Glitz and glamour are synonymous with holiday fashions, and designers today tailor these festive styles to women of all ages and sizes.
Belk's exclusive Kaari Blue line is known for its office-to-evening pieces, but a metallic hot pants and shirt combo can add oomph to a holiday party. Other brands, including Lauren Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein and Michael Kors, are designed with all women in mind. Selections include lots of red and sparkle in the New Directions line to elegant pearls and gems adorning the Karen Kane pieces.
"We have glitz and glamour styles throughout our whole store," says Teri Wilson, manager of Belk Hamilton Place.
Don't forget the classic little black dress, she adds. The LBD never goes out of style, is appropriate for any occasion and can be worn with our without accessories.
Wilson says a black dress is her personal go-to fashion for special occasions.
"I add chunky pearls, and I'm good to go," she says. "I love black and pearls."
Former Chattanoogan and boutique owner Emily Goodin, now of Nashville, says the biggest trend this holiday season is textured fabrics - crushed velvet, metallic lamé and jacquard.
"You've seen these fabrics because they made their debut in previous decades, but they are back in the most glamorous of fashion," Goodin says. "A velvet jumpsuit is in style, and it's like wearing your PJs to the party.
"There are also some gorgeous velvet cocktail dresses that can be dressed up or dressed down with shoes and jewelry," she says, adding that a velvet jacket and sparkly jewelry can elevate even casual denim jeans to festive holiday wear.
Linda Wicksell models Karen Kane dressy black leggings, $89, paired with a Grace Elements holiday-inspired tunic, $88. Fashions courtesy of Belk. (Staff Photo by Tim Barber)Metallic lamé slip dresses, '70s-inspired pieces, jumpsuits and rompers are also back for another holiday season, Goodin says. "You can pair them with a block heel, platform heel or a bootie to complete this groovy look."
For the more casual yet festive holiday party, Goodin suggests a sweater with bell sleeves, dark jeans and an oversized sparkle earring or statement leggings paired with a tunic sweater. "Leather, metallic or velvet leggings take your casual, holiday look to the next level," she says.
Are leather, metallic or velvet leggings appropriate for the baby boomer?
"Dressing your age is an outdated way to think," says Goodin. "I think it's all about complimenting your body and being comfortable in the look. You have to find your way of wearing a trend."
Chattanoogan Darlys Smith agrees.
"I love sparkles, rhinestones and anything fancy to wear to holiday parties," says Smith, 70, a trendy fashionista who rocked leggings paired with a tunic while shopping for holiday fashions recently at Hamilton Place.
"I love to accentuate my fashions with accessories. You can wear a cheap dress and pair it with fancy shoes for the perfect holiday outfit," she says. "I may be old, but I still go out and party, and I like to dress up. Age has nothing to do with style."
Contact Karen Nazor Hill at khill@timesfreepress.com.