How to Wear: Statement Necklaces

Everyone has a show-stopping necklace (or two) in their possession. While picking out a statement necklace is easy – it’s colorful, impressive, and a quick buy – styling it isn’t always a walk in the park. Statement necklaces are a great way to add dimension and glamour into an outfit, whether it’s for a formal event, an average work day, or an errand-running afternoon. Follow these five dos and don’ts to effortlessly incorporate any statement necklace into your ensemble regardless of occasion.

Don’t   /    Do

   

Tip 1: Neckline. For a more sophisticated look, pair a statement necklace with an unembellished neckline. In the left-handed picture, you’ll see the neckline is scalloped, which interferes and distracts from the texture and shape of the necklace.

   

Tip 2: Length. It’s easy to look like you’re trying too hard when wearing a statement necklace. Avoid this pitfall by pairing a bold necklace with shirt that complements its length. In most cases, a bib-shaped necklace should be worn as tight to the neck as possible so the chain can’t be seen. The neckline of the shirt shouldn’t interfere with the necklace either. So either wear a shirt that is cut high enough that the neckline isn’t seen but is covered by the necklace, or is low enough so the necklace doesn’t touch it at all.

Tip 3: Additional accessories. I’m all for over-accessorizing. I think the “take one accessory off before you leave the house” rule is complete rubbish. That being said, when wearing a statement necklace you need to accessorize sparingly. In the left hand picture, the pearl necklace is interrupted by the belt twist happening just a few inches below. Furthermore, if you’re going to wear a fun print and a statement necklace together, everything else should remain very simple. While the model on the right has accessorized with a statement necklace, a watch, and many rings, they all have a similar texture, are placed far enough apart, and interact on a blank black canvas.

Tip 4: Collared shirts. If you’re wearing a collared shirt with a statement necklace, it should be placed outside the collar (i.e. not touching your skin). Secondly, tighten the necklace so that it hangs directly below the where you’ve buttoned it, not hanging awkwardly low and not so tight that it messes with the structure of the collar.

Tip 5: Layer. It pains me to see people who wear statement necklaces, yet dress like they are afraid of them. If you’re going to be bold enough to wear a statement necklace, the rest of your outfit should follow suit. This doesn’t mean you should over-accessorize, but to allow a statement necklace to garner the attention it deserves, pair it with an outfit that combines textures, colors and shapes.

Dressing Professionally Part II: Shopping

Welcome to Part II of 5 Tips to Dressing Professionally on a Budget. This shopping guide abides to the previously set ground rules: stick with a uniform of neutral colors and classic shapes, and buy fewer, high quality things.

Pants

For workwear, well-fitted pants are my go-to. Because I’m short, I prefer trouser cuts that are cropped at the ankle or just above. There are a LOT of work-appropriate pants out there, but the cheap ones are often baggy in weird places and are made with uncomfortable fabrics. While I know I’m not offering much variety as to brands, J.Crew is hands down my favorite place to buy pants for work. At J.Crew you can always find classic shapes, neutral colors, and the fabric is just the right amount of stretchy so you can handle sitting at your desk all day. As the weather heats up, a cropped trouser will allow you to show off fun footwear (boots with work pants looks awkward anyway), and you can wear it with either heels or flats.

With boot cut pants for instance, if you wear them with heels they should just barely hover off the ground. There’s nothing worse than seeing one inch of a three inch heel peeking out from under the pant hemline. The trendiest of the choices here would be a wide-leg or culotte-style trouser. This look made waves in fall 2014, and was all over the fall 2015 runway as well. It’s safe to say this trend is not going anywhere soon. Note: I find that J.Crew pants run way big, so buy online with caution.

J.Crew, New Campbell Capri Pant in Bi-Stretch Cotton.

J.Crew, Ryder Pant.

J.Crew, Cropped Patio Trouser.

Tibi, Beatle Menswear Cropped Pants.

Tibi, Pleated Culottes.

Anthropologie, Verso Wide-Leg Trousers.

Shirts

Referring back to my professional dress advice, always buy classic shapes if you’re on a budget. Even if you have to spend a few more dollars to get the classic shape instead of settling for the trend du jour, it is always worth it in the long run. In my opinion, peplum is so out it hurts, and button-downs can always save the day. Button-downs are so versatile, and appropriate in almost any situation or season.

Anthropologie, Lana Buttondown Tunic. Note: Leave it unbuttoned over one of the conservative pant choices above to add some interesting layers and dimension to your look. Add a structured blazer if it’s cold.

Anthropologie, Ashby Buttondown. Cloth and Stone have the best shirts. They are otherworldly soft, have a relaxed fit, and often have a fun structural detail (such as these tails) in the back. I’m warning you now, it’s hard to find a button-down like this that’s loose without looking bulky and unfitted.

Vince, Sleeveless Mixed Media Overlay Blouse.

Dresses

Looking towards spring and summer, the best kind of dresses to invest in now are shirt dresses or wrap dresses. These pieces are easy to layer with a blazer and leggings when its cold, and can be worn with bare legs and flats later on.

Gap, Marled Ribbed Sweater Midi Dress. A knit pencil skirt that hits just below the knees is both comfortable and easy to style. This is a great piece to wear in transitional weather.

Gap, Worker Shirtdress.

Gap, Pleated Shirtdress.

Madewell, Button-Down Shirtdress.

Madewell, Abroad Dress.

Coats/Blazers

No winter or early spring outfit is complete without some sort of jacket. Even if a preppy blazer isn’t your style, a sharp jacket always pulls a professional ensemble together. The perfect blazer is not only a great sartorial investment, but can be key in transforming your outfit from office- to happy-hour-appropriate.

J.Crew, Regent Blazer in Linen.

J.Crew, Quilted Cropped Jacket.

Madewell, Lycée Drapey Blazer.

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Topshop, Petite Double Collar Blazer.

5 Tips for Dressing Professionally on a Budget

Last month, one of the styling story requests I received was about dressing professionally on a budget. This, my friends, is a fantastic question. I have to admit that I’ve never officially had to dress “professionally.” The majority of my internships took place either online (pajamas required), or in some fashion-related environment, in which the kookier you dressed, the more respected you were. One summer however, with no internship prospects in sight, my dad graciously hired me as an intern at his investor relations firm. On my second day, I wore hot pink chinos, and on my second day, I quit (partly because no one complimented or respected my awesome pants – a very novel feeling).

That discouraging professional-dress-history aside, I still have some professional dress suggestions thanks to my good friend Olivia Pope. The vote is in and everyone agrees – Olivia Pope is the baddest bitch in the world of professional dress. The actual clothing pieces she wears are designer-made, but simply shopping for work clothes or getting dressed with her style in mind will put you leagues ahead of everyone.

Tip 1. Uniform. Find a professional uniform that works for you. Don’t wear skirts often to work? Don’t buy them anymore! It’s more important to have a smaller selection of high quality things that you wear at least once a week, than an expansive closet full of things you rarely wear. While Olivia has a team of stylists behind the scenes dressing her in beautiful pieces, she definitely has a uniform, and it involves a lot of wide-leg pants and blanket coats.

Tip 2. Color. I realize that not everyone loves neutrals as much as I do, but sticking with clothing in a small range of colors makes it much easier to arrange new outfits. If you do as I do and lean towards black, gray, navy, white, and cream, don’t feel as though the tones need to match. Take a hint from the J.Crew lookbook and pair together stark white pants, an off-white sweater, and a cream jacket. That sort of tonal mix and match works, and in fact looks chic, but a mix and match of red, black, and blue will have you looking like a mess.

Tip 3. Classic Structure. One of the largest lessons in dressing professionally is buying classic things to build your uniform. If you’re considering buying a $40 peplum blouse vs. a simple $60 blouse – go for the simple one, you’ll thank yourself later. Believe me, you won’t want to be wearing a painfully trendy shirt in ten years. As my other good friend Karl Lagerfeld said, “Trendy is the last stage before tacky.”

Tip 4. Tailoring. Some of the best money you’ll spend on clothing is having it tailored. This goes back to the few expensive things vs. more inexpensive things – you get what you pay for. If you find a pair of nice pants on the Neiman’s sale rack, but they are a bit too baggy in the butt and too long at the bottom, but have a nice overall shape and high-quality fabric, buy them and take them to the tailor. Your tailor will be able to make the pants look perfect on you in a way that you’ll never be able to buy right off the rack, regardless of where you shop or how much you spend. With a high quality fabric, the piece of clothing will last forever if you treat it right – think of it as an investment.

Tip 5. Prioritize. There’s no way around it – high quality clothing is expensive. To avoid the fast-fashion rut (those times you go into H&M, blow $80 on seven things, and then have to replace those seven things two months later when they fall apart), you must prioritize – something I find nearly impossible. If you know you’re in need of a new handbag, keep in mind that every time you give into your baser instinct and go wild at H&M, you’re that much further away from buying that beautiful satchel you’ve been eyeing. So prioritize – set a goal for what you want and when you want to make your big purchase, and don’t let any quick buys distract you.

I’ve probably just given you the exact advice you didn’t want to hear – buy less at more expensive prices – but thus is the motto of adulthood. However as much as I’ve come to love neutral colors and classic shapes in my clothing, I can’t seem to leave the house without a touch of something accidentally ridiculous in my outfit. So what are the approved fun work buys to balance out the rule following? Shoes, knit shirts, and scarves.

Fun Buys: Shoes are like cars, the second you take them out for a spin, their value decreases. I love beautiful, expensive shoes, but the truth is, they are touching the ground everyday, all day long. Buy shoes from a brand that produces a reliable product that will get you through a year or two, but there’s no need to go designer on them if you can’t afford it. As for knit shirts, in my experience, the shirts I get at Gap hold up much better than the knits at higher-end stores. If you can get a Breton stripe at Old Navy for $10, and a shirt with the exact same look from Vince for $120 – the choice seems obvious. Save that extra money and put it towards that beautiful handbag we were talking about. Lastly, scarves. Scarves are a must-have for any work outfit especially in the cooler months. You don’t have to have an Hèrmes scarf (though you should eventually save up for one!) to look like a stylish Parisian. Sometimes vintage clothing stores have a whole basket full of vintage silk scarves for next to nothing. If you’re unsure about wearing a completely black outfit for instance, tying a vibrant scarf around your neck will quell that fear. For an added dose of fun, don’t forget a swipe of bold lipstick, and a trendy hairdo.

Stay tuned for Part II of Dressing Professionally on a Budget, which will include shoppable links!

What to Wear: Valentine’s Day Edition

Valentine’s Day is here – but what to wear? My outfit suggestions for those going out this Saturday night, under romantic pretence or not, are as follows. This year don’t go for the obvious sartorial choice, that being short and tight, but choose something romantic and grand. These ensembles will have you feeling your personal best, even if the whole flowers, chocolates, love note thing doesn’t pan out as you expected.

Category 1: Dressed-down formal wear. I have a ton of formal dresses hanging in my closet – some are remnants from high school homecomings, others are vintage dresses I simply couldn’t live without. Unfortunately, I don’t get a lot of wear out of these dresses nowadays, so on occasions like Christmas Eve or Valentine’s Day, I try to make them work. Make a formal dress work for you, even if you’re just going to dinner and a movie, by pairing it with a leather or jean jacket, and unexpected shoes. If you’re daring, put a thin long-sleeve tee under a strapless dress, or a pair of tight jeans under a highly textured, leg-baring dress.

Category 2: Full tea-length skirts. Few outfits are more romantic than those involving ’50s inspired skirts. These types of skirts that are fitted at the waist, flare out, and hit just below the knee are universally flattering, and visually harken back to a bygone era. These skirts are extremely easy to style, and can be worn with anything from a casual t-shirt to a button-down. Extra vintage points for those who incorporate polkadots, t-strap heels, faux-fur stoles, and glossy red lips.

Category 3: Pants. This is a perfect choice for the Valentine’s Day cynics, whether you’re in a relationship or not. Stay mildly festive with traditional Valentine’s Day colors, but opt for tight pants and a structured jacket instead of some painfully girly ensemble. Not only will this combo keep you warm (it is still February after all), but you’ll feel comfortable and chic, too. Note: A pantsuit requires cool accessories and an awesome hairdo.

Winter 2015 Layering Tips

It’s mid-way through winter. You’ve already worn all of your favorite cold-weather clothing and there’s still no sign of warmer days ahead – at least for my northern friends. Cold weather demands layered clothing, but layering can be tricky, and discouraging. Nobody wants to be mistaken for a hobo with a mismatched (but warm) outfit, nor does anyone want to appear 10 pounds heavier stuffed into layers and layers of bulky sweaters. Get sartorially inspired by the following easy-to-do layering tips to stay warm until spring arrives.

1. Color. For those who feel completely uncoordinated when they are forced to layer in the winter months, the first thing you should do is color coordinate your outfit. Pick a color tone, whether its neutral – grays, blacks, creams – or otherwise – emerald green, pastel pink, burgundy – and stick to shades of it. If you want to mix prints, you can play with scale, but again, stay in the same color family.

2. Texture. When layering, always try to mix up the textures you’re wearing. You don’t want to wear all knit, or all silk. Layer these textures to make your outfit look more dimensional and thoughtful.

3. Jackets. With texture variation in mind, don’t be afraid to layer jackets. Under my go-to wool coat, I love to wear a denim jacket or anorak under it with the collar popped. This will keep you extra warm outside, and is easy to take off inside. Another thing to consider with your jacket is proportion. If you’re wearing a skirt or dress with your outer coat, don’t let your coat extend past the hem of your skirt or dress.

4. Vest. Another warm way to layer underneath your big coat is with a vest of a different texture – my white faux-fur vest is a favorite of mine. Vests are completely underrated, and will keep your body warm and your arms relatively mobile. Sometimes wearing too many layered jackets at once will have you feeling like the Michelin Man even if you don’t look it.

5. Turtlenecks. My love affair with turtlenecks began approximately three months ago. A tissue-thin turtleneck knit shirt helps to maintain a remarkable amount of warmth, and is so thin you can wear it under just about anything without feeling stuffy. I like wearing a light gray or cream tissue turtleneck underneath a white button-down on particularly cold days.

6. Scarves. Ahh, scarves. You can do just about anything with a good scarf – protect your hair while riding in a convertible Grace Kelly style, wrap your body in it for a post-beach sarong, tie it over your shoulder and around your back for a makeshift dog sling… the list goes on. I have every size, shape, and texture of scarf that I wear depending on the weather and purpose, but in the dead of winter to keep myself warm, nothing is more comforting than a long, tartan plaid blanket scarf. Two of my favorite personal scarf moments:

7. Leggings. I never wear tights, I find them itchy, and they never keep me warm. Leggings, however, are another story. If it’s freezing cold, wearing leggings under a short skirt are probably not going to keep you very warm (even if they are thick, the wind will cut right through them). That being said, leggings will work wonders for you if worn under a maxi skirt, wide-leg trousers, baggy boyfriend jeans and the like.

Button-Down Shirt Hacks

I don’t know about you, but I have too many button-down shirts hanging in my closet. While I don’t wear most of them regularly, they have become colorful little memory capsules that I can’t seem to get rid of. One oversized men’s blue and white striped button-down I bought at an Upper East Side thrift shop one cool, spring Saturday morning. One classic white I got from writing a Macy’s promotional post for CollegeFashionista. Another pink gingham is a leftover from my ex-boyfriend. If you share my dilemma, don’t throw out your button-down shirt collection, and don’t let it sit there – breathe some life back into your shirts with one of these five easy adjustments.

1. Wrap-and-Tuck. This is a major spring trend that’s easy to do, and perfect for those who find well-fitted, conservatively buttoned-up shirts to be repulsively preppy. To get this look you’ll need a slightly oversized button-down shirt, and a safety pin or two if you’re shy. Don’t button any of the existing buttons, simply wrap one half of the shirt around you, tuck it in, and wrap the other tail across and tuck that one in. If you fear being indecent, pin the shirt together (from the inside) at the V where the sides of the shirt cross. This billowy, twisted look on top looks best with tight pants of a different texture, a form fitting pencil skirt, or really anything with a fitted waistline. Roll up the sleeves J.Crew style to complete the look.

2. Swap Out. Shirt, jacket, bag – whatever it is, if it has good buttons, it instantly looks higher quality. With this in mind, take your most boring button-down and give it a kick with some new buttons – I promise you’ll instantly like it better. If I were to cut the clear plastic buttons off my plain, white Guess button-down, I’d replace them with gold buttons or black bead tuxedo buttons. Be sure to take your shirt with you when you go button shopping to make sure that the buttons you like are small enough to fit in the buttonholes, and big enough to stay in the holes as you wear it.

3. Personalize. If you are preppy enough to have purchased a button-down, odds are you’re probably preppy enough to enjoy a good monogram here and there. Am I right? Crafty people, take up your needle and embroidery thread and embroider your initials, monogram, logo, what have you, directly above your breast pocket. For those who don’t know how embroidery thread is different from regular thread, take your to-be-personalized shirt to a tailor and have them do it for you. I for one greatly fear the stuffy implications of a traditional monogram – so I’d rather customize my shirt with an embroidered “Twyla,” or (3 letter options) “Twy,” or “HRH,” and NEVER in one of those god-awful curly fonts. Even when the shirt becomes worn out, rips in an awkward place, or is irreversibly stained, you can still wear a white shirt with some pajama pants to bed.

4. Iron on. This tip is particularly angled towards those shirts without a print. Take your plain button-down up a notch, or two, with craft-store-bought iron-on appliqués. Buy two of the same appliqué, something pretty and classic, no Disney references, and adhere one on each of the lapels. For the sparkly daredevils out there, remember – bedazzled lapels never hurt anybody.

5. Cut it up. A crop top may be 2014 for your taste, but a well-tailored shirt is forever. Take one of your more structured button-downs, and cut off 6-inches or so from the bottom and hem it. This will give you a clean, cropped, flirty button-down that isn’t the worn-to-death knit crop top. Decide where you want to cut the shirt based on the kind of pants you plan on wearing it with. For this contemporary look, plan on the shirt hitting right at the pant line or an inch lower for some wiggle room – definitely do not go any higher. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this kind of handiwork, have a tailor do it – it will still be cheaper and more eco-friendly than buying a completely new shirt!

How to Wear: Cowboy Boots

Unless you’re a rodeo regular or visiting Texas from overseas, odds are you probably don’t want to look like a ranch hand each time you slip into your cowboy boots. Cowboy boots are a great alternative to completely unoriginal Fry boots, but unfortunately are overlooked because they carry such heavy western connotations. Before I explain the non-caricature way to wear cowboy boots, here are the things not to wear with them (at least in the beginning). By all means, once your cowboy boots become a staple, please break these rules – except for #4 that one is a non-negotiable.

1. Blue jeans. I don’t care if they are dark wash, light wash, skinny or bootcut, if you’re self conscious about looking like a rodeo queen in your cowboy boots, the first thing to do is avoid pairing them with blue jeans. After all, blue jeans have a higher attendance at the rodeo than cowboy boots. Unfortunately, this also goes for blue jean jackets.

2. Chambray or suede. With chambray or suede pieces, you’re getting into the same territory as above. There’s nothing a legitimate cowgirl loves more than pairing together thick blue jeans, a chambray shirt with pearlescent snap buttons, and a nice suede topper. Resilient fabrics are a must for cowgirls – so your job is to avoid them at all costs when the cowboy boots are on.

3. Graphic tees. Do not wear a graphic tee with cowboy boots, I’m just telling you now, you will look like a country bumpkin (regardless of how cool that concert was you went to and bought a t-shirt at).

4. Mini skirt, jean shorts, or skater dress. Please don’t pair cowboy boots with a denim mini skirt, cut off jean shorts, or with a cutesy skater dress. So 2004. So embarrassing to be seen in.

5. Big belt buckle. Even if it isn’t a particularly western belt buckle, and doesn’t show a longhorn or any sign of bedazzlement, if you wear a thick belt with a noticeable belt buckle in an outfit with cowboy boots, people will assume you ride your horse to school.

Now that the ground rules have been explained, I’ll give some suggestions for how you should wear cowboy boots with items that are already in your closet. When you’re planning an outfit with cowboy boots, try to dress like a New Yorker or a Parisian – think neutral colors, streamlined shapes, and practical pieces. When your outfit is too overworked, too thought-out, it’s painfully obvious. Try to get dressed as you normally would when you wear calf or knee-high boots, but replace those tired Fry’s with some sharp cowboy boots.

BOTTOMS:

1. Jeans. I know I’ve nixed thick blue jeans, but at this day in age, there are a plethora of colors and textures to choose from. Instead of blue, go for black, gray, or even white jeans. Instead of thick, or loose jeans, go for jeans that are ultra-thin, maybe a little ripped at the knees, and formfitting. Tuck the jeans into your boots so they get as much attention as possible. As much as I adore my boyfriend jeans, pairing them with cowboy boots is not for the faint of heart. If you need a belt to hold up your jeans, make sure it is clean, discrete, and has a classic belt buckle. Also, if you’re pants-intolerant as I am, leggings are allowed. However not just any kind of leggings, they should be of the thicker variety, absolutely no neon colors, and not made of a material that is so obviously intended for working out.

2. Skirts + Dresses. If you fancy yourself a bohemian, try wearing a long skirt or dress with your cowboy boots. Nothing too cumbersome or thick, but think lots of thin transparent layers. This is obviously a little more difficult to do than sticking with jeans, but if you’re a Free People obsessive, you’ve probably got it under control.

TOPS:

3. Button-down shirt. The most professional, dressed up choice would be a crisp white, gray or black button-down – cotton, linen, doesn’t matter, but should have some structure to it. If you’re wearing leggings, this button-down can be a little larger so it covers your butt. With oversized button downs, leave an extra button undone at the top (with a tank underneath) and the cuffs rolled well (this is imperative, see tutorial). If your button-down is fitted, tuck in the tails, at least in the front.

4. Knit shirt. If you’re not a button-down enthusiast, this is your option. I personally like wearing my three-quarter length boatneck t-shirt, or thin, draped neck long sleeve tee. If your pants are tight, you can get away with a knit shirt that is a little looser, but if in doubt, go with something fitted. To keep the focus on the cowboy boots, make sure that your knit shirt is again, in one of the neutral colors (black, gray, white, oatmeal) and doesn’t have a lame graphic on it. Little embellishments, i.e. beads on the sleeve, are okay as long as they are relatively discrete, but a distracting print or huge graphic is going to take your outfit down a notch and make it look less expensive.

5. Jacket. Regardless of whether you’re wearing a button-down or a knit shirt, you’ll probably need a jacket to complete the look. Avoid any kind of jean or suede jacket, and instead opt for a luxe blazer or black leather jacket. A blazer in a novelty fabric such as satin or velvet would be particularly dashing. Coattails and awesome buttons are optional.

ACCESSORIES:

6. Jewelry. When you’re playing up your cowboy boots, it is important that you don’t wear glaring statement jewelry. When you wear too many showstoppers at once, you look out of control. Stick with your everyday jewelry, or if that isn’t solidified, simple, dainty gold jewelry will do – a thin gold necklace or two, your clunky watch, understated studs.

7. Other. Adding a scarf to the mix is always a good idea, whether it’s a chunky knit or a square silk one. My only advice is not to tie it like a bandana around your neck. Note bene: For the love of god, please avoid the monogramed accessories your sorority sister gave you, any and all headbands or hair bows (particularly those produced by Lilly Pulitzer), and nail art – you never needed chevron stripes on your nails.

8. Cowboy boots. The best cowboy boots are always the vintage ones – not only are they broken in, but they lend an air of authenticity. In Dallas, my favorite place to find vintage cowboy boots is Dolly Python. If you’re not in Dallas or visiting anytime soon, look online for a new pair. Keep in mind – Nordstrom etc. does NOT sell cowboy boots, they sell fashion cowboy boots and that is in no way the same thing. For authentic, stylish boots, check out Cavender’s, Old Gringo, Ariat, and Lucchese. My favorite cut is the snip toe, which has a sharp toe as opposed to a rounded or square one. Sure, some pairs are pretty pricey, but they will literally last a lifetime if you take good care of them.

Ride on!

What to Wear: New Year’s Eve

The fashion forecast this New Year’s Eve predicts plunging necklines and all things sequined. While the following seven pieces are by no means innovative picks for the most glamorous night of the year, I prefer to think of them as classic New Year’s Eve selections. To switch things up, pair one of these show-stopping ensembles with barely-there makeup. After all, the pairing of opposites is a sign of innate sartorial grace. Read on for shoppable links, inspiration, and styling advice.

H&M, Jumpsuit with Fringe, $59.95.

Conservative enough for dinner with family, yet festive enough for drinks with friends, this jumpsuit is a good pick regardless of your New Year’s Eve itinerary. Jumpsuits in general are particularly well-suited to plans that involve a dance floor. Complete the outfit with metallic heels, a sequined clutch, and vintage, clip-on earrings.

Atterly Road, Black Sequin Slit Maxi Dress, $42.00.

This dress has a precarious cut – so wear with caution. Pair the dress with a comfortable pair of pumps (ones you don’t have to worry about), and minimal jewelry. Sweep hair out of the face and into a low chignon for a glamorous, old Hollywood look.

ZARA, Dress with draping at the back, $39.99.

This dress has the same dramatic draping at the back as the previous dress, but with this one, you won’t have to worry about the high leg slit as well. Since the dress grazes the knees, and might hit even lower on shorter girls, wear this dress with heels to lengthen the leg. Note: Don’t wear a cross-body or shoulder strap purse with this kind of neckline – it will have your dress slipping off your shoulder all night. Annoying!

Nasty Gal, Hustle Sequin Dress, $98.00.

With so much skin, and so many sequins, tone this look down with a beautiful pair of flats. Brightly colored, embroidered flat mules would be a particularly trendy choice. As for jewelry, layer a few of your favorite delicate necklaces to add some dimension (and coverage).

TOPSHOP, Sequin Bandeau Jumpsuit, $160.00.

Whether it’s a dress, a skirt, or a jumpsuit, mid-length pieces should always be worn with leg-lengthening shoes. Avoid booties, platforms, wedges or heels with a thick ankle strap. Again, keep jewelry simple and delicate so it doesn’t interfere with the onslaught of sequins. Necklaces should not extend past the sweetheart cut.

Urban Outfitters, Kimchi Blue Sadie Deep-V Sequin Tank Dress, $79.00.

If you only remember one thing from this post, let it be that super short dresses should not be worn with sky-high heels. Do it for your mom, do it for the sake of good taste, but mainly do it for yourself. Pair this dress with a faux fur caplet, shiny oxfords, and a stack of bangles on each wrist.

TOPSHOP, Silk Bardot Pencil Dress, $420.00.

This is the most elegant and timeless ensemble of group, and, not surprisingly, the most expensive. Draw attention to the beautiful neckline by pulling your hair up into a ballet bun or a french twist. Pair the dress with a classic heel (nothing too bulky) and a bejeweled clutch.

How to Wear: Novelty Leggings

No one loves leggings more than I do. Stretchy, soft, and able to be worn both in and out of bed, leggings are a part of my daily uniform. In my eyes, the only thing better than your typical cotton or nylon-blend legging is a pair of holiday-season-appropriate novelty leggings. Novelty (/ˈnävəltē/) is defined as “the quality of being new, original, or unusual.” In the phrase “novelty leggings,” novelty comes to refer to velvet, knit, and sequins. These types of leggings can be easily found at a “fast-fashion” store this time of year – Target, H&M, and the like have got you covered. As to how to style these pieces? Keep reading…

I just bought a pair of velvet leggings at Target the other day, and am having trouble convincing myself to wear anything else. While these can obviously be worn in a party setting to stay warm and look festive, I like wearing mine during the day for some subtle, sartorial holiday spirit. For a daytime look, pair the leggings with a white, button-down shirt (one that is a little large and covers your butt), a colorful, chunky scarf, and either loafers, pointed-toe ballet flats, or your favorite booties. My opinion this holiday season = velvet leggings > leather leggings.

Another amazing Target find this last week: pink sweater leggings. These Fair Isle showstoppers are a little more difficult to style compared to velvet and sequins because they are multicolored, patterned, and closely resemble pajama bottoms. Okay fine, they are pajama bottoms. In order to avoid looking like you literally rolled out of bed in the morning, I suggest only wearing these at night – either vamped up for a party or just to get into bed on Christmas Eve. Pair bright knit leggings such as these with a chambray shirt, a structured, satin blazer, and a pair of sky-high, bejeweled heels.

A few years ago I invested in a pair of Alice & Olivia sequined leggings in black. At this point, they have paid for themselves in compliments. If you haven’t already taken the plunge and bought a pair of sparkly pants, I suggest you do so immediately. Regardless of the color of sequins you choose, I find sequin leggings easy to style because their texture is so unique. The only rule with sequined leggings is not to wear them with other sequined items of clothing – let the leggings be the star of the show. For a party outfit, wear sequined leggings with a long, chunky knit sweater, and a pair of delicate (non-bejeweled) heels.