While the last couple of years have felt fleeting for holiday fashion moments, we’re beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Sure, you might have party looks from pre-pandemic that still have tags on them, but who doesn’t want some of that “new new”? We are all ready to start fresh, and this month will certainly ring in the holiday revelry.
Lucky for us, the fashion industry is locked and loaded with the most fabulous options. As a fashion stylist, I am used to meeting the demands of a multitude of clients’ event-specific wardrobe needs; the holidays are no different. So, I’m here to offer you the inspiration you need to make it through any holiday fashion crisis.
Look #1
Strong and sleek, black on black is always a winner. As holiday invitations start to roll in, ensembles such as this one are safe and certainly appropriate, but they can also be strong and impactful. An unexpected pop of color in your handbag becomes the pièce de résistance of the whole look, while the modern, clean silver jewelry and a platform heel give off an effortless essence. The detail and design of each piece — like the structured shoulder and defined waist of the incomparable Alexander McQueen blazer and cool printed tights — set this sable situation afire.
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Look #2
This look is perfect for a work holiday party as it fulfills the workday-to-work “play” moment. Nothing says, “I command the room,” like a bright-blue, ultra-flattering skirt suit. Add va-va-voom with a plunging neckline bodysuit by Alix, decorated with bold and colorful pendants by Harwell Godfrey, and a shiny, metallic mini pouch by Bottega Veneta. Everyone will want to know where you got your suit and when your promotion is happening — because, obviously, they got the memo. This look takes “dress to impress” to another level.
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Look #3
Leopard is my favorite “neutral”; its natural edge makes heads turn every single time. Galvan has made quite literally the perfect leopard knit dress, and it deserves center stage, but we mustn’t forget the accessories, which are like very important backup singers. A Roman stud pump is edgy and cool, and the Thom Browne quilted caviar bag is a conversation piece in and of itself. This look could work well at your best friend’s white-elephant exchange or at a holiday cocktail party at the hot new wine bar down the street.
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Look #4
Body con might not be in everyone’s comfort zone, but today’s designers understand that a good Lycra, built-in bustier can change everything. If wearing a body-con dress by itself has you feeling too revealed, a stand-alone coat will allow you to walk into that holiday soiree with fashion bravado. Black-and-white prints meld perfectly with colorful baubles earrings, so don’t hold back: More is more. Holiday events can often be burdened by bad weather, but that shouldn’t keep you from bringing your A game. Good hair matters, folks, so a smart fedora solves all of our coiffure anxieties.
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Look #5
Nothing says holiday like velvet. This velvet high-neck, open-back dress is a holiday black-tie party jaw-dropper. Accessorizing with animal print and pops of color helps you own that formal moment with panache. Zebra and bright orange might not be a common combo in your wardrobe arsenal, but, honestly, why aren’t they? They take this velvet number to the next level. A standard pearl earring would be too sweet, but Monica Vinader adds gold wire and an imperfect shape to modernize the vibe.
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We sincerely hope you walk away from this fashion briefing with some good ideas for what lies ahead, but, when all else fails, remember to wear all of the things while you can. If we’ve learned anything over the last couple of years, it’s that we must live in the moment and not save that dress, that pump, that diamond necklace for a rainy day. This holiday season is begging you to go big or go home!
Mary Gonsalves Kinney is the CEO and Founder of her fashion styling company MGK STYLE with clients in Sacramento, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Seattle, Chicago, New York and D.C. Mary has been noted as the top stylist in the region and boasts a client list that is high profile, diverse and based almost entirely on referral.
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