How to Dress In Style for the Holidays

Fall and winter are the seasons for festive and fashion-forward holiday celebrations with family and friends. What better excuse to go shopping?

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Shopping money, a gift certificate or daddy’s credit card
• A less-is-more fashion attitude

1. 
   The little black dress is a timeless classic.

   Think simple. Holiday fashions don't really need to blink and twinkle like a department store Christmas tree. The classic little black dress is always in fashion, and can be slimming just when you need it the most. For texture, try black garments in velvet, lace and taffeta. Or go sleek and sexy in satin. Black goes with about anything, so don't be afraid to add a little holiday color to the mix.

2. 
   Boots and shoes in gray suede are versatile.

   In the fall and winter, boots and shoes in suede warm the toes and remain fashion icons. Buy a pair of each, in more than one color, so it’s easy to decide what to (or what not to) wear to that holiday dinner or party. Tall and short boots worn with skirts or dresses can be formal, or they can be worn with denim or trousers for a more causal, modern look.

3. 
   A splash of color other than red and green brightens up elegant holiday accessories.

   Add subtle shine to any outfit with jewelry that catches the light softly, instead of blinding your dinner date with too much bling. Try a crystal-beaded necklace, chandelier earrings or a smoked-glass bejeweled bracelet for simple-yet-elegant holiday flair.

4. 
   This short coat knows how to share the spotlight.

   As the weather turns cold, warm up with a short coat or cardigan with bracelet-length sleeves that won’t completely cover up that new party dress or outfit. Try a texture with wool, angora or tweed. Black is always classy, but maybe the night calls for a dyed faux-fur cropped jacket for a modern, edgy look.

Tips & Warnings

• Take a sleek, modern approach to fashion, not tacky and over-the-top.
• Never underestimate the power of the little black dress, especially around the holidays.
• When accessorizing, don't try to out-do the Christmas tree.
• Old St. Fashionista Nick has been watching. And he knows who's been bad and good, for fashion's sake.

[CCrock]

on 12/14/2007 I love this article! No more crazy holiday sweaters with knitted trees or santas with attached bells!

[amandaford]

on 11/19/2007 Love the tips! I must admit that I've had a fashion faux-pas or two this year (I guess that's bound to happen when, like me, you like to think of your closet as an experiment in avant guard self-expressionism), but I hope St. Fashionista Nick can forgive me.