Fashion Tips for Holiday Parties

Wednesday, December 08, 2010

GoLocalProv Lifestyle Editor Andrea E. McHugh

It seemed like a sequin skirt for the office holiday party was a good idea at the time, but when you arrived to find the only other bling in the room amongst your office cronies was Pam in accounting’s snowman brooch, you quickly sank into a dark corner. It happens to everyone onetime or another—your wardrobe is reminiscent of the Sesame Street tune, ‘One of these things is not like the other.’ This time of year, with office parties, open houses, and neighborhood gatherings, it happens all too easy. Cassandra Duguay at Into the Wardrobe, a sophisticated consignment shop on Providence’s East Side, says that there are lots of on trend looks that can make a splash—without going overboard. “You don’t want to be underdressed or overdressed,” she says, suggesting partygoers can absolutely land a great look without breaking the bank. Textured tights, she suggests, make a statement, as do jewel tone pieces (“as much as we can stay away from black, the better,” she says). Tall boots are warm and practical, but says Duguay, trendier booties make a statement all their own. “They are super cute and go with everything,” she says. As accessories really do make the women, at times it’s best to wear your favorite little black dress to a holiday party and let your accessories make a statement. Stackable bangles are huge she says, and sometimes just let your shoes make your look, like the blue Prada heels Into the Wardrobe has right now that will make a look memorable.

Let's Hear it for the Boys

Men, admittedly, might face more of a fashion challenge this holiday season. To sport coat, suit or sweater is the question. Marc Streisand of Marc Allen Fine Clothiers in Providence suggests zip cardigans, called “cashmere bombers,” for a casual but chic night out. “We have some amazing colors, but for nighttime I’d suggest wearing something darker so he’s not standing out,” says Streisand. The look can be taken to the next level with a collared shirt underneath, with or without a tie, or dressed down with an unfussy t-shirt underneath, and paired with a cool brushed cotton or soft wool pant. A nice pair of jeans, preferably dark denim, can be dressed up with a nice sport coat, or, as Streisand suggest, a black, velvet jacket. “It’s a sleek, sexy piece for a man,” he says. For dressier nights out, a black suit is the quintessential piece, and a wardrobe must-have says Streisand. “Black is the most authoritative color, also this year thinner jackets are in,” he says. “Have a little fun, accessorize with funky pocket square, just a tinge for color.”