How to dress up denim for holiday parties

Q: How can I dress up denim?

A: It’s that time of year when maneuvering calendar dates becomes a carefully skilled art. In order to get to every holiday concert, charity bake sale, family get together and neighborhood open house, you’ve got to be prepared with a go-to uniform. Jeans can definitely make the cut, as long as they’re elevated to a status that’s casually festive – not just plain casual. In the impending marathon of non-stop socializing, decking out your best blues will save you from a ‘what should I wear?!’ panic every time.

Since the focus of this look is jeans, you have to start with a stellar pair. The objective should be to make your legs appear longer and slimmer, and your booty divine. Period. Skinny jeans still reign as a popular style, but if you don’t love them on you try a boot-cut style. It has classic appeal, and easily flatters hips and thighs. Or give wide-leg trouser jeans a go! Think of them as a modern day Katherine Hepburn-inspired option. Whatever the cut, choose a dark wash – always most polished – or experiment with the brightly coloured pairs that are in stores now. Vibrant shades of green, purple, red or blue all pack a stylish punch.

A dressy top is your next step. Choose one that’s the opposite to the shape of your jeans. With slim cut denim, try something soft and flowing, like a lacy blouse. Keep things trim on top with wide-leg denim. The structured silhouette of a blazer always looks sharp. Either way, choose luxe fabrics, now’s the time to swath yourself in satin, silk, chiffon or cashmere. A cotton t-shirt shouldn’t be in the running, unless it’s accompanied by a layering piece with major wow factor. A sequin cardigan, for example, brings glitz in a not-too-formal way that will acquire compliments all season long.

To finish the look, add flirty accessories. Heels will make legs look their longest, and remember that original jeans objective? Wedge or stacked heeled booties can provide sturdy support along with vertical enhancement. And a few sparkly accessories are the only final adornments needed. Statement pieces, such as an oversize cocktail ring or this year’s large drop earrings, are just the things to make your jeans ready to hit the social circuit.

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