Women's Guide to Holiday Dressing
The true irony of the holidays is that amidst the chaos of cleaning, shopping, and decorating, we're all supposed to be feeling jubilant and relaxedglove'>oven mitts. The good news is that dressing the part of a radiant, effortless hostess can help you get in that holiday state of mind, provided you keep things simple.
The Basics
As with most things holiday related, a little planning will go a long way for any look. Every woman should have some flexible favourites in her wardrobe: a little
cashmere cardigan worn over the dress, or even a fancy tee or blouse underneath. Since special finishing pieces are more fun to shop for than tailored basics, you'll get the fastest, most fun shopping experience if you know your closet and what you can work with. If you have time or money for a brand new outfit (or simply no other viable options), read on.
Starting Fresh
Though it is very attractive and enticing to buy something over the top for the holidays, consider your finances in the New Year and try to keep the four F's in mind: '''Fit''', '''Focus''', '''Flexibility''' and '''Fabulosity'''.
* '''Fit''': The best way to look fantastic in any outfit at any time is to be body conscious while shopping for it, so be sure you're not puckering, sagging, or busting out anywhere.
* '''Focus''': Once you're sure a dress fits, consider whether it's focusing on your best attributes. Eat a few too many
Christmas biscuits? Look for a dress that showcases your gorgeous legs or décolletage. Small in the chest? Try something backless or sleeveless to highlight your arms.
* '''Flexibility''': You may find the perfect outfit for one particular event this year, but will you ever be able to wear it somewhere else? Again, do a mental runbelt'>accessories can affect the mutability of the garment in question.
* '''Fabulosity''': Finally, how fabulous do you look? More importantly, how fabulous do you feel?
Holiday Staples
These wardrobe staples are perfect for wearing to the office party, for a posh evening out on the town, or at your own holiday soiree, with the benefit of not being too tied to the holiday look. After all, as much as you want a fun seasonal look, who wants to be stuck with a snowflake jumper forever? These essentials will help you flaunt a look you can keep wearing well into the winter season.
Finishing Touches
So you're dressed. Congratulations, the hard part is over! Unfortunately, you've still got those puffy eyes and frizzy hair to deal with. Your usual beauty regiment should be fine, so long as you tailor it to handle the effects of winter weather. A little variation is called for here, with richer colours, a hint of sparkle, and a more mature look compared to Summer and Spring's fresh faced palette. And don't forget to moisturise!
Transporting Your Gifts
Now that you're a woman of style, how will you carry all of your
gift wrap? During travel, this can be especially difficult, so you can either transport the gifts and wrap them at your destination, or you can order them online and have them delivered and gift wrapped to your recipient. The former can be a bit inconvenient depending on your destination, while the latter may cost more and there's not guarantee it will be delivered on time, so make your choice carefully. You can also simplify by using gift bags instead, which have their own easy to carry handle. Holidays made simple!
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