Dressing the "in between"... for the Holidays

It’s that time of year… holiday parties and get togethers require you to pull together a couple cute outfits to wear. When it’s an office Christmas party with a cocktail dress code…  pull out that trusty LBD. But what about the Christmas party with the other parents at your kids’ school? Or the cocktail party that you host for your nearest and dearest friends? It’s those in between occasions that require something nicer than jeans and your favorite Christmas sweater. But that LBD would be overdressed.  It’s the "in between" where I think we struggle most. For guys, it’s pants and a button down or a nice sweater and they are done! If they’re feeling really up to it they might wear a sport coat. For us ladies, there are a lot more options and that’s not always a good thing. Some of us work better with less options. Too many choices and we get overwhelmed… right?

So first things first: Since we do have some options here, it means that instead of having to rush out and buy something, you probably have something already in your wardrobe that will work. Dress pants? A skirt? A shirt/shift/sweater dress? Any of these options could work… and most likely you have one of them in your closet.

Need inspiration? Here’s an idea!

I love winter white... off-white, ivory, whatever you call it, I love it. Now I realize this color may not work with everyone's complexion. If you feel it's not for you, maybe try it on the bottom instead of the top. For those looking for an alternative to white, you can try this with navy bottoms. Wear a color on top that compliment s your skin tone, add a pop of color and you’re off and running!

In this case, I used my coat as my pop of color. However any accessory can be used to add a great pop... shoes, a bag or a piece of jewelry.

If you're interested in these pieces the top and bottoms are available for purchase: (1) J.Crew Margot Top (2) Ann Taylor Devin Flannel Trousers

The open toe pumps are Cole Haan and the coat is Banana Republic (both are older pieces that I have had for years). Alternative Options that are available now:  Banana Republic Melton Wool Classic Peacoat & Jessica Simpson Josette Pumps in Nude

Photography credit for this post: Beth O'Brien Photography

Stars Are Trending!

Did you catch the supermoon on Monday? Well stars are trending right now in fashion too! From clothing to accessories, stars are appearing as a popular pattern this fall. This trend is fun and easy to incorporate into your wardrobe. These items can easily match with just about anything adding an instant sparkle to your outfit! The versatility of this trend makes it a must have. Wear with jeans to the movies or with a dress/skirt for an evening out. If you are looking for a great new piece to add to your closet, see a few favorites I've listed below.

Shine bright, Ladies! Happy shopping!

Isa Tapia Walska Star-Studded Suede Lace Up Pumps

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J.Crew Factory Falling Stars Collector T-shirt

Anthropologie Sequined Stars Dress

Anthropologie Gilded Star Hoops

Zara Stars Printed Shirt

Zara Shirt - Style Bodysuit with Stars and Frills

Ann Taylor Star Crystal Bracelet

J. Crew Tippi Sweater in Embroidered Stars

J. Crew Metallic Stars T-shirt

What you need this fall...

Must have items for this Fall/Winter:

As the seasons switch over and we change out our wardrobe, you might start to think about what’s trendy now and which of these items should you be incorporating into your wardrobe. If you haven’t already started adding to your fall wardrobe, now might be a great time! The temps are getting chillier and days are getting shorter. If you’re anything like me, the energy and optimism of summer has faded and we’re buckling down for winter. Ok, it’s not all bad. Clearly I have a preference for summer. But I know that there are plenty of you who look forward to the fall chill, the change of season, first snow fall, skiing, ect. So let me help you to tune into the current trends and find pieces that compliment your wardrobe.

Moto & Bomber Jackets

The moto jacket was a staple piece last year and it’s not going anywhere fast. So if you didn’t pick one up last year, now is the time! These jackets come in all kinds of fabrics, cuts and price points. They are everywhere. You basically have no excuse for not picking one up.

As for where to wear it…. almost anywhere. Work, weekend, date night….this versatile jacket works with jeans, pants, skirts/boots, pump, flats. Take any outfit from simple to chic with just a jacket.

The bomber jacket is the newest jacket trend this season. It is quickly becoming increasingly popular and varied in color and detail. This jacket is a perfect example of an older style coming around again. If you are looking for something new to add to your wardrobe that quickly updates what you already have, add a bomber jacket!

Zara Suede Effect Jacket

Zara Biker Jacket

Zara Quilted Bomber Jacket

Zara Metallic Bomber Jacket

Velvet/Suede

Similar to styles, fabrics can also be subject to trends. We started to see the incorporation of suede (especially in accessories) last year. We are seeing it more this season in all colors and styles. In addition to the suede craze, velvet is making an appearance as a must have for fall/winter 16. From shoes, to dresses, blazers and more, velvet will be big (especially this holiday season).  Black velvet is always classic so if you’re looking for a piece that will last in your wardrobe this might be a good choice.

Sam Edelman Hazel Pointy Toe Pump

Joie Mehira Velvet One Button Blazer

Ruffles

Ruffles add a dimension of femininity to your outfit. Ruffles can be added to a plain t-shirt or an evening dress. Just make sure that the placement of ruffles works for your body type and your sense of style. One example is the longer ruffle sleeves you find on tops currently. Depending on your body type these ruffles might not be the most flattering choice. That doesn’t mean that you can’t participate in the trend, just look for ruffles incorporated in other ways…at the bottom of a skirt for example.

Gibson Bell Sleeve Ruffle Hem Blouse

J.Crew Ruffle Sleeve Top

Marc Jacobs Tie Waist Faille Ruffle Skirt

Metallic & Glitter

Bring on the bling! This trend is just starting out but I anticipate it will pick up for the holidays. Look for a little extra sparkle to incorporated everywhere but especially in accessories this season. I’m starting to see it in shoes (which I love). Metallic threads have been around for a while and if you have any of these pieces now is the time to bring them to the forefront of your wardrobe. Don’t feel like you have to invest in a full on sequin piece. Strategic placement of that extra sparkle can go a long way.

Topship Floral Jacquard Plunge Minidress

Tory Burch Fleming Leather Shoulder Bag

Christian Louboutin Iriza Half d'Orsay Glitter Pump

With all of these trends, being able to incorporate them into your wardrobe has everything to do with knowing what works best for your style and body type. These trends come in all shapes, sizes and styles. Pick the one that works best for you. Don’t feel like you can’t participate because one particular piece is not for you. Be creative!