Words by Gaia Stasi
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas and you have no clue of what to wear? From Carolina Herrera’ subtle elegance to Elie Saab’s divine silhouettes, here is a roundup of the four dresses you definitely need this festive season.
The work party
Work functions are a little tricky to dress for. You want to look good without being overdressed, but you also want to feel attractive while keeping things proper and ladylike.
What to wear: Carolina Herrera’s black full skirt gown is the perfect blend of subtle womanliness and calculated elegance. The exclusive pairing of a narrow V-neck with a mandarin shaped collar and a close-fitting bodice, gives the gown a timeless feel that carries an edgy aftertaste. And the floor-length satin skirt, box-plated and secured by a flattering sash tied around the waist line, is guaranteed to make you feel like a modern, real-life princess.
Pair it with: Go for pointed toe kitten heels to dance all night long and a stylish ear-framing cluster earring with matching stud.
A Christmas date
You’re the ultimate gift. So let it show.
What to wear: Racking your brains about what to get your better half? Don’t overthink it: they’ve already got everything they need, and that’s you. Swap candid romance for a little daring and loftiness this year, in Saint Laurant’s embellished velvet mini dress, as featured in their FW19 runway show.
Creative director Anthony Vaccarello replicates the eighties dramatic silhouette, pairing bulky padded shoulders with a fitted mini skirt. Those were a decade of bold style, and Saint Laurent’s mini dress certainly has plenty.
Featuring an oversized bow with shimmering crystal embellishments wrapped around the neck, and cut-out details on the sides, this ensemble is sure to make you feel like an exquisite petit cadeau! The best thing? No wrapping skills required.
Pair it with: The dress’ short cut and figure-framing fit ooze plenty of allure, dashing sensuality, and seductive charm. Build on the sexy kitten vibe completing the outfit with sheer tights and platform sandals in patent leather with dizzying stiletto heels. All strictly in black.
To emulate the Saint Laurent’s runway look, go for textured tights instead – set out to choose a clean geometric pattern in line with the square crystal appliques on the bow.
Girls’ Christmas outing
Whether you are going gift shopping, scouting for charming decorations and homemade cranberry sauce at the local markets, or wondering at the city lights, you’re bound to plan a girls’ outing (or two) before the big day.
What to wear: Deitas’ Demeter dress in burgundy looks utterly lavish and smooth, and feels just as good. Featuring clean aesthetics and a comfortable design, Demeter is definitely made for walking. The silk-satin fabric gives the maxi dress a neat, polished, and stylish look, while the open back detailing, featuring a knotted tie, gives this piece a final sophisticated touch.
Plus, what could put you more in a jolly Christmas mood than rocking a rich red ensemble?
Pair it with: Opt for your favourite pair of lace up black leather boots to keep it casual and weather friendly. Play along with the ‘mismatching’ vibe – evoked by the refined silky fabric fluttering over the chunky shoes – by adding a brown (rigorously faux) fur coat and a white beanie.
The Christmas dinner
This year, we are dreaming of a white Christmas. Where the dress glistens and children listen to hear feathers ruffled by the storm…
What to wear: If anyone can do high-class, fashionable drama, it’s definitely Elie Saab. In this sublime feather-trimmed white gown, which is part of the designer’s latest collection, you are guaranteed to make an entrance everywhere you go, from the restaurant’s foyer to your folks’ dining room.
Featuring a floor-length, fluid silhouette, a silky crêpe texture expertly crafted in Italy, and ostrich feather-trimmed sleeve cuffs, this dress will have you feel as the ultimate snow queen.
The total white look exudes a dainty, celestial aura, further emphasized by the fluffy feathery garnishments, which closely resemble miniature angel wings.
The gown’s clean cut and simple design perfectly balance the dramatic, extra-ordinary finish constructed by the feathery embellishment, giving the ensemble an overall exquisite, ethereal touch.
Pair it with: To build on the recurring holy theme and be sure to make an angelic appearance, keep your accessories within the same colour palette. Tonal dressing has been one of the season’s biggest trends, taking over the runways, popping up on the streets and, of course, flooding our social media feed. Follow in this trend and wear your Elie Saab’s gown with multiple shades of white.
Think ivory, beige, cream, champagne, or eggshell.
