Go Seamlessly from 2019 Holiday Parties into 2020
The Holidays always mean invites to parties and the inevitable question of what to where so that you’ll fall somewhere between trendy and classic in the sea of inevitable Instagram photos. So let’s navigate this relatively easy styling project with the least amount of stress possible!
If you think about the very basic can’t-go-wrong choice, the little black dress is always stylish, and pairs well with the best of the 1970s and 1990s influences we’ve been seeing go all the way from the runways to street style. Here are some other trends that will take you into 2020.
JEWEL TONES
Never be concerned about color—use it at as a canvas or a little debut of excitement. Don’t be shy!
A pop of color is on-point when it’s jewel-toned sapphire and cobalt blue shades, emerald green, bright ruby reds, hot pinks, luscious oranges, or regal purples.
Pair some colored gemstones with a matching head-to-toe monochromatic look, or accentuate a diamond necklace or earrings with a bright sweater and narrow black Capri or wide-legged pants. A black and white checked pattern, such as houndstooth or plaid, can also act as a neutral that pairs well with cool jewel tones.
Remember that color extends to your lipstick selection (and manicure), and you can either match your make-up colors to your brightest gem or accessory, or wear a classic pink or red to complement a more neutral dark or light palette.
MIX AND MATCH
More than ever before, we’re seeing mixing and matching of vintage and contemporary, high end designer and lower-priced items. We can now mix looks that are affordable as well as stylish, and also glamorize with a significant piece if you have one. If you find a unique vintage dress, modernize it with chunky jewelry that makes a statement. Dress up jeans and a shirt with the intriguing #Neckmess trend, which consists of layering several different necklaces for an array of texture and tonality in different metals or pearls. Don’t hesitate to mix textures but just keep everything in proportion, which is important visually when building a look.
ADJUST TO DIFFERENT SKIRT LENGTHS
Contrast leg-baring lengths by juxtaposing your short skirt with tights, long-sleeves, and cool-looking outerwear, and keep your heel height modest or pair with boots for a sophisticated “girl about town” look. If you decide on the ladylike knee-length or calf-length skirts that we’ve seen a lot of on the Fall 2019 runways, then avoid any danger of frumpiness with a pair of stilettos or boots with a high heel.
ALL-BLACK IS STILL BOLD
Although it never goes out of style, all-black ensembles got a bit less attention in the fashion magazines of last year. However, the 2019/2020 fashion season is bringing this unfailingly chic color back, front and center. Try an all-black look with your best black skinny jeans and a sweater and add an unexpected jolt of variety with a pop-of-print leopard flat and nude lipstick with smoky eyes, or red shoes and a matching bold red lip.
STRATEGIC LAYERING
Yes, it’s winter and our natural inclination is to want to be cozy…This falls in line with the big coats, sweaters, vests, and other layers we’ve seen making maximum impact, often in bright colors or head-to-toe beiges and oatmeals. If you live in a cold-weather climate, this style will come naturally as a way to protect yourself from the elements. But if you don’t need to bundle up for winter, try to get the look with a chic patterned blazer or cardigan over a simple T-shirt or blouse. Again, this type of textural look works well with layered jewelry such as several strands of pearls (think: classic Chanel) and paired with a fun streak of color that’s unexpected over neutrals. If you’re into blouses, one idea is to ditch the buttons at the wrists and replace them with men’s cufflinks, which often come in kitchy patterns.
At the end of the day, stay creative, but don’t be afraid to explore different looks than your usual go-to’s, because that is the flavor of fashion and design. It’s all about self-expression and we all have that instinct within us that drives us to look our best so that we can feel great! When in doubt, take a good look in a full-length mirror before you leave the house when you’re trying our a new style, and if you’re not comfortable wearing a piece, then it’s probably not the right choice. It’s easy to make minor adjustments that will make you feel amazing when trying new fashion elements as we approach a new decade.
About The Author
Debbie Azar is the Co-Founder and President of Gemological Science International (GSI), one of the largest gemological organizations in the world, and a distinguished leader in the global diamond and jewelry industry. As an executive with extensive knowledge of the jewelry and gem lab industries, her entrepreneurial skills and vision have helped GSI achieve rapid and continuous growth worldwide, establishing 13 leading-edge gemological facilities on four continents. She currently serves on the boards of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, Responsible Jewellery Council, and Jewelers for Children, and is a member of the 24 Karat Club of New York. She has been featured in Forbes, Daily Mail, Good Morning America, Bloomberg, Bloomberg Businessweek, Fox Business, Fox5, CBS2, BOLDTV, Varney&Co, The Street, and NASDAQ, among others.
