BY EMILY GOODIN OF EFFORTLESS STYLE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY WEATHERLY PHOTOGRAPHY

The holidays are finally here! The hustle and bustle of this time of year is exciting! And with so many holiday parties and gatherings coming up, you’ve got to find something to wear to each event! Deciding what’s appropriate for the occasion as well as finding pieces that flatter the body can be a challenge. However, I’m here to help with some tips and tricks for finding the perfect look for every holiday occasion.

First things first - the trends! This year there are several notable holiday style trends:

“Over-the-top” Glam!
For those who just can’t decide which glamorous piece to wear, then over-the-top glam is a perfect choice for you! Fur, sequins, pearls and diamonds...wear them all! To pull off an over-the-top look, choose a color palate and stick to it. Mix fabrics, textures and bold accessories within that color scheme. Keep hair and makeup simple and clean to provide balance to your overall style.

Jumpsuits
Jumpsuits can allow you to feel comfortable, yet stylish. However, fit is key! Think about a perfect fitting pant - that’s how the lower half of your jumpsuit should fit. No gaping, pulling, stretching or tugging. If that is happening then you have the wrong jumpsuit for your body type. It’s all about trying on several jumpsuits before you find the right one. As far as the top, it should fit against your body without blousing, unless that is part of the style of that particular design.

The middle of the jumpsuit should fit at your natural waist. Often, there will be a belt attached. Make sure the belt (or tie) covers the waist seam. If the pant leg of the suit is a wide leg, the hem of your pants should skim the floor. If the hem is a jogger style, the cuff should fit around your ankle. Pair the jogger jumper with a strappy or pointed toe heel.

Velvet
The holidays start ‘The Season of Velvet’! Whether it be a top, pant, dress or jumpsuit, velvet is a go-to when it comes to being on trend and feeling festive. I’ve chosen several pieces that include velvet in my holiday style collection. This chic, off-the-shoulder dress that Arlena is wearing would be ideal for an office Christmas party. The jumpsuit, as we’ve mentioned is a comfortable, yet beautiful choice for a cocktail party or an in-home dinner party.

The Pant Suit
The pant suit is all the rage in formal and cocktail attire! I’ve chosen a version of a suit look with a velvet wide leg, velvet pants paired with a metallic top and blazer. For this look, celebrity hair stylist, Genia Church suggests hair up. With this metallic gold, makeup artist, Faith Tramp, suggests a bold, dark lip with a simple eye or a metallic, smokey eye and a neutral lip.

Sparkle with an Edge
If you haven’t noticed, leather leggings have been “a thing” for several seasons now. They continue to be a popular choice with unique textures and colors. Pair your edgy, leather leggings with a sequin or sparkly top and boot and you’ll have the perfect festive outfit for that holiday happy hour!

Holiday Style for Men
Men’s styles for holiday range from a fitted, colorful suit to a more traditional, casual layered look. For the modern suit, add some personality by choosing a button-up with a quirky graphic, such as this Scottie dog shirt shown on our model, Colten. I opted for an open collar (no-tie) and pocket square to finish off his suit style. If you’re attending (or hosting) a dinner party at home, choose a layered look in a more casual fabric such as this courdoroy blazer and pant. I styled our model, Josh, in a white button-up, a light-weight sweater and a plaid scarf. He looks put-together yet casual. I chose muted holiday colors - deep green and maroon sweater so that he is modestly festive!

No Jeans
For your holiday parties, stay away from your everyday jean. Although it seems to be a great casual choice, I challenge men and women to try a great fitting pant instead. Level up this season and I promise, you’ll get compliments!

tips & tricks

Undergarments
Ladies << it’s all about that base! Find a bodysuit or one piece that has all the support you need. If you’re fumbling with several items underneath, you will find that adjusting them will be part of your evening. If you’re wearing a strappy shoe, you’ll want to go with a bare leg. That can be scary to some. There are several leg makeup brands that will smoothe and tone without stepping in the gym. If you’re wearing a closed toe shoe, you can choose shimmer, nude or black tights.

Men >> your undergarments are usually more simplistic. However, I have many male clients who enjoy an undershirt with some hold. It will create a leaner line under fitted dress shirts. You can find these undershirts with medium and firm hold. For your socks, choose a complimentary, patterned sock for your outfit. Solid is always a given, but I challenge you to add a little personality to your feet!

Hair and Makeup
Hairstyles and makeup choices should balance your outfit. When wearing a statement outfit, choose a simple up-do or sleek ponytail. When your outfit is simplistic, you could do an intricate hairstyle to add interest to your look. The rules are the same for makeup. If the outfit is bold, choose clean and beautiful makeup. If the look is more understated, you can go bold with the eye or lip color...but not both.

{ CHALLENGE } Try something new this season! If you normally wear a dress to the Christmas party, switch it up this year with a pant suit! If you’re normally in jeans and a sweater, try my suggestion for the Sparkle with an Edge trend! Whatever you choose for your holiday look this year, make sure it has personality! Have fun with your fashion! Cheers to a stylish NEW YOU!

Models & Outfits

Tayler Byrd - Pink Coat with fur, Maroon cocktail dress, and animal print clutch from Gus Mayer; mauve pearls, chandelier earrings and shoes from Macy's

Tayler Byrd - Forest Green velvet jumpsuit, green and gold chandelier earrings and green metallic platforms from Macy's

Esseri Holmes - charcoal/black sequin top, faux leather leggings, and star hoop earrings from Posh Franklin; charcoal sparkle bootie boot from Macy's

Esseri Holmes - Gold metallic top and blazer, velvet pant and invisible pointed toe shoe from Macy's; stone chandelier earrings from Gus Mayer

Caroline Gailbreath - Teal textured cocktail dress, ivory fur wrap, clutch, and statement earrings from Gus Mayer; rhinestone strappy sandal from Macy's

Arlena Clausi - Navy velvet cocktail dress from Macy's; earrings from Gus Mayer; Jeffrey Campbell rhinestone heels from Posh Franklin

Josh Wood - Outfit and shoes available at Macy's

Colton Watson - outfit and shoes available at Macy's

Hair: Genia Church | geniachurch.com

Makeup: Faith Tramp | alysiafaith.com

Location: The Lodge | thelodgefranklin.com