Beauty And Style: For The New Black Woman

Ebony, Dec, 1998

Holiday Dazzle

10 Tips To Look Your Best This Season

After the shopping, cooking, cleaning and decorating are finished, it's your turn to shine. This season is the perfect time to step out in style to celebrate the warmth of the holidays. Whatever your style, shape or size, you can achieve a stunning holiday look with the following practical tips and exciting trends.

Whether it's to the office party, charity ball or an evening at home, the holidays are the perfect time to add glitz and allure to your wardrobe. For style that lasts longer than a season, savvy women like Touro College law professor and National Bar Association President Beverly McQueary Smith invest in classic pieces made from quality materials. "A good wardrobe gets built over time," says the Huntington, N.Y., resident. "Wear clothes that make you feel self-confident and glamorous."

If you nave several parties to attend, choose separates that mix and match effortlessly. For example, a peek inside McQueary Smith's closet reveals her holiday essentials--three pairs of palazzo pants (in black, white and electric blue), a black, calf-length gored skirt, a black chiffon flounced skirt, a large collection of silk tops, a beaded top and several jackets.

For memorable entrances, invest in custom-made creations. "You know no one else your outfit," says McQueary Smith, who Recently had a one-of-a-kind teal gown created especially for her. For the annual open house Thanksgiving celebration she gives with her husband, Dr. Roland M. Smith, McQueary Smith greets guests wearing a flowing African-print dress that was made during a visit to Ghana.

Yvette Moyo, president of Resource Associates International in Chicago, prefers the African-inspired gowns of Los Angeles designer Ahneva Ahneva. One of her favorite holiday dresses creatively combines mudcloth and chiffon. "I like to make a cultural statement," Moyo says of her evening wear.

What about the festive diva on a budget? "Wardrober" ensembles may be the answer. Typically consisting of a matching jacket, pants and skirt sold together, a wardrober will add maximum mileage to your holiday look. Each piece can be combined with other items already in your closet. Look for classic black with rhinestone buttons, or festive red with golden accents.

The color trend in evening wear has shifted to shades of rich brown, ranging from cafe au lait to a deep, rich cognac. Gray, widely touted as this season's black, is elegantly understated and works well in satins and cashmeres. For the truly fashion-forward, a winter white tuxedo is the height of holiday fashion. Other items to look for feature delicate beadwork, stretchy velvets and smooth satins.

It's easy to become tempted by high pointy shoes that make your legs look phenomenal, but if the bulk of your holiday socials includes a lot of standing around, you'll need something stylish and comfortable. Moyo prefers a comfortable heel, and her holiday shoe wardrobe includes matte gold leather and woven fabrics in neutral colors.

Flats are very chic this season, but they don't always work with everything. Ankle-length skirts, for example, look best with a heeled boot. Check the proportions of your outfit and consider your height when choosing footwear.

Holidays mean a dizzying array of buffet dinners, hors d'oeuvres and sweets, all of which can make it a little harder to wriggle into your favorite dress. When it's too late to go on a diet or hit the gym, foundation garments can be a lifesaver. Whether you need to cinch in a wayward waist, fill in your bustline or smooth out your bottom line, the newest foundations are more comfortable than their rigid predecessors. To create a smooth line under your clothes, look for seamless foundation undergarments.

When it comes to makeup, now is the time of year to go bold. However, concentrate on one feature at a time to avoid overdoing it. The holidays are the perfect time to accentuate your lips. Deep, rich jewel tones, bricks and plums are perfect this season. For special events, Moyo applies more brown eye shadow. "I like to keep my whole look natural, but a little more dramatic," says Moyo, who also wears a glossy, cinnamon-colored lipstick.

Nothing looks better than smooth, glowing skin. To give yours a healthy glow, gently exfoliate regularly with a loofah or body sponge. Combat ashiness with rich lotions; varieties with alpha-hydroxyl also work well.

Shimmer is all the rage this season, and products infused with glitter will help achieve the effect. For special events, Moyo uses a moisturizer with a subtle gold shimmer under her foundation. A light dusting of glitter powder across the shoulders and over cleavage will also do the trick. Eye makeup and nail polishes with glitter produce a more dramatic effect. A little glitter goes a long way, so be careful not to overdo it. Use glitter on one feature at a time.

Winter weather can wreak havoc on your hands, so take special care during the holiday season. Moisturize as needed with hand cream, paying special attention to the cuticle area. Manicures will keep your nails looking their best. When it comes to nail polish, a French manicure is the most versatile. For the truly adventurous, try polishes in the season's hottest shades--gray, garnet, aubergine. Don't forget a strong topcoat to prevent chipping.