Sparkle and shine: Apparel, accessories, makeup give holiday looks versatility

Lauren La Rose, THE CANADIAN PRESS

TORONTO - Whether you're hobnobbing at the office party or heading to the annual family get-together, putting your best - and most fashionable - foot forward is key for those stepping out during the festive season.

Fashion and beauty experts weigh in on some options to consider for your big event - and ones to avoid.

THE CLOTHES

Individuals hoping to give their wardrobe a style reboot may not always have the cash to splash out on a head-to-toe outfit. But there's a common thread running through the season's colourful clothing and sleek accessories - versatility. Items on offer not only transition from work to after-hours but can even be integrated into everyday ensembles.

Take the tunic. Robin Keeler, fashion director at Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto, recently pulled together a diverse selection of looks fit for the festive season, and a number of them featured tunics.

She paired a black sequined tunic with a tuxedo style jacket and straight leg pant from Hugo Boss, and showed the ease of untucking the sparkling number to transition from work attire to cocktail wear. Same goes for a silky tunic from RW&Co. matched with a shrug sweater and pencil skirt.

In addition to being worn solo, the tunic can be lengthened and matched with jeans, leggings and boots, and works well for women with a more voluptuous figure, Keeler said.

"I think the tunic is a fabulous look for a plus size, someone who has extra curves because you want something that's going to skim over those curves, nothing that's going to cling to it."

She suggests using a belt to emphasize shape or wearing it without one to play down the waist.

Another hot transitional item is the bootie. The low-cut, high-heeled footwear is wonderful because it goes well with a suit pant, jeans or leggings, Keeler said.

The pencil skirt is another versatile wardrobe essential that can be dressed up or down and works well with most body shapes, she noted.

While black remains entrenched as a go-to hue for eveningwear, jolts of colour are also being infused into the mix, from colourful tops to draped dresses.

Sequins continue to shine as the go-to glam accent as subtle detailing on separates, and full-scale on clutch purses. A set of two-tone heels from BCBG even allows the wearer to switch from black to silver by ruffling the sequins.

As for the guys, Keeler said men can have a look that's stylish without donning bowties or neckties typical of formal attire.

"(Men) don't need to be as traditional in their holiday wear. They can relax it a bit," she said. "You want to keep the look elegant by looking at tonal colours, tone-on-tone or all one colour and then change up the textures."

To illustrate the look, she displayed a head-to-toe Versace outfit with a velvet textured jacket, knit turtleneck sweater, casual trousers and tri-texture shoes featuring suede, embossed and shiny leathers.

When it comes to allocating your dollars, Keeler suggests a simple formula: spending the most money on items you'll wear most.

"I would say invest and spend the most money on shoes, boots, your winter coat that goes over this great holiday outfit but then keep it sensible in terms of the pieces that you choose," she said.

She also suggests selecting versatile items that will work well within your current wardrobe.

"A great, well-fitting blazer or jacket, a beautiful pencil skirt, the perfect pair of black pants that fits your figure shape can be dressed up or down. There's just so much you can do with those basics."

As for holiday faux pas, Keeler said a common mistake women make is overdoing it.

For example, while chunky, oversized statement necklaces and big cocktail rings are in vogue, Keeler advises against wearing them all at once, or pairing them along with chandelier earrings.

"It's very, very important to not do any one look head to toe and don't go for overkill. Always go for elegance."

THE FACE

Cosmetics offer both a quick fix and a cost-effective way to update appearances. And not unlike fashion, the beauty business sees its share of sought-after looks for the holidays.

Lindsay White, beauty boutique manager at a Shoppers Drug Mart location in Mississauga, Ont., said she's definitely noticed a trend in metallics for nail colours and eyeshadows, mostly leaning towards silvery tones, charcoals and greys.

"You could go with a real nice wash of silver with the metallics using a feathery brush ... to give you the same sort of shimmery look."

For those wanting to go bolder with metallic on the full eyelid, White recommends first starting with a more matte, skin-tone shadow applied on the lid.

White said a popular trend is pairing the metallic eye with a more natural coloured lip, notably a pale undertone of pink teamed with a high gloss in pink, or a light, frosted tone. White said a shade from Gosh called Darling, reminiscent of a pink worn by British singer Leona Lewis has been flying off shelves.

For someone with a darker lip or skin tone where the pink might look a little chalky, White suggests opting for a sun-kissed beige hue instead which will play up on the golden skin tones.

To emphasize the mouth, White recommends opting for a red lip in a darker hue which will work for almost every skin tone. She suggests a crimson colour in deep tones or a dark plum resembling red.

With a bolder mouth, White recommends completing the look with more pared down detailing on the rest of the face: a liquid black liner used to extend the outer line for the "cat eye" look complemented with a nude shadow.

"Very classic look," she said. "It's absolutely stunning for the holidays and really popular, a red lip and very classic eye and just contouring the cheekbones."

Colour is also big on cheekbones, with a trend towards a really bright hue on the apple of the cheeks.

A light application of mineral powder or blotting papers for oily complexions can help ensure skin stays fresh throughout the evening, she said.

As for the quickest and most affordable way to adjust makeup from day to night, White's top pick is black eyeliner which she said is easy to wear and works well on everyone.

"If you weren't able to carry three different shadows and all your makeup in your purse, you have your liner, you can smudge it on the lid and smudge it into your lashline, and then rim your eye on the inner rim and outside."

Adding attention to the eye: big, bold lashes. White said many lines are coming out with volumizing, filling mascara. False eyelashes are also a hot-ticket item.

"We get a lot of customers coming in inquiring about them," White said. "They're really easy to apply and easy to take off, and they just do amazing results for your eyes. Instantly brightens up just glamorous looks and so easy to wear."