Luxe looks for the holidays

Now, what to wear to all those holiday parties to feel as festive as the season?

Whether you're shopping for a new wardrobe or just some fresh pieces to perk up what's already in your closet, fashion experts agree on one key word: embellishment.

For this season, across all price points, that means the look of luxurious fabrics and embroideries; the shimmer of metallic silver or gold in shoes and bags; and interesting details, such as a ruffled sweater or an asymmetrical hemline. And, in every category, discover the surprise of traditional holiday red deepened into luscious tones of cranberry, wine and port.

"The lace, the sparkle and anything with texture, like cutouts, appliqués and crinkle, is always going to enhance the outfit," says Lauren Gannet, owner of Lauren b. in Morristown.

"Make a statement and luxe up your look with velvet textural elements that will be found in all aspects of fashion — from shoes and blazers to cocktail dresses uk and blouses," says Candice Ward, director of the free personal shopping service MyStylist@Macy's at The Mall at Short Hills.

Laura Barker, owner of Dot Reeder in Montclair, agrees. "What I believe in for my clientele is luxe fabrications — velvets, jacquards, silks — things that have sheen and texture to them," she says, adding that the newest designs mix fabrics and textures in unexpected ways, such as knits with silk or lace details.

Real and faux fur, particularly as accent pieces, provide another major look for the holidays.

"We're talking about fox and mink. They can be shawls, vests, little jackets or stoles," says Sophie Flanery, store manager at CoCo Parí, in Red Bank and Deal. She says the fur pieces look especially good combined with the store's leather and suede dresses, jackets and pants.

At Lauren b., which carries only faux furs and leathers, Gannet recommends a vest in faux black mink worn with faux suede pants. "You show up wearing that with a white silk blouse and you're making an entrance," she says.

"I think the best way to approach shopping for the holidays is to think about that statement piece and what will make you feel the best ... whether it's the fur, or the bag, or the shoe that will take your look to the next level," says Michelle

Alper, sales and styling manager for Nordstrom at The Mall at Short Hills.

For those going out directly from work, many of the new holiday handbags provide the kind of sparkle or bold graphic statement that helps transition a simple day style, such as a black dress or silk blouse and pants, into an elegant party look.

These include clutches done in glitter, with jeweled closures, or in bold patchwork velvet; crossbody bags in perforated metallic suede; and even embellished knuckle clutches that fit over the fingers and double as jewelry.

In footwear, ankle boots top the must-have list. The freshest booties offer more textural interest in terms of suedes, embroideries and other ornamentation. They also feature "more architectural heels, like sculptured square, stacked or

cutout," Alper says.

When it comes to wearing the season's shimmer and glitter, all the retailers stressed that less can be more.

Gannet, of Lauren b., puts it this way, "You don't want to go over the top, you just want that accent piece that will set you apart from the ordinary, something with a little shimmer, a little glamour. Women don't want to be head-to-toe

glam."

"My motto when customers are shopping is: Buy less, but buy right," says Flanery, of Coco Parí. "When you're shopping and you get key pieces, it makes you feel good because you look good."

TOP ACCESSORIES

Holiday handbags make a statement with bold graphic designs, shimmery metallics and luxurious fabrics. From small clutches to larger bags with handles, these are punchy accent pieces that empower even the littlest black cheap prom dresses to make a big entrance.

Among the season's must-haves:

• Jimmy Choo ruby velvet clutch, $765, at Nordstrom

• Clare V. velvet patchwork clutch, $235, at Dot Reeder

• Sondra Roberts red glitter clutch, $48, at Lauren b.

• INC International Concepts black glitter clutch, $69.50, at Macy's

And, designed for dancing or just sitting by the fire, the best holiday shoes range from sexy sandals to sassy booties. They all share a gloss of glamour, embellished with shimmer or studded with gems.

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