Dazzle at holiday parties in sequins, sleek winter shades

BY BRAVETTA HASSELL World Scene Writer
Saturday, November 24, 2012
11/24/12 at 5:22 AM

On any other wintry night, no one would be wearing these outfits.

But the time is nigh, and it is happening.

Slinky dress, strappy sequined top, jet black pedal pushers and the cutest open-toed shoes. Or maybe a pair of daring and steep stiletto platform pumps. It will get a bit chilly, after all.

When you're not thanking Aunt Sue for the socks she's knitted you for yet another Christmas, or chasing around your favorite baby nephew in town for the holidays, it's party time.

Mingling over finger foods, listening to holiday music, laughing and joking with old and new friends and doing all of it while looking your holiday best.

This year, holiday party wear is all about the dazzle.

Forever 21 spokeswoman Arlene Park said the retailer's holiday wear highlights a sense of duality. It features Chanel in a series of ultra-feminine pieces in champagne, light pink and winter whites, while the contrasting looks feature Chanel in a number of baroque-inspired pieces with embellishments and faux leather detailing.

Soft and hard details abound in holiday party attire.

Go dressed to the nines in a cocktail dress, in a gown or tuxedo.

Shimmer just as bright by piecing together fun and festive separates: sequined blazers and metallic tops, winter white skinny pants that hit at the ankle, or a velour blazer with satin accented lapels dresses everything up, and a pair of dark-rinse straight leg jeans will take you further than you think.

Do something simple yet refined, guys, leaving behind the jacket altogether and pairing a solid or plaid button-up with a rouge or wine-hued tie, and you can't go wrong with anything black.

Don't underestimate the power of accessories, from chunky collars or draping necklaces to bauble rings and jeweled-out bracelets and studded clutches and stylish glasses for those pretty eyes of yours. Prescriptions are not needed to pull off a pair of trendy frames these days, and everyone from the stars to the streets is wearing them.

"Black and bold is almost always the way to go," said Cinzia Designs representative Lindsey Reisack of men wearing a tux this season. And now is the time to leave behind the cellphone and break out the wrist-watch, classic and sophisticated.

Forever 21 representative Arlene Park says holiday party wear is all about duality. Pair winter white with stark but sparkling black to make a strong statement this party season.

Pinks and peaches are as delicate as the winter season and are popular for party wear.

Anything glittering, from blazers to tops to pants and jewelry, has winter fun written all over it.

Original Print Headline: Dazzling winter wear

Bravetta Hassell 918-581-8316
bravetta.hassell@tulsaworld.com

Associated Images:

Rose gold metallic ruched dress ($98, express. com) Courtesy

Sequined top ($19.80, forever21.com)

Hammers ($160, cinziadesigns.com)

Rhinestone collar necklace ($12.80, forever21.com)

Tuxedo Blazer & Rocco Jean ($19.90-$228, express.com)