Dear Chris,
I want to look festive at my holiday parties, but I am so not a sequins kind of girl. Any ideas on how can make a cocktail dress look season-appropriate?

Dear No-Sequins-

I absolutely love the holiday season for all of the reasons you have written into the column. It’s full of parties, sparkle, cocktails, and festivities! There are so many reasons to get dressed up and feel dazzling. A little bit of rhinestone, a little piece of fur, or a shiny patent accessory can holiday-ize even the most reserved look. I think that this time of year, it’s about piling it on – collars, necklaces, bracelets, headbands, bows, nail varnish, a glamorous shiny lip. What better time to dress yourself up like a present than the month where you might find yourself under the mistletoe?

That little black dress that’s been hiding in the back of your closet can make the foundation for a terrific party outfit. Get a gorgeous pair of tights, a sparkly heel, and a mess of vintage jewelry,and there you go! If you have the access, get up in your grandmother’s closet and I guarantee you’ll uncover a gem. When I was a little kid I used to sneak into my grandmother’s bedroom while I was meant to be napping and try on all of her costume jewelry and pretend like I was a hostess at a holiday party!

I think even though you think you don’t enjoy a sequin, there just might be an inner holiday hostess hiding inside yourself waiting to come out. Just have fun and push yourself to go that extra frivolous mile. Even if you feel a little overdone, it will make for fabulous pictures!

xx
CB