Dress to thrill for holidays and beyond

Family gatherings, office parties, New Year’s Eve bashes - the holiday social whirl is the most obvious reason for a shopping expedition to bag that special outfit. But special occasions don’t end on January first. Here are a few events that may inspire a new look and a few tips to find just the right style for each.

“The guidelines on dressing for specific occasions should make choosing an outfit simpler, not more stressful,” says Marcy Brayko, style expert for women’s apparel catalog Midnight Velvet “Whatever you wear, be sure to add that unique touch that makes your look your own.”

To request a copy of the Midnight Velvet catalog, go to MidnightVelvet.com or call (800) 383-5283.

Office parties

Workplace holiday parties may call for a glamorous look and even some glimmer. However, you may want to give more consideration to appropriate hemline and neckline for that event than you would for a dancing-and-champagne New Year’s Eve event with your partner.

“Just us girls”

A girls’ night out takes the formality level way down but a little shimmer is still a great look. Jeans with gold metallic embroidery, rhinestones or other embellishments lend a bit of rock star glam to the evening. So does a shirt dressed up with beadwork when paired with black slacks - or even plain jeans.

Wedding bells

Weddings call for special attire but a number of variables determine just how formal: dress code (if the couple has set one), venue and whether it’s a day or evening event. Evening weddings usually require a cocktail-length or floor-length dress. Whatever the dress code, it’s a time to tone down the embellishments and jewelry, as it’s the bride’s day to shine.

Romantic celebrations

Whether Valentine’s Day (or your anniversary) calls for your New Year’s Eve bling or a more low-key dressy look depends on your plans and personal style. If you’re wearing your sparkling  for a romantic night out, add emotional warmth with a special piece of jewelry your partner gave you in the past.

If it’s a “dinner at the burger joint/bowling alley where we had our first date” celebration, why not inject some outrageous fun by wearing your most glamorous outfits?

If all of these events are in your immediate future, don’t panic about your budget. “A satin or beaded tank, for example, can be paired with anything from jeans to a floor skimming skirt,” Brayko says. “A black dress can go anywhere, pairing with ballerina flats or shimmering gold heels. And the right piece of jewelry - especially a statement piece - can make all the difference.”

Whatever the occasion, there’s one important element that makes your look work. Your confidence is the shining piece that pulls any outfit together.