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Celebrity Stylist Carson Kressley’s Top Tips for Feeling Stylish and Confident at a Christmas Party

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The holiday season can be intimidating. Between gift shopping and creating standout treats for your kid’s school’s annual Christmas bake sale, you barely have enough time to attend the annual office party, never mind figuring out what you’re going to wear to it. I mean, it’s not like us busy women have time to curate our wardrobes or spend hours shopping for the right look. While it may seem like sparkles and sequins are the festive fashion go-to, how do we know when glitter is either too much or not enough?

If the jumped-into-the-reject-merchandise-box-at-the-craft-store look isn’t for you, don’t worry. We had the chance to talk to Carson Kressley, celebrity fashion guru and author of Does This Book Make My Butt Look Big: A Cheeky Guide to Feeling Sexier in Your Own Skin & Unleashing Your Personal Style, about how to feel confident and stylish this holiday season.

What advice do you have for women who want to stay on-trend?

Kressley: “First and foremost, I think the holidays are a fun time to literally be festive and wear color, and sparkles, and shine. It’s a time to be celebratory and have fun this season! Not every trend is for every woman, but every woman should be part of the party.” 

What is trending in the fashion world at the moment? And what’s the best way to embrace the trend without over-spending?

Kressley: “I’m a big proponent for trying new trends, but I’m also a proponent for not breaking the bank. You don’t have to spend a fortune to look amazing. Marshalls has great finds for just $20.” 

Cream Sweater Marshall's

(Photo Credit: Marshalls)

Tips for Sporting Non-Traditional Holiday Colors

“Usually when people think holiday, they think reds, greens, golds, and silvers. But, I think you should think outside of the box. There are plenty of great colors out there, like fuchsia and metallic colors such as metallic rose and metallic teal.” 

Holiday shirt black

(Photo Credit: Marshalls)

“Not everyone looks great in red, green, and silver, but if you choose one [color], you can make sure it’s the right look and looks good on you. I think having fun with non-traditional holiday colors is a great way to stand out at a party, and you can wear them all winter long.” 

Can you have fun with fake fur?

“Faux fur is really where you can get a lot of bang for your buck and it’ll instantly change your whole look. Faux fur looks great on the trim of a cardigan; you can also find faux fur in multiple blush colors or in teal patchwork. You can really have fun with faux fur this season.”

Should you wear sequins?

“Not everyone wants to be in sequins, but sequins are a fun way to embrace the season. You could even do a sequin shoe, clutch, or baseball cap. The most important thing is to embrace the trend that works for you, your body, and your lifestyle.” 

Step Up Your Holiday Outfit Game with Accessories

“Embellished shoes are a great way to take a simple outfit and pump it up for a holiday party. You could wear anything from velvet mules, shoes with small embellishments, like embellished pumps with crystal details at the toes, or shoes with statement embroidery. All perfect items for the season.” 

Embelished booties

(Photo Credit: Marshalls)

“But not everyone wants to do glitz-and-glam. Boho is also a great way to dress up for the holiday. Florals make for a nice bohemian look. A great way to make it holiday-friendly? Add a few sparkly accessories.” 

Velvet Handbag

(Photo Credit: Marshalls)

“I think when you wear something that suits you, then you feel confident, even if it’s not on-trend. If you find a color that you like, wear it. Confidence comes from comfort. If you’re comfortable, you’ll look on-trend and fresh while still looking like you!” 

Want to hear more from Kressley? Check out his book, Does This Book Make My Butt Look Big: A Cheeky Guide to Feeling Sexier in Your Own Skin & Unleashing Your Personal Style ($15, Amazon), or catch him New Year’s day on HGTV, the Hallmark Channel, or NBC for the 2018 Rose Parade in Pasadena, California at 8 a.m. PST. 

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