Denton County Living Well Magazine Winter 2015 | Page 38

Haute for the Holidays

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By Nina Malkin

ith all the hustle-bustle of the season, who
wouldn’t want to throw on a Santa sweater or
some reindeer earrings and call it done? But
special occasion dressing needn’t be stressful. These expert tips will get you stylish, comfortable, and very much in the spirit.
Wardrobe wipeout: As a general rule, personal style
mentor Alexandra Greenawalt (www.alexandrastylist.com)
suggests tossing festive attire that’s more than seven years
old. “As we age we tend to forget
how dated our clothes are,” she
says. “It’s especially important to
keep fresh and current at the holidays, since you’re in the spotlight.”
What’s more, passé party clothes
that suited your shape back then
may not be as flattering now.
Festive fabrics: The better you
feel, the better you’ll look—that’s
why jersey and ponté knit are
top picks for personal brand expert Nicole Longstreath (check out
her Holiday Style Guide at www.
thewardrobecode.com). “Both are
very comfortable and forgiving,
body conscious without calling attention to bulges,” she says. If you
need to go a bit more gala, velvet
is a luxurious choice.

Subtle sparkle: This is a time for
shine, but dressing like a Christmas tree is kid stuff. “Don’t let glitz overpower elegance,”
counsels Greenawalt, whose new book, Vetted by a Stylist,
bows this December. “Balance the sparkly top with a skirt
or pants in a matte, solid color.” An alternative to glittery
lurex is merino wool with metallic threads woven in; silk has
shine but doesn’t shriek like taffeta or lamé. Sequins, spangles, and other embellishments should be worn sparingly
(on your collar and cuffs, say). And don’t pile on your entire
jewelry box just because it’s Christmas. As Coco Chanel
said, remove one accessory before you leave the house.
Kick up your heels: Fancy footwear you can walk,
dance, and party-hop in is essential. Longstreath loves a
classic kitten heel in either patent leather or satin (speaking

of shine), or the d’Orsay shape—a cutaway that sexily exposes the arch. Chunky heels are trendier, but the silhouette
can be tricky; trust your eye.
Office party panache: You’ve been to enough of these
to understand that this is a business event, so you know not
to go too short or too tight. Still, you’d like to throw the office crowd a bit of a curve. “Think ‘work appropriate’ with
a bit of shimmer or holiday color,” Greenawalt says. A pencil skirt with a red cowl neck cashmere sweater is feminine
and chic. A simple sleeveless sheath is always a class act
(keep a cardigan or shrug in case
you get chilly).
Family fabulous: The right outfit here is, literally, relative. “What
to wear depends on how formal
your family is,” Greenawalt says. If
they’re into dressing up, go for a
skirt and sweater combo with a pair
of killer boots; break out a piece of
the “good” jewelry. Jeans are fine
if your kin are more casual; just opt
for dark denim, which reads dressier than faded. If visiting the family
your child newly married into, err
on the side of conservative. And if
you’re the show runner, wear what
you can really move in. Consider
a vintage ensemble: Hostess attire
really meant something back in the
day, so try a ’60s maxi skirt or pair
of ’70s palazzo pants.
New Years know-how: A decade or so ago, you loved spending hours planning and
primping. Now, it’s all about ease, and experts agree that
the little black dress in a cut and fabric that favors your
figure is the ultimate big night no-brainer. A few knockout
accessories will ensure you won’t blend in with the crowd.
If you’re a diehard pants person, team a pair of skinnies
with a sparkly top that shows some skin. A small purse that
can dangle as you mingle is a must.
Merry men: It doesn’t take much for guys to upgrade
their everyday look to a holiday level. “A jacket, even if
you’re wearing jeans, does the trick,” says Longstreath.
Skip the sneakers in favor of good, newly shined shoes. For
a whimsical touch, try a bowtie or suspenders.

These tips are provided courtesy of www.Fiftyisthenewfifty.com, devoted to those who
are middle aged and people who accept the fact that they will get there someday.
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DENTON COUNTY Living Well Magazine | WINTER 2015