The festive season is fast approaching, so let's lift our spirits away from deep snow and economic gloom with some fabulous frocks to add glamour to your seasonal celebrations!There's a wealth of styles to choose from - long, short, figure hugging or gently draped, ruched or flowing. A one shouldered dress or asymmetric hemline can provide an extra dramatic evening look. You can indulge your inner screen goddess with luxurious and sensuous fabrics like silk jerseys, satin, brocades and
velvets, and add a touch of old school glamour by complementing them with a faux fur shrug or wrap.(Right - Ivory faux fur wrap from John Lewis)
The trend of 'minimalist' neutral colours - black, greys, muted nudes, shades of camel and soft white continues but these are now livened up by lacy designs, metallic fabrics, sequin trims, beading, animal prints and faux fur embellishments.
Besides traditional gold or silver metallics, look out for "gilver" a sort of mix of the two! Leopard prints are everywhere - for tops, shoes, bags and scarves, which is great news for the lady with warm toned colouring, but if you don't want to channel too much Bet Lynch, it's best to keep to just one leopard print item in your outfit!
Below from left - Closet Zip Leopard Print Dress from Dorothy Perkins
Black Lace dress from Wallis
Gold Slinky Dress by Pearl Lowe Christmas Collection for Peacocks
Purple Satin Column Dress by Planet from John Lewis
Ladies with strong, dark coluring can rejoice in black and white zebra prints, but those with fairer, softer colouring should think of an alternative - animal prints rarely work for you! A touch of faux fur in a rosy beige or cocoa brown shade or a silvery grey would be a better idea.
For those who crave some vibrant colour for their Christmas party look, there is plenty on offer, rich reds, flame oranges and gorgeous purples are especially popular. The designer franchises at stores like Debenhams and John Lewis offer a great choice of knee and full length evening or party wear - Planet, Phase Eight, Star by Julien McDonald, Matthew Williamson and Ben de Lisi are all worth a look, as is Debenhams own Debut label.
Your dress doesn't have to break the bank either - whilst few of us could easily afford the fabulous Notte red silk crepe dress by Marchesa £880 from http://www.net-a-porter.com/ shown top right, the designer collaborations with some of the less expensive High St shops, like Pearl Lowe's Christmas Collection for Peacocks, offer some terrific outfits on a modest budget!
Some hints on looking your best.....
- If you're wearing a very sparkly, embellished or brightly coloured dress, keep your accessories (shoes, bag and jewellery) fairly plain and understated.
- If your dress is a simple, neutral coloured one, add interest to the outfit with popping colour, pattern or embellishments for your shoes and bag, or a sequinned or jewelled scarf, or dramatic colourful jewellery.
- Many dress styles are on the short side this winter - if you feel your legs aren't flattered by a shorter style, try wearing it with thicker opaque tights or close fitting leggings in a darker neutral shade to suit your colouring and heeled ankle boots.
- If dresses just aren't 'You', opt for a well cut pair of trousers in one of your best darker neutral colours, worn with a smart tuxedo style blazer and a really glamorous top.
- Every lady looks best when wearing some colour, somewhere in her outfit, so if you choose to keep to a 'less is more' neutral palette for your clothing, don't forget to wear at least a lipstick in a brighter or deeper colour which suits you. The colour on your lips will make your eyes look brighter and bring life to your face!
Stuck for an idea for a Christmas present for someone special this year?
Why not choose something which won't be used up or forgotten by the end of January - a Colour or Style Consultation which will help them to look and feel fantastic for years to come? We're offering an amazing £25.00 off the cost of a Gift Voucher for a Ladies' Colour. Ladies' Style or Men's Image Consultation this Christmas so if you would like to give a present which will be valued always - or would like to discover how to look fabulous for less yourself! - then call 01245 440162 or e-mail info@cascadeimage.co.uk to order your Voucher.
Orders must be received by 17th December in order to guarantee arrival in time for Christmas.
Best Wishes
Cass
