Addressed is a weekly column about the act of getting dressed. Anything and everything is fair game for discussion—from animal prints and runway styling hacks, to how to build the perfect winter shoe wardrobe.
The year is coming to an end and we’re getting into holiday mode—family time, presents, and of course parties! Holiday dressing is truly one of life’s great sartorial pleasures; it’s a time for going all-in and indulging your most opulent main-character fantasies.
Yes, here at Addressed, we believe in Method Dressing for the holidays. Why wouldn’t we when there is nothing quite as fabulous as wearing red head-to-toe, and the rest of the year it’s so hard to find the right occasion to do so? A red tailored suit, or a red dress—bonus points if it’s velvet—are the perfect attire, whether you’re going to your office’s cocktail event, or just visiting your grandmother’s house for dinner.
If you want to get even more into the spirit, then expand your palette to red and green (or red and gold, or red and purple!), and if you’re feeling really festive, consider the classic tartan fabric. A poufy plaid skirt, and a little sweater are made for surviving the merriment in style.
The season calls for sparkles, tinsel, and all matter of shiny embellishments. Sequins will always be holiday appropriate—whether on a matching skirt and top, or a little sequin jacket to throw on over jeans and pointy boots (years ago I picked up a black sequin number from Theory that never fails to make an appearance during the month of December). It’s also a time for textural dressing—consider lace, faux feathers, fringe, ruffles, and all manner of maximalist fabric manipulations.
Should the idea of holiday tonal dressing is not your cup of tea, then consider the fact that any bold jewel-tone is accepted this time of year. Opulent aquamarine! Turquoise! Chartreuse! Mustard! Magenta! If it’s color easily found on a string of Christmas lights, it’s a color that belongs in your wardrobe.
And if you’re reading this thinking, “Well, I’m a minimalist,” take a look at Rachel Comey’s hunter green ensemble, exciting in its volume but devoid of bells and whistles. But also show a little bit of your wild side with accessories—think lace tights, platform velvet shoes, or thick taffeta ribbon details. (Why not take inspiration from the Valentino flats and artfully wrap some taffeta ribbons around your ankle?)
The holidays are about celebrating with your loved ones and taking some well-earned time for yourself. Experiment, have fun, and spread some cheer!
