Have you ever wondered where the ugly Christmas sweater craze originated and why everyone chooses to look, well, rather silly?
According to the aptly named Ugly Christmas Sweater Book, the rise of ugly sweaters started in the late 1980s, around the same time when Chevy Chase played the iconic role of Clark Griswold in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. But the ugly sweater party craze saw its rapid climb around 2001 and hasn’t slowed down since.
Then again, depending on who you ask, the ugly sweater Christmas craze should be put to rest in favor of gorgeous seasonal fashion that people are proud to wear. If you want to retire those ugly sweaters and reach for something more flattering, follow these pro tips for a fashion-forward holiday.
1. Reach for That Little Black Dress
The classic little black dress is always a must-have for any seasonal wardrobe. It’s versatile, flattering and offers plenty of flexibility throughout the holiday season. Dress it up with stunning jewelry and fabulous shoes, or keep it simple with an essential bangle bracelet and earrings. And if you secretly love all the holiday fanfare and ugly Christmas sweater, add a fun scarf or wrap depicting a festive seasonal motif.
2. Go Glam with Velvet
There may be no better excuse to pull out the velvet and drape yourself in luxury than the holiday season. Choose from black or dark blue, or go bold with bright red and grab some shoes to match. Wearing velvet is also a fun way to make a big entrance at your next holiday party, where all eyes are bound to be on you. But if you’re not feeling head-to-toe velvet, opt for velvet shoes and a handbag to add some style to your holiday outfit.
3. Drape Yourself in Jewelry
If you’re not sure what to wear or don’t want to invest in a new dress, celebrate the season with your best jewelry for a glittery evening on the town. The holidays are the time to shine, and you can use this season as an excuse to invest in new signature pieces for your collection.
Look for long, draping necklaces that can jazz up the little black dress, sparkling earrings to grab some attention from friends and family, and oversized cocktail rings for a festive touch. The best part about jewelry is that you can add more to make a statement or tone it down to keep the focus on simple elegance.
4. Layer for Warmth and Style
With a mix of soft, cashmere scarves and cardigans, wearing layers is an easy way to create a stunning look for the holidays. Plus, you simultaneously end up looking great and staying warm without compromising your signature look. Then again, if you live in a more temperate climate, you can still layer your way to achieve that upscale holiday look.
Just add a lightweight sweater or wrap to dress up your outfit. Layers also let you course correct your wardrobe as the night wears on. After an upscale dinner, you can hop over to a party and quickly shed your layers for a more basic look to join a casual crowd.
Be as Creative as You Want
With the right pieces, from the little black dress to the right jewelry, holiday fashion can be fun and flexible for just about anyone. This holiday season, let your creativity dictate your signature fashion. Just make sure to donate those ugly holiday sweaters to make room for your new style.
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