Decorate Yourself for the Holidays!
Stylish, festive, and flattering finds for under $50.
Spread cheer this season by dressing festively. It’s the only time of year we’re almost required to up the dazzle factor in what we wear. And when we do, we inspire ourselves and everyone we encounter to feel the holiday spirit.
Similar to the green Christmas tree before it’s adorned in seasonal splendor, consider wearing black as your base. It’s basic, versatile, slimming, and makes it easy to add the dazzling details of the holiday season. Play-up your reds and winter whites. Don’t be shy about adding a wallop of silver or gold daytime or night. Add some sparkle, velvet, and tartan to the mix.
And note that holiday dress is not only for nights out. Add one festive item to your everyday wear both indoors or out.
HOLIDAY DRESS
A HOLIDAY TWIST ON A CLOSET CLASSIC: Gold sequin stripes dress up a simple tee. (Above right) Joe Fresh (in-store only, 110 Fifth Avenue), $29.
SNEAK-A-PEAK: A brilliant combination of bra support and camisole with just the right reveal of femininity. Perfect to wear under a deep v-neck sweater, jacket, or shirt. Soma’s cami bra in holiday red, $49 (matching panties, $18).
GLAM GAMS: Wear a tailored jacket, yummy sweater, crisp shirt, or lux but simple tee, with these black sequin leggings for holiday happiness. Joe Fresh (in-store only, 110 Fifth Avenue), $39.
FAB FAUX FOR REAL STYLE: A decorative fur vest will draw attention away from your middle, while adding pizzazz to your wardrobe. Wear it to jazz up your ordinary jeans, or over a monochromatic base for sheer elegance. Faux fur vest at Lord & Taylor, $40.80.
BAH HUMBUG: Ditch the traditional Christmas sweater. It promises to make you look old and dowdy. Opt for a flattering sweater in a holiday red with a bit of embellishment. Crystal cardigan sweater by Jones New York, Lord & Taylor. On sale at $46.43.
WAIST NOT: Every body needs definition in what they wear to look their body best. If you have the curves that give you a small waist, accentuate the positive by cinching it. Talbots satin & rhinestone belt, $45.
SENSATIONAL SCARVES A glorious cut of fabric that’s wrapped, tied, bowed, or draped around your neck, sets the mood for your outfit with its color, texture, and pattern.
HOLIDAY CLASSIC: A dreamy chiffon scarf of red plaid edged in ruffles that reverses to a garland of gold offers a festive mix to polish any look for day or night. (Above left) Lauren by Ralph Lauren at Macy’s, $34.99. (On sale, ends 12/7.)
HOLIDAY WOW! Combine the sumptuousness of a rich, abundant, ruffled scarf woven with a metallic sheen in a brilliant red: Happy holidays to your closet! (Above center) Calvin Klein at Lord & Taylor, $38.
HOLIDAY SPARKLE: Any scarf that casts a pretty light to your face is a must wear, whatever the season. (Above right) Jennifer Lopez Sequin Scarf at Kohl’s, $25.
EYE CANDY Deliciously sparkle, shine, glitter, and delight. It’s all in the dazzling details.
MISTLE TOE: Irresistible ruby red and pearl drop earrings for daytime fun and dress-up drama. (Above left) Chico’s, $29. PILE IT ON: Lulu Frost crystal and resin bangles from J. Crew $45. (Top center). I WISH! I WANT! I DO! Chico’s Cocktail Ring, $35 (Bottom center). GIFT WRAP PLEASE! Crystal bow earrings by Kate Spade, $48, at Zappos (Bottom right).
BOWS, SHEEN, COLOR & COMFORT MAKE FOR HAPPY HOLIDAY FEET
Guess lace platform pump, on sale at Nordstrom’s, $48.90. Madden Girl metallic flats from Zappos, $49.95.
TINSEL TOES: Seductive lizard rhinestone shoe clips, $27, from T.J. Formal.com. Other styles available.
Seasonally chic velvet suede flats in red, purple, navy, and black, by Annie (Below left) $49.95 at Zappos. Anne Klein animal fabric bow pumps, also in black suede (Below right) Lord & Taylor, $48.74.
GOODY BAGS Red snakeskin embossed reversible tote, Lord & Taylor $36 (also green, grey/white). Satin bow tie clutch with convertible chain at Macy’s $34.99 (in black also). WORKING OVERTIME: Stephanie Johnson metallic gold iPad case, Saks Fith Avenue $50.
LET IT SNOW IN STYLE HARD TO TOP: Neatly designed faux fur hat, $46 at Lord & Taylor. A TOUCH OF STYLE: Echo Touch™ gloves allow for easy access to your digital holiday list with pads at the thumb and forefinger for touch screen sensitivity. $42 at Lord & Taylor.
Kim Johnson Gross is the author of What to Wear for the Rest of Your Life and co-creator of the Chic Simple book series. She was Fashion Editor at Town & Country, Style Director at Avenue, Fashion Director at Esquire, and columnist for InStyle and More magazines.
