How to achieve a glamourous look for the holidays

Joe Fresh eye shadow

Aldo shoes

Swarovski earrings

Banana Republic dress

Jacob dress

Cover Girl lip perfection lipstick

Salma Hayek, Image.net

Q: How can I look really glam for the holidays?

A: Putting forth the dressiest version of yourself may seem daunting or complicated, but the formula for good old fashion glamour is actually quite simple once you break it down. In some ways, it’s easier to get really dressed up than it is to look stylishly dressed down because there’s a smaller margin for error.

When you want to look fabulous the secret is to stick to the classics – the items that have stood the test of time since the Golden Age of Hollywood. The items that make women look, and feel, fabulously feminine. Take note, breaking out your inner bombshell is as easy as 1, 2, 3.

1. Showcase your shape

You’ll never find the most glam woman in the room wearing a loose sack-shaped dress, nor is she wearing the shortest skirt. Instead, you’ll find her in a classically feminine frock, one that showcases (or creates) an hourglass figure. Glamour dressing hugs curves, highlights femininity, but isn’t overtly sexy. The neckline can be modest. Sleeves? Sure. And the hemline can hover around the knees. The only non-negotiable is a waistline that nips in. So choose dresses that come in at the waist or use a delicate belt with dazzling detail to visually make the point. The idea is to put your best assets on display, without giving them away.

Try:  Belted lace dress, $129, Jacob.

Try: BR ,monogram one shoulder dress, $215, Banana Republic.

Glamour girls don’t shy away from the best parts of dressing up, and neither should you so high heels and touches of sparkle are essentials. Put your best foot forward in ladylike round toe pumps, sexy peep toes or go crazy for colour. You’re bound to look ravishing in red shoes.

Covered platform heels offer height that can be more supportive than traditional pumps, just steer clear of really chunky silhouettes. Zero in on refined shapes that have a dainty air.

Try: Durling platform high heels, $100, Aldo.

2. Add girly accessories

As for jewels, choose two statement pieces max, and make sure they complement each other. Smart combos include shoulder duster earrings and a cocktail ring, a major necklace and a few skinny bangles, or a huge cuff (one on each wrist even) and small stud earrings. Don’t overload yourself with a matching set; each piece should have breathing room while standing out.

Try: Night-time earrings, $180, Swarovski.

3. Be bold

Pulling out all the stops in the wardrobe department can fall flat if hair and makeup are less than vampy. For a complete glam effect, don’t rush out the door without polishing your beauty look. Try smooth side swept waves, a lightly tousled French twist or a sleek high ponytail (the modern glam girl’s choice, à la Kim Kardashian). As for makeup, play up either your eyes or lips with updated tweaks on old standards. Why not wing out eyes with metallic shadow traced over basic black? Or swap the tried-and-true red lip for a deep wine shade? Oh, and while you’re at it, why not really take it up a notch and play with a false lashes for night? Et voilà, a head-turning, jaw-dropping you is born.

Now, that wasn’t so hard was it?

Try: Joe Fresh eye shadow in twinkle, $4, Joe Fresh.

Try: CoverGirl lip perfection lipstick in Embrace, $10, Cover Girl.


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