HOW TO BE THE BELLE OF THE BALL THIS CHRISTMAS
The Countdown to Christmas has started! Be prepared and start planning your shopping lists now – not just your gifts but, of course, a new festive frock to take you to the numerous Christmas and New Year parties. To lessen your load a little, here is the low-down on the latest partywear on the High Street with expert advice on how to choose the most flattering garments to suit your size and shape.
Lady Luxe
The good news is that glamour is back with a vengeance this season with sparkle, shine and embellishment providing a dazzling array of garments to choose from. Lace trimmings, discreet decoration and feminine frills have given way to metallic fabrics, bold decoration or bright colours. In fact, the demure ‘Little Black Dress’ of past seasons is almost an endangered species. So, be bold, be brave and prepare to outshine the Christmas tree this season!
Take One Tunic
One popular garment for the festive season is the StraightUp tunic-dress – which is great news as it is a most comfortable shape to wear especially for those who suit StraightUp Style. Many of the tunic dresses are strappy (in keeping with the current 1920’s flapper style) but some tunics have ¾ sleeves to cover upper-arms and most have large metallic or jewelled decoration which negates the need for a necklace. A sparkly evening-bag and earrings would complete this elegant look.
All That Glitters
Another favourite on the High Street is the totally-sequined dress often in eye-catching colours. These look best worn with sheer or shiny tights and sparkly, ankle-strap sandals. However, sequinned fabrics shows up every lump and bump – meaning they are really only flattering to the ultra-slim! Those with a more fuller figure are best to confine sequins to necklines, hemlines, or as decoration on LooseLine jackets.
Empire Strikes Back
A more flattering dress for a fuller-figure is one in an empire style where the skirt falls softly from a seam beneath the bustline. Look for matt fabrics and deep colours which are very slimming. If the dress is strappy, make sure the straps are wide enough to cover a well-supporting bra. Invest in a lovely soft pashmina in a shade to complement your dress for extra warmth or to cover upper arms. Keep jewellery big, bold and bright for extra style points. Avoid ankle-strap shoes if you have thick calves and/or ankles; low-fronted shoes (perhaps with toe cleavage!) will help lengthen and slim your legs.
Separate Issues
A good investment if you want to obtain more wear from your Christmas outfit is to buy a range of separates which can be worn in different ways throughout the year. A black camisole or black sleeveless top worn with black trousers and an eye-catching jacket can take you to lots of special occasions while each of the pieces can also be worn with other items throughout the year. An embellished evening-jacket is a good investment buy which will help you dress-up much simpler garments for many seasons to come.
Bring on the Bling!
And finally, if you have the perfect LBD which fits like a glove and always draws compliments, then simply bring it up to date this Christmas with a few of the latest ‘Must-Have’ accessories. Just add a jewelled clutch bag; embellished shoes, chandelier-style earrings; and complete the look with a cuff bracelet (or two!) on top. Then, just watch those heads turn…
If you’re not sure of your best Outfit Shape go to www.styledirections.com and take the Shape Test to find out.
PICTURES COURTESY OF PRSHOTS.COM
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