Show-stopping satin, sparkling sequins, statement shoes. It’s official: The holiday party season is here.
December always seems to move rather quickly — there’s gift shopping, end-of-year work deadlines, preparing to entertain loved ones, and countless holiday parties. In addition to keeping track of all the RSVPs, and whether or not you should perfect your party-hopping strategy, take some time to renew your holiday wardrobe with 1980s-inspired pieces, luxe tailoring, and animal print — a timeless trend to buy now and wear indefinitely.
We caught up with Tootsies creative director Fady Armanious to share this season’s hottest holiday trends, and if fall was the season of gold, metallics, rich textures such as velvet and satin, transitioning to the winter — and, holidays — won’t be an issue for fashion-savvy Houstonians.
Glitzy glamour
Women who prefer suiting Monday through Friday can invest in a sequin top, Armanious suggests. “Pair it with something you already own in your closet — like leather pants,” he tells CultureMap.
Turn to Alice + Olivia, Naeem Khan, or Milly to elevate your everyday suit.
Striking accessories
Speaking of glitz, another option is to dress up your decolletage by layering necklaces from Zofia Day, often worn by Meghan Markle, stacking your wrists with bracelets, or adding a finishing touch to your monochrome outfit with shoulder-grazing statement earrings.
With gold jewelry, he says your look will instantly feel fresh while opting for crystal drop earrings is not only a hot trend but also a holiday must-have.
Indulge in prints
Season after season, Armanious says animal print never goes out of style. “It may become less dominant during certain parts of the year, like Thanksgiving [think rustic hues], but after Thanksgiving, you’ll start seeing black and gold zebra print or silver mixed in, too,” he says.
Retrofete and Peter Dundas’ animal prints exude a sense of sultriness and edginess.
Rich textures
Slip into satin that catches the light, pick up a classic velvet blazer dress, or throw on Rachel Zoe’s sequined moto jacket.
Statement shoes that sparkle
“You can’t go wrong with an over-the-knee boot,” Armanious says. “They’re great when worn with a short sequin dress.”
Festive shoes are also a great conversation starter. Spanish shoe label Pedro Garcia is your best bet for classic silhouettes featuring individually handset Swarovski crystal pavé heels.
Armanious proposes Sam Edelman’s booties because of its affordable price point.
Fady Armanious is a noted Houston's fashion expert.
Celebrity Leslie Bibb is a fan of the Houston-based brand 11 Juillet. Photo courtesy of 11 Juillet
