Ask Laurie: Fresh Takes on Holiday Dressing?
Dear Laurie, I’d rather not spend another holiday season turning to the same obvious pieces buried deep in my closet (like my trusted, but overdone little black dress). Are there any suitable party-ready alternatives that feel fresh yet aren’t completely over the top? —Jessie Y.
Dear Jessie, The reason why we get stuck in the same familiar dressing habits is that they never fail—coming back for more is really a matter of habit. Below are a few simple outfitting ideas so that you don’t have to rely too heavily on the ubiquitous LBD—although, with the right festive accessories, what’s old can feel entirely new again.
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LET THE ACCESSORIES DO THE TALKING
Even if you’re burnt out on the usual suspects, an architectural spin on a classic cocktail dress rivals the original any day, acting as a blank canvas that can be easily embellished—see: statement necklace, gleaming hoops, and the dramatic ruffle shoe below.
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Tibi
SHIFT DRESS
WITH SCULPTED SLEEVE goop, $425 -
JENNIFER FISHER X GOOP
Goop Hoop Earrings goop, $200 -
LOEFFLER RANDALL
Langley Heel goop, $395 -
PRADA
Necklace Prada, $920
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SPORTS LUXE
Because not every evening engagement calls for black-tie (get-togethers for the kiddos, wine-night with your ride-or-dies). Keep it low key—and still appear dressed to the nines—with fluid separates that shine with more elaborate pairings like fringe earrings and statement bags.
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SACHIN & BABI
Dupio Earrings Sachin & Babi, $250 -
LOEFFLER RANDALL
Scout Knit Sneaker goop, $295 -
PRADA
Bag Prada, $3,200 -
BAMFORD X GOOP
Heritage 146 Watch goop, $10,624 -
PROENZA SCHOULER
Wrap-Style T-Shirt Matchesfashion, $424 -
MAISON FLANEUR Cashmere
Palazzo Pants Farfetch, $719
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GO BIG
First off, don’t be afraid to go all out: mix in moody florals by way of a romantic gown in a heel-accommodating length that you’ll reach for over and over again (and not have to worry about over-accessorizing). Second, hints of glimmer, a satin heel, and a swipe of mascara catapult the look to occasion-ready.
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CO
Printed Silk Maxi Dress goop, $1,895 -
MICHELLE FANTACI
Diamond Nomad Fan
Drop Earrings goop, $1,890 -
TAMARA MELLON
Frontline 105 – Nappa Tamara Mellon, $395 -
W3LL PEOPLE
EXPRESSIONIST MASCARA 1 goop, $22 -
PROENZA SCHOULER
Curl Embellished Suede
and Leather Clutch NET-A-PORTER, $895
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POINT TAKEN
We love a good entrance, and there’s nothing that turns heads quite like a dressed-up overcoat. When in doubt, downplay the rest of the outfit and opt for accessories that don’t overpower (a classic, pointy pump, pendant, jewel-trim clutch). Remember, it’s all about the details, and anything that incorporates texture is a win-win.
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Herbivore Botanicals
JASMINE BODY OIL, TRAVEL SIZE goop, $26 -
OSCAR DE LA RENTA Black
Satin Rogan Box Clutch Oscar de la Renta , $1,550 -
IRENE NEUWIRTH
hear-Shaped Tourmaline
Pendant Necklace Barneys New York, $14,960 -
PRADA
Heels Prada, $690 -
JACQUEMUS
Oversized Coat Farfetch, $735
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SAY MORE WITH LESS
The less-is-more approach exists because it works. Case in point: a fresh twist on a traditional shape teams beautifully with subtly intricate jewel-toned velour heels. And since I’m never one to resist something sparkly (particularly during the holidays), a vintage-y beaded clutch + diamond cocktail ring = the perfect finishing touches.
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CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC
Cutout Wool-Twill Midi Dress NET-A-PORTER, $1,737 -
goop Fragrance
EAU DE PARFUM:
EDITION 03 – INCENSE goop, $165 -
PRADA
Heels Prada, $990 -
THE ROW Wristlet Mini
Tasseled Embellished
Bouclé Clutch NET-A-PORTER, $2,150 -
ERINESS
Diamond Circle Ring goop, $950