‘tis the season to dress your best
The holidays are a magical time of year. The streets shine a little brighter under a layer of snow, homes are warmed with crackling fires and mantlepieces are sparkling with beautiful seasonal decorations.
but the festive feel of the season doesn’t end there. The spirit of the holidays is reflected in our wardrobes as well.
“Holiday dressing has a sense of luxurious pageantry that does not happen any other time of the year,” says Suzanne Timmins, senior vicepresident and fashion director for Hudson’s bay. “It gives us all a reason to dress up for the occasion and experiment with a little glitz and glamour.”
This season, the list is long when it comes to festive fashion finds, perfect for any office party, friendly holiday shindig or formal corporate gathering.
Ladies, if your office plans to party once the clock strikes five, Timmins says you can’t go wrong with a romantic victorian blouse.
“Pair it with pants, and for evening, play up the romantic feeling with a beautiful full skirt.”
most women have a classic white shirt in their wardrobe, and although it may not seem that festive, once it’s paired with a glittery sequined skirt or flowy silk trousers, it can take you from functional to festive.
Lastly, sweater dresses won’t just keep you cozy in that chilly office, it’ll make a statement as one of winter’s biggest trends.
“Knit dresses are a musthave item and we love this party-ready take on the trend, with lace skirt and button-up blouse,” says Timmins.
A lot of men wear suits to the office, which they can switch up in turn by upgrading from a standard dark suit to a velvet blazer or a shawl-collared jacket to go from day to dapper.
Going to a neighbour’s potluck or your bFF’s annual holiday gathering? you can add festive flair to any casual outfit with a few easy tweaks.
“I love the idea of a sparkly, crystallized, or metallic foil sweater worn with your favourite denim and a pretty heel,” says Timmins. “It’s so cozy and chic!”
She adds that men can trade in their blazers for a sweater jacket or chunky cardigan, while a clean dark jean can replace the dress pant.
The holidays may be magical, but they can also be expensive. between the gifts, the dinners and the constant flow of bubbly, the chance of shopping for a brand new wardrobe may be as slim as catching the jolly big guy in action. but not to worry: you can still get that festive fashion by investing in just a few key pieces.
Women are wise to buy a trophy skirt, which is one of the season’s major statement pieces, and it can be paired with an equally dazzling top or a soft, textured knit.
While a pair of glitzy, shimmering stilettos might be tempting, a classic shoe is a more practical choice. “A great pump or pretty flat is the ideal finishing touch for a party outfit, and will always add polish to a casual look,” says Timmins.
Though it may sound super fancy, Timmins adds an evening tuxedo is a great investment, a la Saint Laurent’s infamous “Le Smoking”. “As separates, the tuxedo jacket would look great over highwaisted stovepipe or flared jeans, and the trousers can be paired with an oversized sweater.”
To accessorize, you can’t go wrong with a fantastic timepiece that will give any outfit that fun factor. Case in point, a michael Kors black watch with pavé crystal. “It’s the right balance of feminine glamour and understated cool,” says Timmins.
For men, a classic dark navy blazer goes a long way. It can be dressed-up with a shirt and tie, or with a fine knit sweater for a relaxed look. “To add flair, a bow-tie or pocket square are easy ways to add colour and pattern on a budget.”
And don’t forget to accessorize with oversized, shoulder-grazing earrings, a graphic holiday clutch or strappy laceup shoes. These small touches will add the wow factor to your holiday attire, making you feel as special as the season itself.