Stress Free Holiday Dressing

Holiday dressing comes in as many different flavors as the cookies on the dessert buffet. Holiday attire also varies with the type of event you are attending, whether it is a creative office party or that big holiday extravaganza.  Last minute invitations seem to always arrive in the middle of this hectic season. Simply scour your closet to find these easy solutions.

Festive Business Attire: Office separates can easily be turned creative by pairing them with a beaded shell or shimmering sweater. Your look will remain professional yet festive.

From Office to Evening:  Basic black still makes the easiest transition to after dark affairs. Tailored pants and jacket in wool crepe with a beaded, lace, metallic or draped top will be great. Wearing a blouse or sweater in a color that enhances your unique coloration will make sure that YOU are noticed, not just your outfit. Change your earrings, add some strappy shoes and brighten up your makeup and you’re ready.

The Cocktail Hour: This event is typically associated with the little black dress. This doesn’t have to be taken literally though, think about blackberry, eggplant, deep hunter or midnight navy. Add a little zip with a beaded handbag, gold shoes or a glittery wrap.

Semi-Formal: This occasion still calls for the longer gown or flowing pantsuits.  Your creative holiday look can also be achieved by wearing a long skirt or fluid pants with a silk or satin top. If you want a sexier look, opt for a beaded or metallic camisole. Simply stated glittery jewelry will be elegant.  

Party time also means brighter jewelry.  A glittering brooch with a simple tunic pantsuit or soft skirt works wonders.  Layer on ropes of pearls with a jewel neck dress for a classy look.  Even a rhinestone barrette to pull up your hair says holiday time.  

The five minute holiday face will easily take you from the office to your evening party. Add some brighter colors and shimmer to your everyday face.  Eye makeup is easy to play up and it is more likely to stay in place.  Define brows, add some smoky shadow colors.  Touch some eyeliner at the outer corners of the eyes and finish with a few coats of mascara.

For a more formal event, add a little shimmer on the lid, above the brow.  Blusher should enhance your skin tone, not look too heavy. Finish with your lips using a color with a little more pizzazz than you normally wear to work.  TIP:  Use a lip liner to completely cover your lips.  It will create an even tone for your lip color to go over and it will help your lipstick stay on.

Hands Down! Be kind to your hands, they get noticed too. Remove old polish and clean hands thoroughly using a nail brush to get under the nails.  Soak hands in warm water and moisturize them. Gently push back the cuticles with an orange stick and trim hangnails carefully, cutting too close can cause infection. Roll your nail polish bottle between your hands, shaking causes bubbles.  Apply a base coat, two coats of color and finish with a top coat to lock in color. Work from the base of the nail to the top.  

When you follow these guidelines, and dress in colors that are your best hue, you can relax and enjoy your holiday.  Stress free!

Colorfully yours,
Charli Mace