Holiday parties are much more casual these days, which often means combining festive separates that can work with jeans, trousers or a simple skirt rather than creating a formal outfit with a dressy frock. This has been the case when shopping for holiday attire with my clients over the last few years, and this year is no different. In fact, I will be going that route too.
Although I sometimes lament the casual nature of holiday parties these days, festive separates are a lot more versatile and cost-effective than a fancy frock. They can be remixed with denim AND worn to the office when dressed down with business separates. Three cheers for those aspects!
- NYDJ Metallic Pointelle Knit Sweater: A good piece on a curvy figure because the fabric molds to the contour of the body. Not great on the relatively slim hipped because the welt stands too far away from the hip.
- A.L.C. A.L.C 'Billy' Cutout Wool & Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater: An alluring black turtleneck. I have my eye on this piece.
- Karen Kane Lace Inset Sweater (Plus Size): Comfy burlesque fabness. Roomy but skims the sides of the body. Great over black bottoms.
- BCBGMAXAZRIA Upas Cape: I gasped when my client tried this on in the dressing room. It was absolutely killer stunning WOW. Beautifully made. Architectural, dramatic and unique. Will not date. Comfortable and not nearly as fussy as it looks. A size large will fit a size 12, and it did so to perfection on my client who also has a curvy bust. She will wear it with black bottoms or jeans both for work and play. Wear it fastened or unfastened. A magical piece.
- BCBGMAXAZRIA 'Shania' Merino Wool Poncho Sweater: Structured Poncho Fabness. Best on a broad shoulder line. Comes in many colours.
- 1.State V-Neck Sweater: A casual holiday peplum. Best on a curvy pear or hourglass with a shorter neck. Not good on apple shapes.
- Chaus Herringbone Sparkle Knit Faux Wrap Top: Draped, soft and extra comfy. You can eat to your heart's desire at a holiday party in this piece. Fun over leather or waxed denim bottoms to create a soft matched with hard look. Fab on apple shaped body types.
- Jen7 Floral Jacquard Skinny Pants: Fun jacquard jeans to wear with all sorts of tops. Comes in burgundy and blue too. Good on both a straighter and curvier body type. Not good on a very curvy bottom half.
- NYDJ 'Alina' Print Coated Stretch Skinny Jeans (Black Chevrons) (Plus Size): Fun to wear with a soft tunic blouse or sweater for the holidays. Or to work with a blazer and heels. Works well on both curvy and straighter hips and thighs.
- NYDJ 'Ami' Stretch Skinny Jeans (Black Coated) (Regular & Petite): Comfy leather look jeggings with girdling tummy support.
- BCBGMAXAZRIA Lennox Draped High-Low Moto Jacket: A dramatic draped moto jacket with handkerchief hem. Dress it up or down, and looks good worn over a simple sheath dress. Hard edge.
- Express Metallic Long Sleeve Surplice Blouse: A classic wrap top to wear with trousers or over a pencil skirt. Works well on narrow shoulders and /or a curvy body. Looks quite good on a rectangular shape too. Runs small.
- BCBGMAXAZRIA Brenton Double-Breasted Capelet: A short cape jacket to wear with skirts or dresses. Could be fun with bell bottoms too. Dramatic and distinctive. Very well made. Good on petites.
- Karen Kane Lace Inset Sparkle Sweater: An easy pull-on-and-go knit top with textured ruffles. Comfortable and crease-resistant. Good over black Lyssé leggings.
- BCBGMAXAZRIA Colt High-Low Draped Bomber Jacket: An architectural smart casual topper that looks as good zipped up as it does worn open. The cascading drape is dramatic and avant-garde. The fabric looks "weather resistant" - although I doubt it would stay dry in a downpour.
- Vince Camuto Chiffon Yoke Bell Sleeve Blouse: '70s bell sleeves to wear with fitted flared jeans or trousers. Comes in three colours.
- Vince Camuto Sheer Yoke Shell with Feather Hem (Regular & Petite): A little festive feather fun over black trousers or a skirt.
- Vince Camuto Stretch Lace Pencil Skirt: A stretchy black knitted lace skirt to wear with a comfortable cropped woven blouse.
- Vince Camuto Embellished Front Bell Sleeve Blouse: I love the sleeve and hem treatment of this short blouse. Great over a pencil skirt or flared trousers.
- Vince Camuto Windowpane Velvet Burnout Kimono Wrap: A little iridescent and fringed purple to drape over a column of colour.
- Vince Camuto Pleat Sleeve High/Low Floral Blouse: A stunningly romantic blouse that looks beautiful in motion. The pleats and flounces are heavenly. Might run a size big.
- Vince Camuto 'Carlotte' Pointy Toe Pump (Women): Festive and flattering pumps if you can manage the heel height. Read the rave reviews.
- Vince Camuto 'Nihal' T-Strap Pump (Women): Elegant and versatile if you can manage the heel height. Read the rave reviews.
- Vince Camuto Wide Leg Pants (Regular & Petite): Wide legs that drape quite well. Best if you showcase the satin waistband with a full or semi-tucked top, or crop top.
- ETIENNE AIGNER 'Medium Eva' Leather Wristlet: A little casual and tasseled crocodile bling for your arm.
- Tasha 'Night Owl' Feather Fascinator: Feathered Fascinator Fun.
- Ann Taylor Bella Suede Clutch: A gorgeous deep blue clutch with a strap. Also available in deep red. Retro.
- Banana Republic Vee Peplum Tank: A fitted peplum vest to wear over a blouse with jeans or layered under a jacket. Fun texture.
- Banana Republic Chiffon-Fringe Blazer: A GREAT textured tuxedo blazer. The silky peplum fringe is fab in motion, and the notches in the lapel are quite unique. The sleeves are very slim, especially on the forearm, so consider yourself warned. Great with jeans or jacquard pants.
- Banana Republic BR Monogram Metallic Blazer: A modern classic comes alive in metallic. Not scratchy. A fun tuxedo jacket to wear over a column of black.
Visit the collection page to see the items alongside my descriptions.
