It’s that time again, the greatest time of the year or the most depressing time of the year, depending on several factors. It seems almost cruel how Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve are set up. As each holiday passes, you’re almost guaranteed to have your waistline expand, so by the time you get to New Year’s Eve, you’re going to want to burn the photos.
Inexpensive Tips for LA Party Outfits
Women in Beverly Hills have come up with many clever tricks for conveying glamour, and there’s no reason you can’t steal these ideas for pennies on the dollar; no stylist is needed.
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What Kind of Pantyhose?
Hose, hose, hose. Women in Los Angeles almost never wear hose. Pantyhose rules are, of course, different on the East Coast, but on the West Coast, there are only two months (the holidays) when it is considered almost unforgivable to forgo the hose.
Most women over 50 have fantastic legs. And if you do, your legs should be something you feature regularly. Of course, nature can be unfair to women, so if you have varicose veins, you want to cover your veins first. A lot of women use Sally Hansen’s leg spray for natural summer legs. (I think Jessica is referring to Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs.)
Sheer Black Pantyhose for a Party Dress
This time of year, you are in luck. One of the sexiest looks EVER for a chic, ripe, mature woman is sheer black pantyhose.
Well, to tell you the truth, I have never been a fan of black pantyhose. I always thought black stockings looked cheap, even the expensive brands. However, today, I got lucky, and I learned the secret:
Jet-black sheer pantyhose looks cheap. Off-black sheer pantyhose looks amazing.
Anyway, the off-black hose I got at the grocery store today looked great. The stockings I found are consistent colors, while the “jet black” stockings made some parts of my leg look super dark, while other parts looked almost sheer and nude.
Up until now, the only nylons I have recommended are Donna Karen, which are ridiculously overpriced and in the $30-40 range. Donna Karen’s stockings are indeed great, but today, I found a pair I love for only $5.50. The brand is No Nonsense Control Top Pantyhose Off-Black Sheer Toe. I’m not getting paid by any company to say this.
And, though I’ve never ever liked any black sheer hose I have ever bought, my dressy outfit absolutely needed black nylons. I couldn’t find the right color at my usual store, so I tried L’eggs Ultra Sheer Leg in Jet Black. They were hideous. I used to like L’eggs nude hose when I was working at Bloomingdale’s, but the black color looked awful.
The point is, whatever black hose you like, make sure it has a good consistency of color throughout the whole leg. Anything else will cheapen your outfit.
Black LBD Cocktail Dress
Once you find the right black stockings, just throw on a Little Black Dress, black pumps, and some sparkly jewelry.
An all-black outfit helps distract from any extra holiday pounds. Sparkle will do the same. As you get older, you should increase the amount and sparkle of jewelry, especially necklaces and earrings.
Tasteful CZs are really glam, and most people can’t tell the difference. And really, who cares? Diamonds are a scam, a manipulated market. Many glamorous women in Beverly Hills wear CZs, but no one knows.
Add Red for a Pop of Color
In LA, to be true holiday glam, you want to do all black with just a pop of red. Yes, even if you’re Jewish, this is the appropriate look, although you might want to wear blue (or black with blue) for a Hanukah party.
Red lipstick can do wonders with an all-black ensemble, so the classic BH holiday look is all-black with red lips. You may not think you can wear red lipstick, but there is red lipstick for everyone.
Are you best in blue, red, or orange-red? Make yourself familiar with the different shades. Ask a girlfriend (or a clerk) for help deciding which lipstick makes your face look bright, not dull.
Red Lipstick Tips
Red lipstick bleeds. You must always use a lip liner.
Recently, I found one I love. Nars Velvet’s lip liner (cardinal red) is subdued and not bright. I wear it with Nars Shanghai Express (red). Other good lipstick colors:
- Nars Red Lizard: A beautiful bright red.
- MAC Matte Russian Red: Even more beautiful with my skin tone.
Go to Sephora, where the sales girls won’t bother you when you try different colors. Then, to save money, match the shade at the drugstore. Just make sure the color compliments your skin tone.
The most annoying thing about buying drugstore lipsticks is that there are no testers. I don’t know if it’s a law, but I have never not been able to return makeup. The magic words known by insiders are “It gave me an allergic reaction.” This phrase has always worked for me. If you want me to try to find good red drugstore lipsticks, message me in the comments.
Make sure you set your lipstick. This means lining your lips, adding lipstick, placing a Kleenex over your lips, and using a brush to brush powder over your lips (translucent powder or baby powder). Afterwards, reapply liner and lipstick. Your lipstick will stay on twice as long.
One Red Accessory
All-black outfits look amazing with one red accessory, especially when you’re wearing red shoes with perfect off-black hose. If you don’t favor red shoes, try a red blazer or a red purse, but you want one red accessory only.
Chic is classic. Chic is Chanel. Simple is elegant. Holding back is hard to do these days since everything is sparkly and over the top. Limit yourself to one pop of color, like red shoes or a red sparkle bag. Reserved is classic for a reason.
More Chic Holiday Outfits
If you want something different, you can also do all-black with a pop of emerald green. No one will expect it. You will stand out in the photos.
Another look I adore for Christmas is one pop of red and green and one pop of leopard. The leopard print should be an accessory, such as shoes or a purse. For New Year’s Eve, another option is all black with a pop of metallic silver or gold.
The key to true glam is going minimal. When your outfit is all black with only a small pop of color, you should always remember that the right hose is important. Sexy black outfits are chic, and you will stand out.
Most Important Tips for Party Styles
It’s not what you wear; it’s how you carry yourself when you wear it.
Women tend to dress for other women. Heck, I’m guilty of this, but you should always dress for yourself. The most important thing you will ever wear is a genuine smile. A fake smile is always sniffed out. A genuine smile is in your eyes, too.
I hope you have a magical holiday season full of love, laughs, and pictures where you look amazing. Let me know if this article helps you glam it up. I just do this for fun in the hopes it may help just one person. I will write more if it does.
Takeaways
- Embrace Your Shoulders: Highlight your shoulders gracefully to showcase one of your strong features.
- Strategically Direct Attention: Use asymmetrical and cold shoulder necklines to balance focus and divert attention from areas you prefer to downplay.
- Choose Necklines According to Body Type: Select styles that complement your specific body shape, whether it’s apple, pear, hourglass, or square.
- Simplify Jewelry Choices: Let your unique necklines stand out by minimizing the use of necklaces and opting for simple earrings.
- Stay Trendy with Unique Designs: Incorporate asymmetrical and cut-out necklines to keep your wardrobe fresh and fashionable.
- Plan Accessories Thoughtfully: Coordinate accessories with your neckline to enhance your overall look without overdoing it.
- Prioritize Comfort and Fit: Ensure that your chosen styles not only look good but also feel comfortable and suit your personal style.
- Experiment with Colors and Fabrics: Don’t be afraid to try different colors and fabrics to find what best showcases your beauty.
- Seek Professional Advice: When in doubt, consult with a trusted friend or fashion expert to ensure your outfit highlights your best features.
- Confidence is Key: Wear what makes you feel beautiful and confident, regardless of age or fashion trends.
By following these tips, women over 40, 50, 60, and 70 can confidently be glamorous at any Christmas or New Year’s party, enhancing their natural beauty and staying stylish throughout the holiday season.
