Holiday ensembles shine with a little dazzle

Festive occasions call for glitter and glitz to celebrate this party season in style.

"This year, the glitzier the better," says Michael Fink, fashion spokesman for Saks Fifth Avenue. For a trendy holiday look, he recommends a sequined cocktail dress in navy, bright gold or silver worn with opaque black tights and a classic patent-leather pump or a jeweled evening sandal.

For another date on your hectic social calendar, opt for a simple jersey toga-draped, one-shoulder dress in a soft, neutral color. Or choose a pleated lame gown for a look Fink says is "very 1930s Hollywood and glamorous." Velvet is another good choice this time of year, he adds, as a jacket or pants for toning down a glitzy top.

"The newest idea about 'shine' this season is to mix it with your daytime wardrobe," Fink says. "I love this idea -- a metallic knit or mini-sequin top under a black or gray suiting -- that is very sophisticated. Just leave the evening jewels for the party -- not at work."

The holiday season is fun, says Heather Hannan, public-relations manager for Macy's Midwest, because "it allows us to experiment with a little glitter and sparkle in our wardrobes. I think people expect to see luxe fabrics and sparkling details."

Those sparkling details offer many choices for holiday party wear, she says.

"Gold, silver, patent leather and sequins make clothing instantly glamorous, whether for day or nighttime celebrations," she says. "Accessories are also popping with shiny baubles. You'll see big stones on everything from shoes (to) handbags and oversized necklaces."

Fabrications that reflect a festive theme include velvet, satin and brocade. The classic little black dress in updated silhouettes holds its own amid all the merriment as an easy solution for any occasion.

"New shapes like a sheath, trapeze or shift make this classic dress modern and updated this holiday season," Hannan says. "Take it to the next level by adding accessories that glitter and sparkle. You can add as much or as little glitz to your outfit to ensure it's appropriate for the party you are attending."

At hip'tique in Shadyside, owner Christine Berardi says clients still rely on black cocktail dresses to take them through the holiday season.

"So many people come in and say they don't want black," she says, but after seeing the variations of the sophisticated shade, "they go out with a new version."

Amanda Hall, co-owner of Jupe Boutique in South Side, says holiday dresses run the gamut in styles and fabrications, from all-sequin to silky charmeuse, many in mini-lengths that can double as tunics overtop a pair of pants. Gold and silver metallic dresses in vintage jersey material are especially popular.

"You'll see them from all the high-end contemporary designers," Hall says.

For a different take on holiday styles, she suggests pairing a party dress with black opaque tights instead of nude pantyhose.

Betsy Thompson, fashion spokeswoman for Talbots, says every wardrobe should include at least one stand-out piece for celebrating the holiday season in style.

"It could be a tuxedo jacket you can wear as an elegant evening suit or pair with jeans and strappy heels. It might be a fabulous envelope clutch that's slightly oversized, a shimmery blouse finished with a single rhinestone buckle or a lacy cami," she says. "Whatever you choose, it should be eye-catching."

One of the season's best-selling accessories at hip'tique, according to Berardi, is an elegant evening purse enhanced with Swarovski crystals from Kenny Ma Designs Inc. At about $220, it complements any fancy party outfit.

"And I love that you can still wear it with jeans," she says.

Defining the Season

For stand-out holiday apparel, it's all about the details, says Betsy Thompson, fashion spokeswoman for Talbots. Here are her tips for ways to make the season bright:

• Front and back details -- subtle styling details that help ensure you look great coming and going

• Hints of shimmer and lace

• Home-decor favorites in clean shapes -- a Jacquard swing jacket, Tartan cocktail dress or gown

• Shades of black and charcoal, with crimson, regal purple, platinum, gold leaf and winter fresh pine green accents

• An embroidered lace skirt paired with a silk satin jacket, bright sleek turtleneck and boots

• Stretch velvet opera gloves worn with a plaid silk strapless gown for a touch of Old World glamour

• Comfy separates like a gently belted jacket and lush velvet fluid leg pants that offer easy elegance and are ideal for entertaining at home

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