Girl Next Door / December 2011 / Three Weeks to Party Perfect: Week Two- Shoes, Accessories and Cover Ups

Dec 8, 201110:23 AMGirl Next Door

Three Weeks to Party Perfect: Week Two- Shoes, Accessories and Cover Ups

 

This is Part Two of my three-week long guide to getting party-perfect for the holiday season. Last week I gave you tips on how to find the perfect party dress, and this week I will be looking at shoes, accessories and cover-ups. Missed last week's installment? Find it here.

 

Phew! All that dress shopping has got me all worn out! Have you found yours? Fab! We'd better getting started on accessorising then! Not managed to find your dream dress? No problem- this week's column will help you to re-accessorize a dress you already have to make it look completely different. Even I am wearing an old dress for New Year's Eve this year- my classic LBD is going from bare legs and leopard pumps to black tights, fur jacket and sparkly shoes. It looks like a different dress with some tweaks!

I admit though, I am not great at accessorizing. I tend to by-pass the accessories section of clothing stores and am more likely to be distracted by a fabulous dress than a bold necklace or designer bag. Nevertheless, I'm working on it, and I hope these tips will help me too! This week's tips should help you to find the perfect pair of shoes, accessories and cover-up to ensure you look fabulous. Next week, we'll be doing those final touches- hair, makeup and nails, to have you all ready to go. Just call me your fairy godmother!

First stop, shoes!

 

Shoes

Confession time- I have over 70 pairs of shoes. Yet, I wouldn't even describe myself as a true shoe-addict (I'm not quite at the Carrie Bradshaw level yet!) but the new pair I will be wearing over the party season have that amazing ability to make even my oldest dresses look brand new. A great pair of shoes can take an outfit from simple to amazing.

Now, your shoes have to work with your dress. A bold dress demands simpler shoes, just as a plain dress allows for amazing footwear. The first thing you have to address is style- a long-length formal dress isn't going to work with big clompy shoes, just as a crazy, fun dress won't work with dainty shoes. Dainty, strappy shoes look great with a feminine dress, but shoe-boots can make a great contrast with a very girly dress (especially if you add a leather jacket). I am a huge fan of heels for evening, but if you're not comfortable in skyscrapers, consider a lower heel, or a pretty flat. Now, colour. Get rid of the myth that your shoes have to match your dress (and your bag), but similar tones can work. Your pink shoes don't have to be the exact same shade as your dress. Neutrals shoes are obviously an easy choice and will go with everything, but a contrasting shoes-colour can look amazing. I recently attended a wedding in a honeysuckle pink dress and teal shoes and belt. Nude heels will make your legs look longer (with bare legs), as will black heels and black tights. Finally, comfort. Heels are a killer. Consider how far you're going to be walking, and if necessary, bring a pair of flats in your bag. Ensure your shoes fit well too- ill-fitting shoes are a nightmare at a fancy Christmas do when your boss keeps asking you to dance!

 

Accessories

As with shoes, a simple dress can afford more, and bolder accessories. A printed dress may just need a couple of bangles or some earrings. But a simple LBD can be seriously jazzed up with fantastic jewellery-introduce a new colour in accessories for extra style points. I am really wary of over-accessorising and tend to avoid wearing both a necklace and earrings, but that is your call. Also, keep neckline in mind. A necklace can look too fussy with one-shouder dresses, and earrings might be a better choice. Ensure your bag goes with your outfit- don't bring a huge leather hobo bag if you're wearing a super-dainty dress! Clutches, for me, never hold enough stuff, but they are always chic. Don't forget unexpected accessories- a hairpiece can add something amazing to a simple outfit and long elegant gloves are a great touch. Finally, consider your legwear. Bright tights are fun and unexpected, as are patterned tights. Black tights are a great choice for winter (especially if you re-wear a summery dress), and tan-coloured glossy tights are much cheaper than a St. Bart's tan!

 

Cover-ups

While I'm not very good at choosing jewellery, I have a bit of an obsession with coats and jackets. I have 9 coats and I've lost count of all my jackets. Make your cover-up part of your outfit- don't just shove your parka on before you leave the house. A pretty capelet can really make a dress. A leather jacket is great for a rock-chick look and a well-cut blazer can make a serious impression. A faux fur jacket is always classy and great for the party season. Want something a little more simple? Chose a cardigan or pashmina with colours from your outfit for a punch of colour.