Holiday Party Preview – You Can’t Put It Off Any Longer

By Brian Maynor

 

It’s hard to believe Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away and with it the kick-off of the holiday party season.  Is your wardrobe ready?

With house parties, office parties, lunches, drop-ins and cocktails your wardrobe will be working overtime just to keep up with new and appropriate outfits for your social calendar.  Luckily there are a few new trends that can help.  Here are a few of the hottest ones you’re sure to see this season:

 

1.   Mixed textures.  Cocktails are not the only things that will be mixed this season; textures will be too.  Have fun and play with layers of various fabrics and feels in one outfit.  Whether you choose polar opposites like silk and wool or similar ones like cotton and cashmere this is one of the easiest trends to follow.  Texture doesn’t care about color, cut, or style of the pieces because it’s all about the touch.

2.   Slip dresses.  In a season that screams over-the-top sometimes the simple things stand out the most, and it doesn’t get more simple than a slip dress.  A huge trend in the 90s it’s interesting to see this style reinterpreted for the 2014 holiday season.  Lightweight, thin and very revealing these dresses are certainly not for your work party.  Also if you’re going to pull this look off you will need to invest in proper seamless foundation wear.  Lines, pulls and snags will create a hot mess instead of an elegant expression.

3.   Over-sized outerwear.  After seasons of shrinking fits it’s nice to have some breathing room again.  Over-sized options are returning to the forefront, particularly with outerwear.  You may be tempted to just buy a larger size when creating this look, but that’s not the best idea.  To maintain a proportional, stylish look that highlights your shape you should look for pieces designed to be over-sized.  When you simply buy larger sizes you look sloppy and that’s certainly not what this trend is about.

4.   A neutral palette.  Another way to stand out this season is to contrast the jewel-toned theme of the holidays.  Neutrals can sometimes come off as boring and take a backseat in your outfit, but when they are muted with a little texture or sheen suddenly they transform into the star.  This is the perfect way to give your LBD a break this year or shake up the sea of navy, grey and black suits.

 

The holidays are stressful enough as it is so there’s no reason to compound it with wardrobe dilemmas.  These tips will help you break out of your normal holiday rut and stand out in your social media stream.

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace.  Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected].  Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.

Sign up here to start your free subscription to MidlandsLife!