will detract from the polished look you will otherwise achieve. Pay attention to details. Your hair, makeup and nails should always be well kept. Always look yourself over in a full-length mirror before you leave for the party!

Smart Casual:

Who started this term anyway? What does it mean? Well, first off, remember this means no jeans! This is where you can take your crisp white shirt and add some khakis or cords. Or take your skirt and boots and add a sweater to it. Try not to go to crazy with accessories. Stay a little conservative yet adds a little flavor. You may want to add a pretty scarf around your neck or a snazzy belt. Whatever the occasion, remember to use make up and hair colors that will compliment your outfit.

Ladies Luncheon:

Do you want to get noticed at the next club function or do you simply want to impress your friends at your next mid-day gathering? Stick with us ladies and we will show you the way! Here is where you can take your trousers, leather jacket, boots, and add a bright colored top to show off your style. Remember to wear your favorite “fun” jewelry that matches your top and try a new hairstyle that your friends will drool over. Simply take some hot curlers or hair accessories and do a different doo! Your make up should not be too flashy, try a neutral lipstick with a little shine. If you feel comfortable in the clothes you are wearing you will feel confident. This is your day to pamper yourself, so relax and enjoy the company of your friends.