Let the season of spangly dresses and glittering accessories commence! It’s the time of year when everyone is excited to get into their best garb for the holiday parties that they’re going to?or if you’re like us, just getting into fancy duds for no reason. (Social interaction… what’s that?) While the Holiday sale sections can be overwhelming and the magpie inside of you can be easily excited by all of the sequins hanging in your local mall, a clear direction and focus on personal style is essential when deciding what to wear for any high-fashion holiday gathering. These four different runway looks are great inspirations for varying styles from the glamour girl to the tomboy.
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VALENTINO Fall/Winter 2011 Haute Couture
For the princess. Golden-angel inspired frocks that deserve the top spot on a Christmas tree.
→ THE INSPIRATION: The Gilded Princess
This floor length stunner is an Haute Couture dream rendered in delicate tulle with gilded lace embellished all over the lighter-than-air gown. The barely there dress fully covers with long sleeves and a high neck, but the sheer fabric and nude color give a mythical feel to the entire look.
→ TRANSLATED: The Holiday Look
- Look for a nude or beige tone dress that covers up on top with fitted bodice and flares out into a princess-worthy skirt. Lengths can vary based on what your personal taste is, add drama by going floor length.
- Go golden for the parties in fabrics that have lace appliques with gilded glittering embellishments like sequins, rhinestones, or metallic thread. The gold adds warmth to the taupe base of the look.
- With all the drama going on in your princess look, toughen it up with some street style worthy flats. Urban Outfitters has some great options on sale, usually for $10 to $20!
- What’s a princess without her crown? While we definitely suggest you stay away from any full-fledged tiaras, some sparkly head adornments will go great with this look. Get some affordable ones in nymph or angelic styles at Charlotte Russe, Forever 21, or Claire’s.
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HAIDER ACKERMANN Fall/Winter 2011 Ready To Wear
For the lazy girl. Add sparkle to your sweater with sequined pieces and tough leather boots.
→ THE INSPIRATION: The Holiday Sweater Revamp
The Karl-admired designer created one of the most lauded shows of the Fall 2011 season, with many-an-editor shedding tears. This glittering skirt and effortlessly loose chunky knit caught our eye immediately as a defining look of the show. The ensemble looks like it’s falling off the body, defying gravity and convention with its modern elegance.
→ TRANSLATED: The Holiday Look
- Everyone loves to cozy up on the holidays, but that doesn’t mean looking like a mess at the greatest time of year! Grab the chunkiest, loosest knit sweater in near distance and get ready to party.
- What are the holidays without some shine? Add sparkle through a bunch of different ways to dress up your favorite comfy sweater. For a full on look, the sequined maxi skirt is our favorite. If you’re especially lazy, go for sequined shorts, leggings, or a clutch!
- If you’re cool enough to show up at a party serving up some Haider Ackermann instead of serving up some Christmas ham, leather boots are an amazing way to go in the shoe category. Sturdy, with a bit of height, they toughen up the look even more without sacrificing any comfort.
- Neaten up the outfit with slicked back locks. The minimal hair style can give you a fresh look where big curls could compete with big sweaters.
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STELLA McCARTNEY Fall/Winter 2011 Ready To Wear
For the tomboy. Glitter and dresses not your scene? Go for an unexpected tuxedo look for the holidays in an equal impact of black and white.
→ THE INSPIRATION: The Black & White Holiday Special
Stella McCartney’s rendition of the black and white tuxedo was offered amazingly for Fall 2011. In a loose but flattering fit, the look was contemporary and sleek. The white jacket gives a wintery freshness to the outfit, especially in a slightly Cristobal Balenciaga-esque stiff silhouette. The circular box bag just takes the McCartney suit to a whole ‘nother level.
→ TRANSLATED: The Holiday Look
- A white blazer is a modern addition to any wardrobe. Using a party as an excuse to get a piece that is usable all year round is the smartest way to shop. Plus, wearing a total-black look can make the look fade into the background but a white jacket brings it to life-of-the-party status.
- Grab a small minimal bag to finish the look. Modern minimalism mixed with an amazing clutch filled with only the essentials is the perfect period to your holiday sentence.
- Man shoes are the way to go to give the prim and proper suit some effortlessness. Go for some black brogues are a great option for some flat footwear. To dress it up all the way, go for a pair of classic black heels in any style.
- For the theatrical tomboys (does this even make sense?), try out androgynous hair and makeup. A play on a slicked back pompadour with ponytail would be fun with some strong brows.
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LANVIN Fall/Winter 2011 Ready To Wear
For the ornament. Office parties don’t have to be boring, shift that shift dress into high octane color with pinks, reds, and neon.
→ THE INSPIRATION: The Bright Red Box
The boxy silhouette and bold color of this Lanvin dress has coat vibes that play off well with the shorter length and ornate accessories. The look is modern in every sense. The dramatic hat is balanced by minimal shoes in a darker tone than the dress and a matching bag that give the youthful dress a more ladylike context.
→ TRANSLATED: The Holiday Look
- Go for the brightest dress you can find in the store! The best choice are sleek and classic silhouettes with minimal pattern, embellishment, or distraction from the color.
- Long sleeved dresses work amazingly on party outfits in shorter lengths because they balance out the look in a sort of unexpected and modern way.
- Go metallic on the accessories, from shoes to purses to jewelry. Lanvin’s bronzed roses and patent shoes added dimension to the solid color.
- Tousled hair in a low bun can add mellowness to the harsh brightness of the color. Adding a touch of easy elegance can make the look soft, not severe.
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How are you styling your High Fashion Holidays?
Comment which of these shows this season is inspiring your current style for the holiday parties! If none are your style, let us in on some of your favorites so we can check out some other inspirations.
Thanks for reading!
Everybody Is Ugly by Iris & Daniel
Don’t forget to follow EIU on twitter! @everybodyisugly
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Photo Credit
Vogue.com
Style.com
Net-a-porter.com
Topshop.com
Forever21.com
