The cost of Christmas clothes are like airline tickets during the season - inflated! By buying in advance, you get a better outfit at a better price. Organizing your wardrobe lets you make the most out of holiday events before the season is in full swing. Remember that fashion takes a "time out" and the traditions of the season's fabrics and textures dominate. Faux fur is always fashionable during Christmas! A holiday inventory can last for years with little updates like buttons, beads, textured hose and signature jewelry.
When the season's wardrobe is planned, you will have enough options to carry through a day that starts at 7am for work and ends after 11pm, when the party is over. Here are ten clothing considerations that will take you from office to evening:
- Unless you are chopping down and Christmas tree, casual doesn't exist. The majority of parties and functions are at night, so think dressy casual or semi formal when the dress code isn't specified.
- Your safest bet for the holiday season is black, black and more black. A little black dress with a variety of accessories will get cost per wear value and is your best investment piece. If you stay away from trends, you can wear it next year too.
- Although it is bit costume-like in any other season, velvet dresses and accessories are suitable from late November through to New Years Eve.
- If you have an article of clothing in red satin, now is the only time to wear it without looking like you work in a bordello.
- Diamonds or Rhinestones make plain black sweaters and shoes festive, while clip on earrings can be discreetly attached to a shoe or a top.
- Everything strappy is holiday: strappy shoes and dresses - it's not seasonal in the snow and cold, but do apply Christmas logic.
- Sparkle tops, skirts and dresses look festive during the season.
- Pashminas, shawls, wraps and capes are suitable for holiday over a strappy dress.
- Carry an extra pair of good shoes to house parties. At 5"3', I will not have a good night socializing without heels, nor do I want to risk having them liberated by a guest that leaves before me. Remember the episode of Sex in The City where Carrie lost her Manolos? Horrible!
- A big bag will ruin the line of a party dress; get a clutch for lipstick, keys, credit cards and yes, condoms.
Ten Beauty tips to get you from 7am - 11pm without a commute home.
- Carry Fluid eyeliner from MAC for an instant evening look.
- Practise an "up do" if your hair is shoulder length or longer.
- Find the perfect red lipstick for your skin tone (for pale skin, use blue reds while darker tones should opt for orange reds).
- Use teeth whitening strips so you can rely on a bright smile.
- Invest in a good manicure for the holiday season, you will always look polished with a French manicure.
- Use jackets to create a business look over a party dress for a quick, 5pm cubicle to cocktail outfit change.
- Carry textured hose, strappy sandals and a clutch in a big bag. You can leave it in the trunk of the car or at the office for an "instant evening" look.
- Use shiny, glossy, sparkling products for evening.
- Pack a vegetable and protein lunch during the holiday season. Since food is everywhere, it is important make sure that at least one meal is healthy.
- Keep a sewing kit at the office that includes a lint brush, static guard, bobby pins, nylons, nail polish and remover, tampons, Advil, etc.
Valentine's Day, the only holiday that breaks winter's monotony, is a questionable celebration at best, even for those who succumb to the pressure of a storybook romance with candles and heart shaped boxes. The whole thing is awkward and exclusive, whereas the Christmas holiday season is an all inclusive celebration of magic and miracles for all. If you have planned properly, your best seasonal "party dresses" will be ready to wear.
