Festive Fashions
 If only we were all as lucky as Blair Waldorf on Gossip Girl and had a fashion designer mom. Then we wouldn’t have to worry about what to wear to the hottest parties in the coldest months. Thankfully, we’ve polled some of Canada’s most stylish women to get the scoop on what you should have in your closet, or in your tote bag, for a quick après-work outfit update.
Perhaps the toughest dressing choices come on those evenings when you’re due at an event right after work, says Laura Quinn, Fashion Columnist for ShedoestheCity.com, says, “You don't want to look like that girl from finance, who wears a (possibly re-purposed bridesmaid) gown to the office holiday party. Nor do you want to enter into your mom's ‘Christmas sweater as the go-to seasonal item’ territory.”
Quinn suggests taking stock of your existing winter wardrobe and accessorizing with a few key trend items like architectural heels, red lips and anything patent leather. “I'm in love with cashmere right now,” she gushes, “And it pairs well at night with a waist cinching black leather belt.”
The holiday season is an ideal time to try styles you would ordinarily shy away from. “Something about eggnog and good will to all men allows us to get a little more theatrical in our seasonal dress,” says Quinn.
“So rock a hand muff, sport a beret and get some long leather gloves in the season's hottest red.” But don’t overdo it. “Finding that balance between ‘dressed for the occasion’ and ‘this is the only occasion I get to leave the couch’ is possible,” says Quinn.
For more formal affairs, drama and texture are in order. “From head to toe holiday 2007 is all about luxe and glamour,” says Christina McDowell, Image Stylist and National Spokesperson for Holt Renfrew.
“Whether it’s about the must have red lips or the dramatic kohl lined eye, think couture, think style. Look for velvet, lace and sequins to dazzle at your holiday parties,” says McDowell. Also, don’t forget to accessorize. “For jewellery, go big or go to the library.”
McDowell also emphasizes the importance of not taking yourself, or your wardrobe, too seriously. “Whatever your look, remember its holiday time -- dress up and express yourself and don’t forget to have fun.”
- Nadine Silverthorne
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