A Note on Style: A Month of Holiday Style

Happy holidays LDV readers! It’s Karima from A Note on Style sharing a favorite styling tweak that takes my wardrobe through a busy December full of social events. With gatherings ranging from casual to cocktail, I simplify the process of creating fresh looks by elevating the trusted pieces in my closet with a festive spin. I bypass the search for a new holiday outfit and instead work with pieces I already own by adding a standout accessory, a statement pair of shoes or a special top that will have relevancy well after the season passes.

above: Smythe Ruched Lamé Black top, Oscar de la Renta Berry Earrings, Chanel Le Rouge Duo Ultra Wear Lip Colour, Akris Starry Sky Tulle Blouse, Nicholas Kirkwood Pump, Gucci Pearl Embellished Belt, Roxanne Assoulin Necklace, Chanel La Palette Caractere Lip Palette. (photo: Olivia Frolich)

At the top of my list is an embellished belt. I’m thinking big and bold. Picture the transformation of a simple dress or an all-black ensemble with the addition of a waist cinched pearl-encrusted Gucci belt. If that’s too much logo (it’s not for me), then there are plenty of other options that would equally do the trick. Imagine how far a gorgeous statement belt like any of the below would take you for years to come.

Another possibility is a fabulous evening shoe. Taking cues from Sarah Harris, simply pairing a black suit with a rhinestone embellished Nicholas Kirkwood pump takes the outfit from “corporate to cocktail”. It helps if the suit is tuxedo inspired, but not required. This styling route works beautifully with more casual looks too. I’d wear said shoe with slim cropped jeans and a sweater, velvet jacket, dressy blouse, or any number of tops. Invest in a beautiful one now and benefit from having the perfect shoe on hand for a formal occasion when it arises.

More one and done additions come in the form of a bold piece of jewelry. The goal is to streamline by putting together a simple outfit then adding a singular statement piece. Think oversized earrings or a major necklace. Again, these pieces will have life for seasons to come.

If I’m tempted to go beyond accessorizing, I’ll invest in a showstopper top. I’d select a special piece that equally elevates trousers, a skirt or a pair of jeans. A little sparkle, embellishment, texture or even a simple bold color is enough to work across the board with a number of outfits.

Lastly, the holidays bring out the extra effort I make in my beauty routine. I usually go with one of two routes. A beautiful red lip with glowing skin (courtesy of this peel!) and a swipe of mascara makes an elegant statement. I love Chanel’s La Palette Caratere for mixing and customizing the perfect shade. Or, I’ll go for a sultry sophisticated look playing up a smoky eye using this Tom Ford palette with a shimmering nude lip. They’re both fail-safe.