THE HOLIDAY COCKTAIL DRESS RE-INVENTED
By Catie Becker

POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y., Dec. 3 - This season the customary little black dress for holiday parties is out and glitzy metallic, form-fitting, thigh-high dresses are in. The bold colors and prints of this year’s dresses will stand out against the gray weather outside and bring holiday cheer to all.
           
Sue Stemp, an English fashion designer, was quoted in The New York Times describing this year’s holiday fashions, “When dressing for this holiday season, I think ‘up the glamour’ with a chic little cocktail dress that incorporates an interesting print.”

Anything that stands out is popular this year. Silver brocade, polka dots, and something in silk will do.

These youthful, fun and flirty dresses are easily dressed up or down depending on accessories and shoes. The same dress that was worn to last night’s party can be paired with leggings, a blazer, or worn over a turtleneck to work later that week.

In an interview for The New York Times, Sari Sloane, president for fashion merchandising at Intermix stores, said, “It’s a welcome change for the consumer to be in a more sexy fitted dress that shows off your body and also looks modern.” Long, flowing chiffon gowns are now being substituted for sexy and sweet alternatives.

There is much versatility and choices this holiday season, and if short, bright, cocktail dresses are not your style, HarpersBazaar.com recommends a full printed skirt with a neutral top or black trousers with a camisole top. Slim jackets and retro coats look great over both outfits and fit in with this year’s trend of layering. 
           
Because this year’s holiday fashions are so bold and glamorous, jewelry and shoes should be subdued. Lucky Magazine showcased simple drop earrings and classic pumps with cocktail dresses and InStyle.com matched metallic flats with holiday dresses for a more youthful look. By pairing traditional and timeless accessories with one’s outfit, the accessories will not only flatter, but help the dress stand out.
           
The only mistake that can be made with choosing accessories this year is matching your shoes and bag. Fashion designer Alexander Wang offered his thoughts in Harper’s Bazaar Magazine, saying “ The old way of dressing is matching your bag and your shoes. That’s like prom dressing.”
           
Harper’s Bazaar and InStyle.com noted that a holiday outfit is not complete without an oversized clutch under one’s arm. Red, purple, silver, and white were common colors. Not only should the clutch be in a bright and bold color, but it should also complement the vivid prints and colors of the cocktail dress.
           
Society designer, Lela Rose, was quoted in an article by Eric Wilson of The New York Times, exclaiming her excitement about this year’s holiday fashions, “ I love the idea of the slimmed-down sack dress, which is something that allows you to eat and still show off your legs.” Rose fully describes this year’s holiday fashion motto: eat, drink, and dress to be merry.
           
To top off this year’s holiday look, simple elegant hair is essential. Loose waves were featured in Lucky Magazine, as well as low ponytails with a jeweled accented hair tie. Because dresses for this year stand out and attract attention, there is no need for big, fussy hair.

           

Though this year’s holiday hairstyles are plain and simple, what you wear shouldn’t be. Let your personality come through in the way you dress this season and have fun with the new flirty, fun styles.

           

 

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