Layering hosiery allows me to wear dresses and skirts all year round, even when temperatures plummet. I wear two pairs of hose with tall boots and all the necessary top layers, outerwear and Winter accessories to stay toasty throughout the day, indoors and out. This trick is effective even for someone who feels the cold as quickly as I do.

Here are three effective hosiery combinations for skirts and dresses:

• Double opaques: If opaque tights are your thing, wear two pairs instead of one. The visual effect is more opaque, much like you’re wearing thick leggings.
• One thick one thin: If too pairs of opaques is too warm, layer basic sheer hose underneath woolly tights or opaques.
• Secret underneath layer: Sheer hose, patterned hose and fishnets are extra pretty and feminine but not as toasty as woolly tights or opaques. No problem! Layer a pair of inexpensive flesh toned sheer hose underneath the fancy hose and you are set. I like to layer flesh toned hose so that the effect of the patterned hose stays the same. You can also layer sheer black or coloured hose underneath patterned hose, but that will change the effect of the pattern on your legs.

Wear tall boots with your layered hosiery on bitterly cold days for the extra leg insulation. Pumps and short boots won’t keep you nearly as warm.

When it’s really freezing, layer a pair of thick opaque tights underneath your jeans. Long silk underwear or thermal long johns are also an option, but I prefer to layer hose because I find it more streamlined and comfortable.

You don’t need to break the bank when you layer hose. The underneath layer, which is hardly visible, can be the drugstore kind that’s as cheap as chips.

Note: when I refer to skirts in this post I’m also including the skirt component of a frock, and not only skirt separates.

A straight skirt has side seams that lie somewhat straight against the sides of the body. The classic example is a pencil skirt. The side seams of a flared skirt, on the other hand, are not straight against the body and are therefore not as form fitting. Flared skirts can be paneled, gathered, A-line or pleated to create a more voluminous effect.

I love both skirt silhouettes! Although I often wear pencil skirts and straight sheath dresses, I also have two retro 50’s style fit-and-flare frocks with tulle petticoats (one in purple and one in black) that I absolutely adore. I like the swooshing sound they make when I stride and the Madmen vibe I feel when I wear them.  Super fun all round.

But I’m siding with Team Straight Skirt because that’s represented the most in my wardrobe. I find pencil skirts easy to fit and to wear, and I enjoy the curves they create on my body. However I’d be happy to bat for Team Flared Skirt in the future.

Over to you. Are you Team Straight or Team Flared Skirt? Tell us why and no batting for both teams. You’re on the bench if you don’t wear skirts or dresses at all. Let’s hear it.

This is the first time in several years that I don’t have a formal holiday party on the calendar. I’m excited to attend the more casual holiday parties we’ve been invited to, but since I bat for Team Dressy I will miss getting all dressed up.

Then it dawned on me that I can still get all dressed up if I create my own fancy holiday party occasion. Instead of having fancy supper at home on Christmas Eve, we’re going out to my favourite Japanese Restaurant, Nishino. I’ll be a little over dressed for the occasion in this outfit but that’s alright by me.

I’m following my own suggestion by remixing last year’s party dress ensemble. I have been  aching to wear my cropped black biker jacket over my retro 50’s ball gown complete with tulle petticoat. Well, here I am road testing the look right in the middle of downtown Seattle amidst the Christmas lights. The unexpected pairing is an acquired taste for sure, but I feel fabulously festive and dressed up!

For formal occasions I usually pair my red patent heels, micro fishnets, vintage clutch, brocade shawl and several pearl necklaces with this dress, while leaving off the specs (see here, for example).

This year I’m keeping the ensemble completely neutral, bar my bright red lips. It is black from head to toe, which is a combination I don’t sport often.  I’m dressing down the ball gown with the biker jacket, swapping out the red pumps for black ones with bamboo stacked heels, throwing in diamond micro fishnet hose and finishing off the look with a grey and metallic clutch AND specs. Of course the pile of pearls has to stay put.

If you’re on Team Dressy I encourage you to also create your own formal dressing opportunities. It doesn’t really matter if you’re slightly over dressed for the evening this one time. What matters is that you had fun during the process and enjoyed being the belle of the ball.

Since handbags are one of my very favourite things, I feel obliged to tell you about the fun stuff that’s on sale on Zappos at the moment. Remember to check out all the colour options if the ones shown are not to your taste.

1. Calvin Klein On The Dot Satchel: Adore the unique placement of hardware.
2. Calvin Klein On The Dot Hobo: A little less structured than the satchel but just as fab.
3. Juicy Couture Brogue Houndstooth Day Dreamer: I’m not usually a Juicy Couture fan, but the oversized houndstooth design has my attention.
4. Betseyville Kat’s Eye Satchel: Leave it to Betseyville to offer lilac and blue animal print.
5. Kenneth Cole New York I Let It Go Hobo: Looks great in Summer and Winter.
6. Kate Spade New York Pitrizzia Dot Louis: No prizes for guessing that this one is my favourite.
7. B. Makowsky Olympia North/South Hobo: Classic, clean and lovely.
8. Fossil Winslet II Fab Hobo: The distressed shimmery silver leather is cool.
9. Cole Haan Village Soft East/West Rouched Satchel: A good little basic black handbag.
10. Cole Haan Village Soft North/South Rouched Satchel: Who says you can’t sport a bright yellow handbag in the middle of Winter.
11. Lucky Brand Roadside Attraction Leather Bowler Bag: Bohemian and vintage at the same time.
12. Lucky Brand The Bandit Foldover Hobo with Bias Stitch: Nice for casual Mum on the go.
13. Nine West Stud It Crossbody Flap: Another great casual style for Mum on the go and won’t break the bank.
14. Matt & Nat Pharoah: Vegan leather and utterly fabulous.
15. Big Buddha Coco: Valentino inspired handbags are still the rage and the soft pleather fabrication of this one is impressive.
16. Marc by Marc Jacobs Perfect Tavi: The lining on this one will definitely make you smile.
17. BCBGeneration Medium Convertible Satchel: Interesting colours and a good size.
18. Fossil Hathaway Glazed Tote: Several of my clients love the practical simplicity of this one.

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