In a couple of days I'll be giving a presentation in association with a Halloween event at our local Equinox gym. I'm excited! It's entitled, "Frumpy Fashion Frightmares: 13 Ways to Get Sexy By Midnight!" I've arranged gift bags courtesy of the new luxury beauty boutique in town,360 Beauty, and we'll be serving up some Sangria.
One of my examples of "frightening frump" is the tacky holiday sweater. First, I'll show the silly look, complete with jingle ball jewelry and antler headband from Claire's(my poor model!) After that, I'll show the audience my upgrade, something that acknowledges the holidays in a more sophisticated and sexy way, one that in no way could be construed as toddler wear!
Please: leave the cartoony looks for the tacky sweater parties. Simple ways to feel festive and joyous, yet grown up:
1. A soft gold metallic knit hoodie over your yoga pants at the gym.
2. A black "Jackie" cardigan embellished around the neckline with black jet crystals or other beading. Wear over a colored five pocket velveteen jean with either metallic flats or pumps.
3. A black pencil skirt with a tight that has a sheen or metallic thread; ankle booties.
4. Your perfect shade of red lipstick! Don't give up, it's out there!
5. A sequined tank with jeans under a day jacket; one fabulous cocktail ring.
6. A vintage brooch in holiday colors; blue or crimson and emerald. All bets are off when it comes to vintage holiday jewelry; enjoy it in clusters and wear without fear of reprisal...
7. A monochromatic outfit worn with one fabulous scarf that makes you radiant!
Can you think of some other holiday looks that leave the Santa sweaters and toe socks to the sadsack set?
16 comments:
I HATE holiday sweaters!!! Holiday earrings, too - no jinglebells or skeletons will be hanging from my head!
I think holiday outfits are all about luxury. Soft knits, or sleek blouses...you get it.
I wore a holiday sweater(Halloween) to my sons 1st grade party. The kids loved it since it would have been appropriate for someone their age. I just felt tacky and uncomfortable. I gave it away soon after. I filed it under "what was I thinking?"
No holiday sweaters for me either. My holiday touch includes a solid jacket or sweater and my favorite silk neckerchiefs with holly or poinsettias. Thank you for those other good suggestions.
sounds like a fun event!! thanks for sharing tips for the rest of us.
I'm fond of velvet jackets, which provide a nice backdrop for something sparkly, like the cluster of brooch's you suggest.
I like that all of the ideas you've suggested here are non-fussy and simple!
Ha! Okay, ladies. I LOVE the holiday sweaters. This is my first year as a grandma, and by golly, I'm entitled. I also have holiday vests - so nanny-nanny-boo-boo!
I draw the line at the earrings/antler headbands, though!
I do love my holiday sweaters! I make no apologies. After Halloween (I don't have any Halloween sweaters - RATS!) I'll post some of my Christmas sweaters. Yep. Some are cutesy, but most are tacky. And you're ALL invited over to make fun of me and leave fun comments - ha!!
Great post - Karen. And yes, you're right. They are tacky and frumpy but I just can't seem to help myself.
Will you all forgive me if I tell you that I am fashionable all the other days of the year?
Kathie
Kathie, have fun, sometimes tacky is just a hoot. (My own tacky sin is the flannel LL Bean nightgown.)
So glad you posted this today! I started gathering pics last week for a similar post. Every fashion blogger worth their salt should spread the word about these style assassins!
I like a sleek gray outfit with a deep red, ruffle scarf held with a cluster of vintage looking pins. This works for me with several holiday colored scarfs.
Thanks for the reminder! I hope we get to see pics from your presentation?
Karen,
Congrats on your Equinox event. You should give those presentations at Equinox/Sports Club gyms all over Los Angeles County!
Tacky or not, this holiday season I'm sticking with my headband that has reindeer antlers!
Mindy, okay, you can wear it for first graders, I would even do THAT.
Sue, I love velvet too! Oooooh so luxe. (Love that word!)
Kathie, I'd expect no less of you than to have an entire wardrobe of holiday sweaters! Rock 'em with some platforms for me...
Belle, Oh no you DIDN'T with the antler headband! Not on my watch, you don't!!!!!!
I get invited to an "ugly sweater" party each year and it is so fun! I even instituted it at work too! Somehere on my blog around January 2009 or December 2008 I have a pic of my last one. Shamefully, they are cozy and wind up being worn around the house. You should see this years!
it is amazing, Belle what South Sea pearls do for antlers.
Karen, the sweaters are dreadful worn earnestly (like those denim jumpers and holly sprigged turtlenecks) but worn for a laugh, truly nutty.
ha funny! Here's a cute version of the holiday sweater: http://glammed.blogspot.com/2009/11/holiday-sweater.html
Why does everything...from furniture to cars to clothing have to be "sexy"? I like the classic look too, but sometimes fun (tacky holiday sweaters) are okay. I'm a fairly attractive (and sexy) Grandma, but for Pete's Sake, sometimes I get sick of everything being advertised as "sexy".
Oy vey--I cannot even wear a sweatshirt from the college where I teach. It's just wrrrrong to me!
I do, however, have a beloved "black sheep" sweater from the early 1980s, bought shortly after I (we all) saw Princess Diana in one. It is stored safely on my shelf, where it will remain.
I no longer wear holiday sweaters, vests or (horrors) sweatshirts. Those all went away about 10 years ago. But I refuse to give up my holiday socks :-D
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