12 Ways To Make Your Holiday Wardrobe Sparkle
Want to shine this holiday season? Check out our glittery picks and tips straight from the experts on how to pull it off like a pro.
GALLERY: Holiday 2012 Gift Guide: Best in Beauty
1Try A Sequin Clutch
“Sequins head-to-toe are a no-go!” says fashion expert Mary Alice Stephenson. “Stick to wearing sequins in a simple way, like by adding a sequin clutch to a little black dress.” This sequin pouch by Sondra Roberts features a clasp closure and satin lining for elegant appeal.
2Go Cardigan Cool
“Keep sequins chic by mixing with basics—like I would wear my sequin cardigan with a t-shirt and jeans,” advises Stephenson. A front sequined mesh overlay adds vintage appeal to a cotton sweater that can easily transition to other times of the year.
3Highlight Bone Structure
“Pick a shimmer powder that is not straight-up glitter—which can be overwhelming—and lightly dust it on tops of cheekbones, under brows and on the inner corners of eyes only,” advises makeup artist Carmindy. Lancôme’s holiday rose highlighter is as pretty on skin as it is on the palette.
4Blush Beautifully
“Finely-milled shimmer makes skin of any age look radiant,” says Carmindy. These blushes by Christopher Drummond Beauty blend fine iron oxide color pigments with natural mica powder for an illuminating glow. Titanium dioxide offers full spectrum sun protection.
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Christopher Drummond Beauty Blush Alluring, $28 each, BeautySage
5Wing It
“The most universally flattering way for a woman to wear glitter is built into an eyeliner drawn along the lash line for subtle sparkle,” says Carmindy. “It works on all ages and looks fabulous—not freaky!” Laura Geller’s glimmering collection of multi-reflective baked eyeliner colors can be applied with a thin liner brush to lashlines wet or dry, depending on desired intensity.
6Light Up Your Lips
“A light, sheer glitter gloss layered over lipstick is a fun, festive way to play up lips during the holidays without overdoing it,” says Carmindy. These shimmery lip glosses by Elle Cosmetics slip on easily over lip color for a glassy topcoat that adds both shine and hydration to lips.
7DIY Glitter Nails
“The most elegant way to wear glitter on your nails is to apply a super-dark, high gloss polish as a base tone, and then sprinkle glitter on half the nail, tapering off,” says renowned nail expert Jin Soon Choi of New York City’s Jin Soon Hand And Foot Spa. Shown here is the shade “Risque” from the manicurist’s JINsoon line of polishes, which is accented with gold glitter from the craft store.
8Go For The Gold
“If you’re picking a nail polish, I recommend mono-tone glitter instead of multi-tone glitter for a look that is more sophisticated and chic,” advises Choi. Deborah Lippmann’s newest limited edition shade is a gold glitter-studded black that is named for the world’s most infamous seductress.
9Make Strands Sparkle
“Gold shimmer spray is a subtle way to make your hairstyle glisten without going overboard,” says New York stylist and salon owner Mark Garrison. The Body Shop’s limited edition atomizer evenly releases a fine shimmery powder that you can apply on strands and shoulders for added evening glamour.
MORE: Winter Hair Color Rules to Break
The Body Shop’s The Sparkler in Enchanting Gold and Dazzling Copper, $24
10Play With Pailettes
“When I’m exhausted or don’t look my best, I pull out one really fun sequin piece to instantly feel young and fresh,” says Stephenson. This mini pailette skirt pairs perfectly with opaque tights and a warm top for a comfy, winter-friendly outfit that sparkles with cheer. Plus, pailettes are like grown-up glitter!
11Skirt The Issue
“A sequin skirt can add instant glam to everything in your closet and make boring basics like a button-down shirt fun to wear again!” says Stephenson. A stretchy waist inset makes this patterned, silvery Nic + Zoe skirt comfortable to wear, and the longer length makes it appropriate for professional and more formal celebrations.
12Make A Statement
“If you need a hit of pretty from the waist up, then try a sparkling statement necklace to brighten up your look!” says Stephenson. Kate Spade’s On The Town Statement Necklace is a luxurious bib of crystal stones that layers beautifully over both low and high cut tops.
Kate Spade New York On The Town 18″ Statement Necklace, $298, Bloomingdales
