It may seem early, but St Patrick’s Day is coming up! I don’t know if I’m superstitious, or it’s my Irish surname Boland, but I always like to wear a touch of green on St. Patrick’s Day. How about you? Of course, there’s no rule you have to, even if you are Irish, but don’t be surprised to feel a little pinch if you don’t.
Have you ever hear the saying Pinch me, I’m Irish?
It turns out there’s an old American tradition that began in the early 1700s of pinching anyone who forgot to wear green on St. Paddy’s Day. Irish folk believed wearing green made them invisible to leprechauns and fairy creatures who liked to go around pinching people. St. Patrick’s day partiers soon started pinching those who didn’t wear green to remind them that leprechauns were coming to get them.
You may want to think about that when deciding what to wear on March 17th. (LOL!) It’s coming up soon. Here are a few green ideas for what to wear on St. Patrick’s Day.
Festive Red & Green Christmas Clothes to Wear or Gift
There’s nothing like having red in your wardrobe to put you in the mood for the holidays. RED always makes things so much more Christmas-like, and it’s a great pick-me-up as skies turn cold and gray.
A touch of red is all you need to get the holiday spirit. Or, go all out and welcome winter in a red satin sheath dress or sparkly red cocktail dress.
This year I bought this elegant wrap style red top. I like to wear it with black velvet jeans and a sparkly gold clutch to get me in a party mood. This one is bright and cheery, but I also found a red satin Christmas blouse that’s more of a wine color, and it’s just as lovely.
Below, I’ve put together a collection of all things red that you can buy as gifts, or build a festive holiday outfit around. Have a look at all these pretty red clothes!
Christmas is a romantic, sentimental time and so it’s no surprise that a pretty lace dress is a perfect choice for a festive cocktail party or special holiday gathering. If you have any doubts about whether lace is for you, take a peek at these modern, chic lace holiday party dresses that look nothing like Victorian lace doilies!
Red Lace by the Fire
Nothing says Merry Christmas better than a beautiful red lace dress. This pretty wrap style is always popular but the romantic puffed sleeves make things new and different. This bolder shoulder is part of that throwback to the 80’s we’re seeing in fashion at the moment. It’s Dynasty all over again, but in a more gentle way. Continue reading “7 Pretty Lace Party Dresses to Wow This Christmas”
Festive, Flattering Holiday Party Pants -10 Styling Tips
If you’ve been invited to a holiday party and feel more at home in comfy pants than a short, tight cocktail dress, don’t sweat it. You can look just as glamorous in Holiday party pants. See here for the latest in holiday party pants.
Plus, here are some more ways on how to style them to look festive and classy this Christmas.
1. Choose Sleek Dress Pants
Pants are an excellent choice for a holiday party when they are on the dressy side. These sleek black tuxedo pants are a great example. They have clean, crisp lines and very little detail other than this striking satin stripe down the side of the legs that makes them more formal looking. The flat front style is elegant and slimming. Pair them with a beautiful satiny blouse and some embellished flats for a glam Christmas Party pants outfit.
If cropped ankle pants are not your style, a pair of unfussy, flowy wide-leg pants (i.e., palazzo pants) are dramatic and sophisticated. To keep them from looking sloppy, make sure the hem grazes the floor, and there’s no pooling fabric at your ankles. The bonus here? Wide-leg pants balance out a fuller hip and bottom.
2. Go all Out in Luxe Fabrics
A rule of thumb when putting together chic holiday party pants outfits is to choose fabrics that are fancier than what you would wear in the daytime. For example, the same kind of materials you would find if you were buying a cocktail dress; velvet, satin, lace, brocade, or something silky that drapes, perhaps lightweight wool, a dressy rayon blend.
These stunning, silk jacquard pants are fabulously festive and are perfect for wearing when you are standing by the Christmas tree chatting with friends, eggnog in hand. Team them up with a soft, creamy sweater, nude high heels, and a glittery clutch, and you have a modern holiday look that is classy but relaxed.
3. Embrace Posh Prints
Dark Florals have been big a huge trend this fall and look incredible at Christmastime. A sophisticated print on a dark back background looks holiday-ready, especially when the fabric has a metallic look or some shine to it. That’s the case with this gorgeous pair of painterly floral pants with a print that sort of reminds me of luxurious foil Christmas wrap! These classic pants are seasonless, which means they will look good at any time of the year.
At holiday time, pair them with a beautiful black blouse that has a hint of ruffle at the wrist. Wearing a solid color black top with these black and red print pants means that your outfit will be balanced. A black top ties in with the pants and keeps your outfit from looking too busy.
4. Choose Pants With Unique Details
I mentioned earlier that holiday party pants look best if they aren’t too fussy, but a single detail like a bow front can be quite charming. Front tie pants have been super popular lately and look very festive this time of year like you are a Christmas present wrapped up with a bow!
5. Reach for a Dressy Top
If you are going to wear dressy evening pants, make sure your top is special too. A blouse in a sumptuous fabric such as lace, silk, or chiffon instantly elevates your look. This feminine lace blouse with the bell sleeves looks fabulous paired with a sexy pair of slim velvet holiday party pants. Cute bow tie pumps complete the look.
You may also like something embellished like a beaded or sparkly sweater or blouse. Avoid anything too heavy or chunky looking. A finer fabric is dressier. Luxe details like drapey or sheer sleeves, a wrap front, or some light embellishment also give it a holiday look.
6. Jewel Tones say Christmas
A top in a solid color like black, white, silver, or gold worn with plain black pants looks dressy and sophisticated. Deep rich jewel tones such as red, green, gold, purple, and royal blue also look classy at Christmas. Just think of a bright shiny Christmas tree, and the colors to wear come naturally.
Remember, solid colors are more formal than busy mixed prints or patterns. If you do want to wear a design up top, make sure the fabric is luxe such as brocade or silk and that your accessories are plain ( such as black) so they don’t compete for attention.
7. Don’t Rule Out a Pantsuit
If you prefer a cool Yves St Laurent Le Smoking look, try wearing a matching blazer with your holiday party pants. Worn with an unbuttoned silk shirt or tank underneath, this is a very sexy look.
8. Accent with Glam Accessories
Holiday party dress pants have an evening feel, so you need dressier accessories than you would wear in the daytime. Trade-in your heavy leather shoulder bag for a delicate clutch and switch out heavy, chunky jewelry for something more fine and ladylike. Gold or silver accessories make an outfit evening-ready.
10. Sexy Shoes are a Must
Holiday party pants will fall flat on their face if you are not wearing the right type of shoe. You need to add a good dose of femininity to your holiday party pants outfit by wearing pretty evening sandals, pointy-toe heels, sleek flats, or sexy booties.
Square toe footwear is more masculine, rounded is less alluring. Strappy, colorful, and sparkly shoes are also more feminine, so have some fun with a sexy pump. If you like more of a boyish vibe, wear dressy, black lace-up shoes.
Here are some more holiday party pants that are trending.
Lace-Trimmed Pants
From top to toe, this is such a cute holiday look! These cute lace trimmed pants are the standout star of the outfit, but coming in at a close second are these slingback suede flats. Together they make quite the outfit team. Top this outfit off with a simple but pretty white blouse and some glitzy earrings to keep the attention firmly on these standout pieces.
Classic – Glamorous Wide Leg Pants
Soft flowing, wide legs pants are perfect for holiday parties. Not only make you look relaxed and sophisticated, but they are super comfy too. Keep them long, so you get that sweeping look- almost like a long skirt and pair them high heels or flats – your choice. This is a great hostess or a guest look.
Classic – Slimming Black Leggings
Some gals can’t get enough of skinny black leggings for a good reason. They can make you look fabulous when worn the right way. Black leggings with beautiful black tunic create a long, slimming silhouette. This gorgeous flocked velvet one worn with leggings makes this outfit look luxurious for a casual winter party. It’s a sophisticated yet laid-back look when you are attending the neighborhood party or visiting friends.
Luxurious Velvet Pants
Velvet is always a winner during the holiday season, and this year it is HUGE! Jumping on board with a trend like velvet and wearing it in a sophisticated way is one of the best ways to look modern and hip without looking like you’re trying too hard. Take a look at how I’m accomplishing that here with basics that have a modern edge.
A classic ankle pant gets a modern update when done in burgundy velvet and paired with a pump with a chic block heel. A black top completes the ensemble but rather than a traditional blouse or sweater; I’ve chosen something more modern, an off-the-shoulder top with statement sleeves.
Festive Plaid Pants
Plaid pants are a classic this time of year, but the high waist and button detail makes these modern and new! Add a velvet square neck top and some chunky pumps, and you have a classic with a twist party look.
Edgy Silver Jeans
Metallic jeans give an edgy vibe to a holiday celebration! Sexy pants like these look great with a black flowy choker neck blouse and tall black boots.
The holidays are all about making space for the special people in your life and for yourself too! That’s why I’ve treated myself to something really luxurious that makes me feel pretty and festive!
If you’ve been invited to a holiday get-together and don’t know what to wear, you can never go wrong with a black holiday party dress. Just like a Christmas tree, a little black dress can be dressed up in dozens of ways to make you shine!
A black holiday party dress is also practical when you’re on a budget because changing a few accessories can give your dress an entirely new holiday party style. Black is always classy, slimming, and appropriate during the holiday season and beyond. Here are four ways to accessorize a black holiday party dress.
Nothing comes between some gals and their jeans, not even the holiday season. If you love denim, and you’re looking for ideas on how to dress it up, that’s pretty easy.
Just look for tops in luxurious holiday fabrics and vibrant colors, and add bling! Here are three examples of glam ways to add some holiday sizzle to your favorite pair of casual jeans.
Most of us think of leggings as pretty casual, but there’s a lot you can do to dress them up, especially this time of year. Leggings are a chic, comfy choice for a holiday party when you style them with a festive top and some holiday-themed accessories. Here are five classy Christmas party outfit ideas with leggings.
1. Slip on a Sparkly Tunic
Dressing head toe in shades of black and gray look sophisticated and slimming. Add a sparkly fabric with metallic fibers to your monochromatic look, and you create a holiday outfit that is glamorous and chic. Suede boots, a velvet bag, and swingy beaded earrings make you party-ready. Get ready to shine! Continue reading “5 Classy Ways to Wear Leggings this Christmas”
Sparkly, Pretty Christmas Sweater Dresses Up Jeans
Looking to give a casual outfit a little holiday shine? A sparkly, pretty Christmas sweater is a great way to give your favorite jeans or cords a festive look and feel. Here’s what I’m talking about.
There’s nothing cozier at Christmastime than a warm pair of slippers.
So today, I’m partnering with Nordstrom (and my little furry friend, Teddy) to bring you a look at my new UGG® slippers.
I just bought these beautiful, red, suede Ansley Slippers by UGG®. ( embellished sold out) They’re a mocassin-style slipper with a cozy lining made from plush UGG®pure, a textile made entirely from wool but crafted to feel and wear like genuine shearling. This little guy sure likes them! I guess you’d call it, puppy love!
I’ve never owned a pair of UGG®’s but I know their reputation, so when I found out they had slippers, I decided to give them a try. Since I work at home, I wear slippers every day. Heck, I practically live in them! None of them compare to the feeling I get when I sink my toes deep into the plush slipper lining of these UGG®S. It’s like I’m slipping my feet into a cloud that’s as warm and soft as little Teddy. They’re an instant de-stressor.
Comfort is at the top of my list when it comes to what I wear on my feet, but of course, I also want something cute too! What really excites me about these slippers is the Sparkling Swarovski crystals. Do you see them arranged in a diamond pattern on the top? What can I say?… I’m a Glam Gal. I love a little bling, especially at Christmastime, and I think UGG® has added just enough sparkle so that the slippers are fun, but still very classy looking.
The gorgeous cranberry color (called Lonely Hearts Suede) combined with the dazzling crystals is pure luxe. I love how every time I glance down at these slippers, they make me smile.
Now who is this, you might wonder? It’s CoCo, Teddy’s sister! I wish I could tell you these little pups were mine, but they actually belong to a friend who was visiting the day I decided to make them the stars of my post. CoCo fell in love with the slippers too, but she preferred the Freshwater Pearl pair that I bought as a Christmas gift for my daughter (shh, don’t tell!).
I can totally understand why she went for the Pearl. I love it too. It’s the most gorgeous shade of blush. In fact, it was hard for me to decide which color to get since the Ansley slipper also comes in a velvety night-sky blue and a beautiful, rich, deep black.
Before I bought these slippers, I never realized that UGG® was so into slippers. I thought they were mainly boots. But it turns out, they offer many styles, and Nordstrom carries a lovely, big selection.
They also have some fun and funky slippers like the UGG® Fluff Yah Slipper, which slips on like a furry sandal! (lol) Seriously, I tried them all on, and they are all very cozy and comfy.
Did I mention that my slippers are waterproof? I can wear them around the house when I’m making dinner, then step outside to feed the squirrels in the backyard without worry of ruining them. They have a durable indoor/outdoor sole, so if my daughter texts me and wants me to pick her up from the bus stop, I can just run outside, jump in the car, and go.
They also look really good for entertaining. When company comes they look nice and a little bit dressy with my jeans and this cozy turtleneck sweater (which can also be worn off the shoulder).
At this stage of the game, I don’t need a lot of gifts at holiday time. I enjoy the little things like a nice cup of hot chocolate and a cozy pair of slippers. These UGG® slippers are the perfect Christmas gift to myself.
To shop these slippers, click the links above or visit Nordstrom’s shoe department to see all the other cozy UGG® slippers they carry.
Thanks to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post. This post contains affiliate links. For more info see my Page: Blog Monetization and Disclosure
It wouldn’t feel like Christmas with new Jammies! I shop now so I don’t miss out.
Everybody has their own holiday traditions and for our family that means new pajamas to snuggle up in. I usually get home from the mall on Christmas Eve mid-afternoon ( I can never resist that one last shop), and then I make a tasty Italian dinner for Ian and the kids. ( I have three teenagers -Harrison, Brandon, and Ashleigh).
Sizzling, Slimming Plus Size Holiday Party Dresses
Finding the right holiday party dress to flatter your figure is easy when you know what to look for. Here are some plus size holiday party dresses for curvy women designed to shape and slim.
Shift Dresses are Plus Size Gal’s Friend
Of all the types of dresses out there for plus-size gals, a shift dress is an easy and flattering style to wear. A shift dress is similar to a sheath dress, but there is a little more width at the waist, which is perfect if you are thicker through the middle.
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