Christmas, New Year dress hacks for last-minute winter holiday trips

This Christmas and New Year season, wearing something red, anything in velvet and a good expensive perfume can carry you through most of the festivities in style

By Beyniaz Edulji  Published on  29 Nov 2024 11:48 AM GMT
Christmas, New Year dress hacks for last-minute winter holiday trips

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Hyderabad: Last-minute holiday plans at this time of the year may catch you with no choice of dress to wear over Christmas and New Year; either shop for a few good pieces now or make use of what you already have. You may already own something that you can use.

A top or blouse that glitters

All things glittery are making a comeback as designers and stars take a shine to the festive look. Look in the far corners of your closet for those neglected Lurex (shimmery flecks of metallic) or lame pieces.

Gold, bronze and platinum are the preferred colours.

Wear a Lurex shell under a black jacket for a polished corporate look. Try a sleeveless cowl neck with leather pants. Pair a slim shimmering sweater with velvet drawstring pants. This will also keep you warm if the party is held outdoors.

Beadwork to dazzle

Shoes, wraps, necklaces and handbags look extra good with beadwork.

Try a few strategic accent pieces worn along with self-colour clothes. Wear necklaces grouped, crystal bracelets in jewel tones or beaded mules. Make sure the outfit it accents is simple enough to show off your beaded accessories.

Makeup: Even if you only have five minutes to put on makeup, you can use it judiciously. Lush red lips, smoky eyes and face powder with a little shine are three quick fixes. Take a little more time and accent every lash with mascara and apply flawless foundation with a sponge.

Jewellery

Artificial or costume jewellery is ideal for party fare.

You donā€™t have to worry about losing it and it looks good too. Try a brooch with a simple, dressy tunic and formal trousers. Layer ropes of pearls on a plain jewel-neck dress. Pin up your hair and adorn it with a jewelled comb or with a rhinestone barrette.

Disasters to avoid

If youā€™ve ever dressed up shinier than a Christmas tree or turned down last-minute party invitations because you had nothing to wear, youā€™ll know that the holiday season is loaded with chances for fashion disasters. With a little help and preparation, you can learn how to avoid common holiday fashion mistakes and look your prettiest this year.

Common holiday fashion faux pas

Wearing too much glitz

Beading, metallic and shimmer are all fine for the holidays. In fact, most women wait until a good party to wear all their glitzy finery. But too much shine can be overwhelming.

Showing too much skin

Thigh-high miniskirts and low-cut dresses may look great on the catwalk, but in reality, they are almost impossible to carry off. Being demure and not overwhelming is the best way to look your prettiest for the holidays. The secret here is to accentuate your best features with a suggestion: a lace-trimmed camisole under a blazer hints at skin without showing much, a small slit on a skirt gives a glimpse at gorgeous legs, and a halter dress shows off toned arms.

Getting caught with nothing to wear

Being invited to a fabulous party and having nothing to wear can be very stressful. By keeping a few dressy basics in your closet you can always be prepared for last-minute invitations. You can even re-wear the items and make them look totally different just with accessories.

Making it too complicated

No wonder women approach the holidays with dread: trying to coordinate outfits, gifts, travel and parties can overload even the most organised woman. Instead of trying to match up dressy separates, try a little black dress this season. Not only is it flattering, it will take you to almost any event in style. Just add accessories and youā€™re set.

Being under or overdressed

You may feel like a disaster if you show up in jeans and everyone else wears velvet; you wear a long dress and others wear business clothes. Youā€™re not alone if you have trouble deciphering dress codes on a party invitation: most people get confused by designations as ambiguous as Dressy Casual or Cocktail Attire. 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.

This Christmas and New Year season, wearing something red, anything in velvet and a good expensive perfume can carry you through most of the festivities in style.

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