From Day To Night: Festive Holiday Attire

The festive season is fast approaching and most of us will face the dilemma of how to transform our professional look to a glamorous evening look when we have no time to rush home in between to change.

But never fear, with a little bit of time, the right accessories and fresh makeup, you can be out the door on your way to dinner and drinks in just about 20 minutes.

A good way to start is to choose a simple but elegant day dress, one that is feminine but not too revealing. For instance, a pretty summer day dress with spaghetti straps can be worn with a carefully selected T-shirt underneath that can be removed before leaving the office. Of course a great choice would be the indispensable LBD--the little black dress. If it is sleeveless, wear it with a cardigan and flats and come dinnertime, remove the cardigan and swap the flats for heels.

Absolutely essential is a complete redo of your makeup. Remove it all, tone and moisturize your skin (see Clarins’ Instant Beauty Perfectors Essentials Kit) and then apply your makeup. Since evening indoor lighting is subdued, accentuate your makeup a little bit more.

Next step is your hair. With your head down, brush it thoroughly to add volume. Personally, I prefer my hair to move freely. However, of you prefer to be ‘bien coiffé’ use a light hair spray.

And then it’s time for earrings. Yes! Earrings will be your best friends for the night. They work like magic as they can impact your outfit and your face greatly. And since it is usually your face that one sees first, especially in a crowd or sitting around a dinner table, be sure to make a great impression with a stunning pair of earrings that suit the shape of your face and complement your look. Should you choose to wear ‘chandelier’ earrings, keep your other accessories limited. No necklace. No cocktail ring. No big bangles. If you opt for the cocktail ring, wear no other jewelry except discreet earrings.

Of course I am taking it for granted that you had placed a clutch handbag in your big hobo before leaving home. Ensure that it contains one credit card, your driver’s license, a $20 bill, red lipstick, a hand mirror and a handkerchief or tissues and that’s it. Sleek and chic!

As for shoes, high heels but ONLY if you are able to walk straight and tall. Otherwise a pair of elegant low-heels or flats. No stockings if your legs are in great shape or wear black sexy ultra sheers. They are always flattering to one’s legs. I highly recommend that you check out Chloe, Chanel and the latest Wolford Catalogue because leg wears are everywhere and hot, hot, hot for this winter.

Think carefully about the coat you wear that day. You may think that nobody will see you in your old cover up. Mistake! What if a gentleman wants to accompany you to your car or hail you a taxi?

Finally, there is nothing like beautiful red lips, high heels, a clutch and an attitude to make a great entrance. So, own your space, walk tall and erect. Heads will be sure to turn!

Enjoy the party!

Michele