San
Diego Professional Organizer Image Consultant Advice
Welcome to our advice section. Every week I answer new questions submitted
by readers on Organizing, Image, Fashion and Event Planning.
You can read my "AddSPACE To Your Life!" column every week
in San Diego's “The Coast News" or read the archived columns
below.
E-mail your questions to advice@addspacetoyourlife.com
Black
Dress for the Holidays, Glittery Tops
11.25.05
Dear
Kathi,
I have several upcoming dressy events. I am used to wearing one of
my suits with a glittery blouse to jazz up for the holidays but this
year would like to do it a little better. What should I buy to add
some jazz to my holiday outfits?
Jennie, Carlsbad
Jennie,
Glittery tops paired with suits can run the risk of looking like you’ve
simply thrown together an outfit for your holiday office party.
Instead, consider tracking down that perfect little black dress this
year. There is no replacement for the perfect black dress and it is
worth investing your time and money to find the best cut, style and
lines for your body shape. Once you have found the perfect black dress,
it will last for years and you will wonder how you ever lived without
it.
Try to choose a classic cut to transcend future years, such as a sheath
or a dress with an empire waist. Look for vertical seams that narrow
in at the waist.
A V or scoop neckline usually works for most body types. 3/4 sleeves
will help your dress stretch across all seasons. Choose the sleeve
length based on your body type. Sleeveless dresses work well for women
with nice upper arms, whereas short sleeves, 3/4 or long help conceal
wobbly upper arms. Keep in mind that 3/4 and long sleeves are much
more elegant than short sleeves unless they are capped.
The perfect hemline for your new dress will be knee length. This is
a timeless classic length. The hem should stop at the skinny part
of your knee. The perfect black dress will emphasize your best assets
and skim, not cling to, any part of your torso.
Avoid sparkly designs built into the fabric. Instead add your own
sparkle with jewelry if the event dictates a little glitz. Jewelry
can change your dress from glam to sophisticated. For a formal office
event, accent your dress with pearls and sophisticated low-vamped
pumps. For New Year’s Eve, consider wearing rhinestones and
glitzy gold or silver, strappy sandals. For a less formal Christmas
dinner, let the dress stand on its own with minimal, simple gold jewelry
and ballerina slipper style slides.
Once you have the perfect black dress, you have the basis for several
holiday outfits. A sheer wrap will transform your dress instantly.
Wrap it around your shoulders, under the arms and tie it in the back
to add the illusion of sleeves to a sleeveless dress. Try a satin
or velvet wrap for an elegant flair.
Buy a short velvet or organza jacket that has similar lines and your
dress will transform right before your eyes. Or choose a long brocade
trench coat for the Audrey Hepburn look.
A faux-fur trimmed sweater or blazer can completely transform your
little black dress. Buy this sweater in cranberry, eggplant or evergreen
for another surprising pizzazz.
.
Please
submit your questions to:
advice@addspacetoyourlife.com
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