Fashion Fixer: Holiday blues
The Holiday Season is nearing, and you may be feeling blue. What will you ever wear? How can you be seen after all that Thanksgiving dinner? What about all that family messing up your perfect dress? Cheer up - all your problems are solved in this issue's Fashion Fixer.
Q: What will I wear?
A: If you're worried about finding the perfect, most appropriate thing, never fear. You can host in glamour for the holidays. Turn up the heat and wear something deliciously simple. Try a glittery dress. Or simply top a plain skirt with a satin top (or a gorgeous skirt with a simple top). Or a comfortable pair of wool pants with a sequined camisole. Don't buy something just for the occasion that you can't afford and will never wear again. Wear low heels or flats for running around, higher heels for more formal affairs (practice first if you're not used to them). Top off your look with a bow or a pretty brooch to proclaim festivities. If you're in the kitchen or helping clean or carve or serve, keep an apron on hand. If you're going out, stay warm with a thick shawl you can drape around your shoulders, or a black poncho in a dense knit.
Q: I'm fat after Thanksgiving, what will I do?
A: Keep in mind that black is slimming and appropriate for winter. Black and red and white are good combinations, but green, blue, and other bright colors will keep your black looking bright. Wear a black a-line skirt or straight pants to balance out hips. An empire waist or untucked blouse will camouflage tummies. To help control your figure under a slinky dress or any clothing, choose control top pantyhose or a comfortable piece of control underwear (readily available at any lingerie shop or department store). So don't just suck in your gut, but let your clothes do the work for you. And don't overindulge in holiday dinner!
Q: I'm worried I'll get sauce and wine on everything. How can I be safe?
A: Wear an apron if you're cooking and serving. A pretty, festive one will distract. When eating, keep a napkin in your lap, and when mingling, wrap a napkin around your glass. Keep a couple of stain-removing wipes or baby wipes on hand, and find out where the club soda is. If there are messy kids running around, tell them not to run indoors, then just relax, smile, and turn the other direction. In the event of a can't-fix spill or disaster, use your wipes, or just ask the hostess if you can help cleanup and borrow an apron or in the worst case, another outfit. It's not the end of the world.
Q: How can I dress the kids and the men?
A: Men have it easy - just a suit and tie will do, or pants and blazer for a more casual look. Dress shoes are a must. Kids can get away with colorful clothing - matching outfits, taffeta dresses, boys' suits, red and green and blue and deep pink and green. Let them wear bows and ties if they want to, but remember that kids, together, tend to mess up clothing, so don't stuff them into delicate, precious clothing that can't be replaced.
Q: What about my hair and makeup?
A: Holidays are a good time to put your hair into a sleek bun or neat updo. Put gel in your hair to keep it sleek and finish with a spray. But a loose updo is fine as well, with tendrils hanging, finger-twisted into loose curls. If you will wear your hair down, keep it sleek, and prevent hat hair by clipping it up on top of your head under the hat and letting it down when you remove the hat. Makeup can be deep and dark - emphasize one major feature. Luscious red lips are a good way to go, but if your eyes are your best feature, line them and wear mascara. This is not a time for peach gloss and aquamarine eyeshadow, so wear your evening makeup, and go for glamour.