Even the most secure-in-her-style woman can lose her way when it comes to getting dressed up for the holidays. She knows what to wear for work, weekends and regular nights out, but for some reason, when the company party or New Year’s Eve rolls around, she defaults to an LBD or a similarly safe party frock. This year, we enlisted the help of stylist Nadia Albano to present some fashion-forward alternatives.
If you’re a casual dresser…
You probably can’t just wear your hoodie, but you don’t have to play the pretty princess either. Albano suggests going for a menswear vibe. “Style a distressed pair of jeans with a classic white shirt and bow tie,” says Albano. “Throw on a killer pair of strappy heels, clip on a great ear climber, and voila!”
If you’re plus-sized…
Lace is on-trend this season and there’s plenty of choice on the high street. “Shift dresses are a great way to look chic, and can be styled with a great square pump, flats or ankle booties. Try something in a jewel tone instead of the classic LBD.”
If the dress code is formal, but you want to look cool…
You don’t have to go for a full-on ball gown. Albano’s tip? Velvet. “It’s a great way of infusing luxe and red-carpet glam into your style while still looking cool. Opt for a velvet skirt or palazzzo pants with a silk cami and a leather jacket.
If you’re pregnant…
No one wants to splash out a ton of cash on something they’re only going to wear a couple of times. Instead, see if one of your flowy boho summer tunics is roomy enough to pass as a winter minidress. Albano suggests pairing it with over-the-knee suede boots. “It’s a great way of camouflaging the baby bump while tastefully exposing a little skin.”
If you need to go from day to night, fast…
Wear a neutral daytime outfit – black pants and cami – then add a statement coat. “Faux fur will instantly transition a day look to evening. It’s a classic winter texture, and will make the outfit look festive without trying too hard.”
The "three Ds" for hiding hangover skin:
Detox: Wash your face, then use a detoxing mask like Dermalogica Charcoal Rescue Masque ($60, at Beautymark and Beautymark.ca). It gets rid of impurities and perks up skin instantly. A facial oil, such as Dermalogica Phyto Replenish Oil ($103), adds instant glow.
Disguise: Your tinted moisturizer or BB cream may not be up to the job of hiding your red/grey complexion. Go for a higher coverage foundation, such as Estée Lauder Double Wear Nude Cushion Stick ($46, at Hudson’s Bay and TheBay.com). It conceals everything, has skin-soothing ingredients, and lasts eight hours.
Deflect: Draw attention away from your skin with a bright lippie. Red is the obvious choice for Christmas; one that suits most skin tones is Bobbi Brown Lip Color in Red ($35, at Holt Renfrew and HoltRenfrew.com)
