LOOKING A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS
Chic, modern options for dressing up.
Long gone are the days when holiday dressing meant choosing something with plaid, red, covered in sequins — or all of the above.
This season, the merriest sartorial pieces are chic, modern, rewearable and altogether West Coast.
“People have traditionally loved glitter and red because glitter is fun and makes a statement and red is a traditional Christmas colour,” say Michelle Rizzardo, founder and buyer of the Gastown-based boutique One of a Few.
“Will that ever go away? Well, people will always continue to wear pieces that have those characteristics, however, designers are creating clean and classic ways of incorporating those elements.”
Rather than donning something that screams Christmas cheer, Rizzardo suggests finding pieces that are, “fun, exciting, full of expression, clean and classic.”
This means wide-legged pants, cosy knits, slip dresses and calflength skirts are all alternatives to traditional party dresses, many of which can be picked up at virtually every price point.
Rizzardo suggests holiday revellers use the season to explore new styles and have fun with fashion — but only if they feel comfortable.
“It’s a statement in itself to use the holidays to step out of your fashion box,” she says.
“Yes, we all have one — a fashion box.”
A little intimidated by trying out new trends or silhouettes on our own? Don’t be, because style assistance can be found at almost every store.
“If you always see yourself gravitate to one particular style, then go and ask someone at a shop to create some new looks for you and be open to suggestions,” Rizzardo suggests. “You never really know what something looks like until it’s on and it’s so much fun to see how someone else would dress you.
“I mean, what better statement than to head out to your office Christmas party in something you not only feel good in, but that is totally different than what everyone has seen you in.”
But, don’t worry, it’s not all unfamiliar this season in fashion. The go-to fabric for holiday 2015 is one we’ve surely all seen before during the holidays.
“Velvet, velvet and more velvet,” Erin Meadows, the merchandise director at Aritzia, says of the must-try textile. “Velvet is very versatile, timeless, ageless and can be incorporated into your wardrobe in many ways. It is also the perfect solution to day-to-night dressing. “My holiday staple this season — and beyond — has to be the Wilfred Bouchette dress in a silk burnout velvet. The silhouette is easy with an open scoop neckline and a subtle A-line skirt — not to mention it looks great with flats or a bit dressed up with a pair of heels for a night out.”
Meadows also suggests faux fur, luxe knits and soft satin for those who aren’t feeling the velvet trend. But whatever you do, make it something a little bit different. “Nobody wants to be cookie cutter in their wardrobe,” says Meadows.
Choosing the right pieces is about much more than just being the best-dressed guest at the party. It can mean adding versatile and wearable pieces to one’s wardrobe that can easily be integrated into the everyday wardrobe rotation.
And one way to do just that is by opting for new accessories rather than an entire ensemble.
“No matter what, we all know that we can recycle dresses as long as we have statement pieces that stand out and draw attention,” Rizzardo says. “Gorgeous pumps with a blocked heel, fur embellishment on shoes, a bold-coloured shoe or a structured, patterned small clutch or purse can be matched with any dress.
“This is always a sure bet to stand out and make your holiday outfit special ... Who needs red and glitter then?”