By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Sun-Times
November 4, 2004
We know. Thanksgiving isn’t for another few weeks and Christmas is almost two months down the line. But trust us. It’s never too early to do a little reconnaissance work when it comes to searching for that perfect holiday dress.
Forget about understated. Go for full-out glam, because every woman and her sister will be dressed to thrill.
“It’s very glamorous this season,” says Lucy Sykes, Marie Claire’s editor at large. “It’s a throwback to the days of Grace Kelly, Greta Garbo and every major huge iconic actress from the past. Everything glamorous is in style this winter — luxurious fur stoles, very high heels and, of course, diamonds — real diamonds.”
Color also is in. While the little black dress always will be a classic, it won’t pack as much of an impact this season as luxe jewel tones in wine, burgundy and gold. And green — fall’s big color — is popular for the holidays.
Sykes says the look is going to be big across the board. Top-end designers such as Michael Kors and Yves St. Laurent are showing this on the runways. And select Banana Republics’ window displays are reflecting the same theme.
“Designers have been making more glamorous pieces for the past two or three years, and women have been loving it,” says Los Angeles-based stylist Lori Yee. “You’ll notice that all the actresses who used to show up at premieres half-dressed or in grungy little dresses are looking more put together. They’re turning to the Armanis and Vera Wangs to create gorgeous gowns for them that will get them noticed for being beautiful and classy. Natalie Portman pulls it off effortlessly. Britney Spears doesn’t.”
Designers may not be clamoring to dress you, but that doesn’t mean you can’t pull off an old school Hollywood glam look. And that means feeling as good in your gown as it looks on you. When you’re picking a dress, make sure it feels great against your skin. A beautifully beaded dress may scratch or itch if the lining isn’t significant enough. Similarly, a stiff tulle skirt may feel as fabulous as it looks if it’s lined in silk or another soft fabric.
“The dresses this season are somewhat forgiving,” Sykes says. “They cover up a little more than in the past. It’s not about showing skin so much as it is alluding to it.”
This luxe look doesn’t have to cost you a fortune. While jewelers will be able to ascertain whether your diamond necklace or bracelet is real, most revelers won’t have a clue. If you don’t have any real bling, break out the cubic zirconia or, better yet, raid your mother’s or grandmother’s jewelry box to see if you could borrow a piece. Yee points out you can score some good costume jewelry at discount stores like Target and Marshalls as well as at flea markets and garage sales.
Sykes suggests women look to fashion magazines for guidance on what jewels look good with particular dresses, but she says ultimately it’s up to the woman to decide for herself what looks right.
“Don’t wear a bangle bracelet if it makes you feel uncomfortable,” she says. “If you’re unhappy with what you have on, it will show — no matter how glamorous your dress or jewels. Magazines are there to give you an idea of what you can look like. We don’t expect you to go out and spend $10,000 on a dress or $5,000 on a necklace.”
And ladies, please don’t forget the shoes. As much as your podiatrist will hate us for saying this — the higher the heels the better. If you have any leftover clunky heels, chuck them. They are so not in. If you can bear sandals with no hose, all the better. But no one will think less of you for wearing a pair of beautiful shimmery hose with your shoes — not in Chicago anyhow.
TIPS FROM US TO YOU
Not sure how to create this glam look on a modest budget? Don’t worry. We’re here to help.
To get an idea of what looks will be big this winter, Marie Claire’s Lucy Sykes suggests you rent a few Grace Kelly movies. “That’s pretty much the look every woman will want for a holiday party,” Sykes says. “Very sophisticated, glamorous and alluring.”
Rifle through and see what you have hidden in your closet. If you know you have nothing suitable, head to your favorite boutique and see if they have any sample sizes they’d be willing to part with. Filene’s Basement and other discount stores also have designer wear at prices that won’t break the bank.
Don’t be shy about asking your friends and family if they might have something suitable. A cool aunt or neighbor might have just the thing.
Don’t worry about adhering to everything you see in fashion magazines or even this fashion spread. Substitute a diamondlike necklace from Claire’s Boutique for the real ones we borrowed from Gemcraft for this photo shoot. Buy a faux fur stole for under $100. And if you’re lucky enough to be able to fit into junior-size clothes, pick through some of those selections. They’re often cheaper.
While all the fashionistas are demanding you wear high, HIGH heels with your gowns, you can fudge that, too, depending on your height and dress length. If you’re tall and your dress will skim the floor, your modest Sabrina heels will do just fine.
But do us all a favor and keep the skintight lycra dresses at home. Unless you’re Pamela Anderson, you will look outdated and tacky. It works for the former “Baywatch” babe, but let’s face it, sweeties, most of us don’t have that kind of fashion leeway.
