Holiday parties are becoming more and more casual, which I find a great shame, but what can you do. We live in the age of casualization. These days a pair of fab jeans matched with heels and a sparkly top is as holiday-ready as a little black dress with all the trimmings.
How about an in-between holiday look that’s not as casual as dressed up blue jeans, but not as formal as a LBD? A couple of years ago Kendall Farr wrote about the little black pant as a holiday party option. This year I bring you the Little Shiny Pant, or LSP — an on-trend outfit formula for our trouser season.
The photos below provide great inspiration for the look. Here are the components:
Little Shiny Pant: You’re after anything with shine. Sequins, brocade, lace, lurex-rich fabrications, satin and metallic coated jeans are ideal options. Silhouettes can be cropped or full length. Slouchy, baggy, tailored or body con.
Simple Top: I like the ensemble best with simple tops because they make the pants really shine. Think roomy or tailored fine gauge knitwear and soft drapey blouses over tight skinnies. Boxy blouses with high-low hemlines will also look fab. Tailored tops tucked into baggy and slouchy little shiny pants are another way to go. Or even a layering t-shirt worn under a tuxedo jacket or black moto jacket. For a maximal effect add a brocade jacket (see the model below with the green blazer).
Heels: To my eye, dressy heeled pumps or heeled stacked sandals are the best way to finish off the look. That way you’ve created just enough formality. Shooties and booties are not my first choice because they dress down the vibe no matter what. That said, patent shooties are a nice option.
Clutch: Hands down the best handbag to carry for this formula. Large or small. With or without a dainty strap.
As with all the formulas, I sow the seed of an idea. The next step is to substitute the items so that they are in line with your own style persona. I’ve chosen a predominantly neutral colour palette because I’m taken with this look in metallic and black. But choose any colour spectrum. Keep it tonal or high contrasting. Add arm candy or a necklace. Add a belt. Or throw in your significant other for a serious bit of arm candy.
I am feeling this vibe the most for my holiday look this year because I am trouser crazy. I wanted to wear sequin pants last year, but a minimalist midi dress won me over. It’s trousers this year.
