Strange Magic
Jessica Wagner
Warming Trends for the Holidays
Fall's best knitwear is soft and feminine. And maybe a little magic.
This holiday season pull on a dainty knit number, tuck in your hair and layer up with shades of burgundy and oh-so-pretty blush.
There are endless options for keeping cozy this time of year, chunky knits, fishermen style sweaters and thick woven wools, but nothing is more festive than snow white frills and rose-red waterfalls.
When putting together party looks, go for cheery and charming. Find ways to make a vivid statement, while keeping comfortable. Holiday looks are all about that extra bit of shimmer, but before you add on the luster, make sure you’re not sacrificing comfort.
Here are a few questions to ask when putting together that perfect holiday look:
Can I eat multiple helpings without splitting seams? (This actually happened to me the other week. They were a favorite pair of J Brand jeans right in the kisser. You could literally hear them as they ripped open. Thankfully I was with friends. I tried to blame the strange but obvious noise on a frog. It didn’t work. It was quite embarrassing.) Moving on… Can I last in heels longer than 2 minutes? Will this outfit hold up to spillage (wine)? Am I going to be warm enough? Am I comfortable asking the host to turn up the heat? (My thoughts of comfort mainly revolve around food, drink and heat levels, but you get the idea.)
If you like to dress up, an expensive party dress is great, but why do we tend to spend the most money on things we wear the least? Try thrifting fancier pieces or wait for them to go on sale. If you can plan throughout the year, you won’t have to spend a small fortune on a last minute party look. Being able to mix and match is key, which brings me to this particular dress. It’s a think knit, so it’s warm (which was on my checklist) and the color goes with everything (easy to mix and match.) This is a style that can be dressed up or down, worn with boots, tights, heels or flats. It’s simple, but romantic, with a touch of glamour in the ruffled details.
If you are planning for separates, try for a statement layer in a bold color or pattern that you can make multiple outfits out of. This duster vest is a perfect example. This style hit this season by storm, and I can see why. It’s extremely versatile, and looks good layered with everything - all types of tops and bottoms, jeans to skirts, boots to heels. I love that this style can be belted or left open, each creating a different vibe. I wasn’t sure about this piece at first, but the oxblood color has allure and it was while I was in the fitting room that and I realized it really does look good with everything.
Finally add in a pair of statement shoes (and get ready to check off cherry and charming.) Sparkly styles and pretty pink undertones look ever so chic. These sateen glossy flats are my current ballerina-inspired accessory of choice. Also play into the holiday magic by mixing in red. This season is all about the more sophisticated shades, like wine, burgundy or cabernet.
Lastly, if it’s a romantic “something” that’s fun to twirl in, then you’re holiday ready for the most spirited of seasons ahead.