19 gorgeous style ideas for your holiday parties
December 2012 fashion feature
Just add... sparkling slippers
A crisp white shirt and a pretty skirt are made for dancing when paired with sequined ballet flats.
Skirt, $295, Pink Tartan. Shoes, $160, J.Crew. Under $100: Shirt, $78, Ann Taylor. Bracelet, $55, Cocoa Jewelry.
Look for... anything velvet
A casual T-shirt and skinny cropped pants get special treatment in this luxurious fabric.
Shirt, $127, J.Crew. Elizabeth & James pants, $400, The Bay. Marc by Marc Jacobs shoes, $270, Browns. Under $100: Bracelet, $30, Cocoa Jewelry.
Just add... cocktail bling
Show off your manicure with a vintage-inspired ring that will have them asking, "Is it real?" A statement ring is the ultimate finishing touch.
Ring, $190, Swarovski.
Beauty note
Use a natural pinky-rose cream blush to give your skin a beautiful, luminous flush without looking overdone.
Dress, $406, BCBG. Necklace, Louis Vuitton. Ring, Mark Lash.
Look for... festive hairbands
Try on an unexpected accessory. We love the look of something girlie nestled in a great do—it's youthful and fun!
Under $100: Sweater, $70, H&M. Hairband, $25, Banana Republic.
Just add... sequins
Here's your go-to party uniform: Pair dark denim and high heels with a shirt that dazzles.
Earrings, $400, Carole Tanenbaum. Renzo + Kai top, $260, Holt Renfrew. Bracelet, $270, Ring, $210, Swarovski. Shoes, $550, Stuart Weitzman. Under $100: Jeans, $80, Gap.
Look for... patent leather
Every woman knows it's all about the shoes. Patent pumps go with absolutely everything you own. They're classic, cool and terribly chic.
Cole Haan shoes, $330, 416-926-7575. Under $100: Dress, $39, Joe Fresh. Necklace, $80, Winners. Tiara, $29, David's Bridal. Tutu, $16, Joe Fresh.
Just add... an elegant clutch
A high-impact evening bag is a wardrobe essential that makes every occasion special&mash;plus, a pop of colour adds instant style.
Dress, $365, Ted Baker London. Bracelet, $550, Carole Tanenbaum. Under $100: Clutch, $94, BCBG. Shirt, $78, Ann Taylor.
Beauty note
Evening makeup doesn't have to be complicated. We love a soft nude lip, because it's fresh and easy and you won't have to worry about touch-ups.
Look for... rhinestone baubles
Simple shapes look fabulous when paired with dramatic accessories, whether it's black tie or casual cocktails.
Top, $325, Judith & Charles. Pants, $130, Banana Republic. Shoes, $550, Stuart Weitzman. Under $100: Bracelets, $34, Pam Chorley's Fashion Crimes.
Just add... ruby & sapphire
Rethink your holiday wardrobe with rich head-to-toe colour. One thing's for sure: You'll stand out from the crowd—in a good way!
Ruby outfit: Skirt, $395, Dennis Merotto. Bracelet, $210, Swarovski. Jessica Simpson shoes, $115, Capezio. Under $100: Headband, $25, Ring, $62, Banana Republic. Sweater, $70, H&M.
Sapphire outfit: Shirt, $127, J.Crew. Elizabeth & James pants, $400, The Bay. Marc by Marc Jacobs shoes, $270, Browns. Under $100: Bracelet, $30, Cocoa Jewelry.
Beauty note
This gorgeous hair is inspired by a '60s updo that's tousled and pulled apart. Spray hair with a saltwater spray and dry shampoo to add texture. Rough dry with your hands. Backcomb the top layer at the crown of your head to create height. Divide back section in two and weave together (almost like you're creating a messed-up braid). Pin it up under itself with bobby pins. Pull out random pieces to frame your face. Finish with a generous amount of hairspray. And remember, the messier the better!
Fur stole, $295, Pink Tartan.
Just add... lace
Update a simple dress with a layer of ladylike lace. It's the right blend of retro style and modern sophistication.
Left: Dress, $385, Judith & Charles. Clutch, $262, BCBG. Shoes, $125, Nine West. Under $100: Headband, $50, Banana Republic.
Right: Dress, $185, Banana Republic. Clutch, $140, Ted Baker London. Shoes, $130, Nine West. Under $100: Ring, $29, Pam Chorley's Fashion Crimes.
Look for... graphic prints
This season the little black dress has a bold twist. Painterly, oversized prints add the perfect dash of playful whimsy.
Dress, $365, Ted Baker London. Bracelet, $550, Carole Tanenbaum. Under $100: Belt, $48, Ann Taylor.
Beauty note
Brighten up your eyes with a sparkling wash of shimmery gold shadow. Skip the liner and amp up your lashes with an extra coat or two of mascara.
Just add... glittery accessories
Holiday dressing! This is the fun part: The right bag, shoes or jewels can dress up even the most laid-back outfit. Go for interesting textures, rich colours and lots of shine.
Under $100: Clutch, $75, Nine West.
Look for... a mismatched tuxedo
This glamorous take on menswear is all about tailored pieces with a feminine edge—like a pair of sexy stilettos.
Sandro jacket, $450, The Bay. Shirt, $188, J.Crew. Pants, $348, J.Crew. Manolo Blahnik shoes, $695, Holt Renfrew. Under $100: Headband, $39, Pam Chorley's Fashion Crimes. Belt, $46, BCBG. Ring, $60, Simply You.
