  Amber of Anita Norris Models in London models a taffeta evening coat, the perfect addition to any holiday part ensemble. (Mike Hensen/Sun Media)
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Dressing up for holiday festivities this year means embracing glitz and glam.
“Bling and lots of it gives sparkle and shine to this holiday season’s cocktail dresses, miniskirts and tanks,” says fashion designer Marika Brose of the Brose fashion line.
Sparkle and shine appear in all-over sequins and beads on tops and dresses or sewn-on jeweled bib necklaces, chains and other novelties.
While variations on the little black dress remain seasonal staples, colour evokes greater interest, with red topping the list. Other holiday hues include purple, teal, sapphire blue and a mint of metallics.
Silver, gold, pewter and bronze tones show their worth in shiny and muted antique finishes.
Ruching and draping are stylish elements, as well as one-shouldered and strapless styling, bubble hems and ruffles galore.
Lace is a popular notion that is often overlaid or combined with satin on fancy tops and dresses.
“Combined texture is big and rather than a dress being made of one solid fabric we’re seeing combinations of several textures,” says fashion designer Michelle Turpin, of Karamea.
Cocktail skirts and dresses feature plenty of frills with tiered ruffles and ruffled trim.
If dressy-casual separates suit your style, frill-trimmed tops, sweaters and fancy jackets set the right tone when paired with slim fitting black cigarette pants.
Longer tunic length tops in draped velvet and other fancy fabrics also dress up leggings for casually festive occasions.
Skinny jeans can make the moment topped with sequined camisoles, metallic knit sweaters and jackets.
“Team a zippered metallic jacket or cowl neck sweater with a pair of jeans or dress pants to create an exciting and versatile evening look,” says Sheri Ginsberg, a spokesperson for Fine Line Imports.
Taffeta evening coats, fancy velvet shawls and beaded wraps are among the other stylish toppers that can elevate just about any look from plain to fancy.
Essential accessories that jazz up any holiday outfit include bold cocktail rings, bracelets and necklaces composed of chains, crystals, jet beads and frankly faux gems.
Add a fancy evening bag, a pair of shimmering or open weave lace tights and a pair of cut out strappy pumps or shoe-booties and you’re ready to party in style.
You can make it up
Use base products and concealer to even skin tone, fill brows to create a guide as to how far the eye liner should be extended.
Apply white eyeshadow and sparkling gel to eyelids to contrast the dramatic, winged cat’s eye style of eyeliner.
Apply black eyeliner pencil, and gel eyeliner along upper lash line to the outer corner of her eye to create the cat’s eye effect.
False lashes can be added for drama.
Add lip liner and fill lips in with a vibrant matte red lipstick to create the final look.
heather.toskan@sunmedia.ca
