Holiday Looks, from Chic to Casual

Christmas comes but once a year but once the season begins, gals start searching for the perfect holiday fashion look. Whether the goal is to dazzle co-workers at an office party, delight old friends with a fantastic appearance, impress that special significant other, or look great at the annual family holiday gathering, it is easy to find the look that works. From chic to casual, putting together the perfect outfit and total overall look is not difficult at all.

Begin with the basics. Although what to wear may seem like the age old question, one that is asked when most women open the closet, the right selection can be the foundation for the perfect outfit that achieves the desired look, whatever style that look may be. Fashion mavens know that every woman has her own innate style and once discovered that style may be mined to discover pure gold.

The Christmas season is a festive time of lavish decorations in styles that range from traditional live Christmas trees hung with home baked cookies to silver artificial trees that sparkle with laser light and high tech ornaments. Finding the style that fits the personality isn't difficult and neither is catering to it once it has been determined. Appearance, interests, and personal preferences all come into play when selecting a style or creating that special look.

For formal occasions and special parties, the classic "little black dress" is always in vogue and never goes out of style. Many variations of the basic black cocktail dress can be found in almost any boutique or department store but the classic offers a simple, tailored style. Skirt length varies and some versions are sleeveless while others have cap sleeves, balloon sleeves, or even simple long sleeves. A twist on this fashion standby is a similar dress in a favorite hue - vivid red, elegant gold, sleek silk, or a rich green. Look for additions like lace, a frill, ruffles, or satin bows. A classic cocktail dress is the ultimate in chic.

That little black dress can be found in a variety of fabrics. Black velvet is always a classic choice but other fabrics include chiffon, polyester, organdy silk, satin, tulle, taffeta, damask, and even brocade.

Gold lame is another choice for unrivaled elegance. Long the choice of movie stars and millionaire's wives, a gold lame evening gown can be the envy of any holiday gathering.

Add a pair of the highest heel dress sandals, lace or fishnet hose, and the perfect pearl jewelry for the ultimate in haute couture. Touch up hair with some temporary glamour by adding gold highlights or a simple frost that suits the season. With perfect make-up and a dusting of glitter powder for hair and skin and the look will be something to celebrate for a contemporary 21st century Christmas!

Some women may want a more subtle look, something that is both lovely and simple. A sleek tunic style full-length gown may be ideal or a full-skirted skirt with a peasant style blouse that can be worn off the shoulders for a stylish, earthy look. Floor length gowns add the romance of an earlier age and lace trim can just enhance the Victorian motif. Accessories such as silk flowers, hair combs, or a lacy scarf can also coordinate the total romantic look for an old-fashioned holiday celebration.

If a country style Christmas is on the calendar, a rustic look may be ideal. Go back home for the holidays in style with a pair of designer blue jeans topped with a rugged flannel shirt or hand-knit sweater. Sweaters come in a wide variety of styles, colors, and looks. An alternative is to have a layered look with a basic turtleneck in a single color topped with an open blouse or vest. Vests come in every material from leather to lace, making a perfect accent to a certain style. A pair of boots goes with this rural look and jewelry accents can be basic wooden beads or simple chains. Denim skirts are an alternative to blue jeans or classic corduroy slacks can fit the rugged down home style.

Another country look can be gained with a full length old-fashioned gingham gown or floor length prairie skirts. Western cut clothing offer another option for a back home style with pearl snap buttons and a very different cut that reflects the heritage of the Old West.

Vintage is in so for that retro holiday bash, consider finding a vintage dress from the 1950's, the Sixties, the roaring Twenties or even the 1940's. Each decade has its' own unique style and most cities have more than one outlet that offers vintage clothing. Create a flapper style ensemble with a 1920's designer gown by Worth or jazz up great-grandmother's old dress from the attic. For an authentic look, tailor make-up to period style and turn heads with a fashion statement from the past as you rock around the Christmas tree!

A vintage choice opens up the possibilities for everything from pink ball gowns of another age to a 1950's navy blue halter gown to a shockingly short mini skirt formal from the Sixties. Grecian simplicity with a white gown gathered in ancient style can be another choice that suits the festivities and the addition of a laurel wreath can top off the outfit to perfection.

Businesswomen may not want to lose their professional image so choosing a suit with enough chutzpah for evening wear is another option. Impress those old friends or family members how far the career has gone with a fire engine red business suit or a hot pink mini length business suit. Tailored suits can provide a straight line skirt or trousers; either provides a no-nonsense look for office parties and networking with clients.

Comfortable but dressy enough to wear anywhere, caftans are another option. These loose flowing gowns hide any physical flaws but come in such a wide variety of fabrics from easy care polyesters to dry clean silk.

Style is personal but it's simple to create the particular look desired for a holiday occasion, a style that is both attractive and comfortable. With a little effort, any woman can put together an outfit that is sure to make Christmas all the more merry!