Holiday STYLE - fashion tips for African American women - Brief Article

Ebony, Dec, 2000

SOME Sisters Have no problem when it comes to everyday dressing. But when it comes to holiday style, even divas can lose their edge. Christmas parties. Year's Eve soirees. Holiday dinners with friends. It's easy to feel overwhelmed with all the pressure to appear absolutely gorgeous each time you step into a room.

"There is definitely pressure to look good," says Sibrina Collins, 30, a postdoctoral associate in the chemistry department at Louisiana State University. "My hometown is Detroit, and because I see my friends so rarely, I want to make sure I look a little better each time I see them ... You can't wear the same dress you wore last year. Then if you go out and buy something, you're worried about someone else having your dress on. For many women, that would be the worst thing that could happen, especially if the other person looks better than they do in it."

The first thing you should do, experts say, is relax. Holidays should be fun--a time when you enjoy your family and friends--not a time that makes you stressful. Reflect on your blessings. Make sure you feel beautiful on the inside and that brilliance will radiate to the outer you.

"When you get ready for the holidays, have a massage and refocus yourself," says Camille Cook, a Chicagoan who frequently attends holiday soirees and entertains at home. "As soon as the season starts to change, I treat myself to a pedicure and a facial. It makes me feel peaceful, and the first place you notice the change of season is in your skin."

After a ritual of pampering, head to your closet. Too many Sisters rush out to the stores when it's time for a holiday function, experts say. Instead, check out what you have. Repair what needs to be fixed and assess what's still in good shape. After your clothes are looking their best, try to figure out ways that will give them new flair. Maybe you could add different buttons to a cocktail jacket or shorten a full-length skirt. The makeover technique is even simpler when you're dealing with basic black. That wardrobe standard, "the little black dress," or black palazzo pants can look brand new with the right accessories.

"You can add color," says Cook, a 35-year-old pharmaceutical sales rep with Eli Lilly. "Or use your creativity. Instead of spending $200 for a pashmina [shawl] to drape over your outfit, find a pretty fabric you like and make your own. Suddenly, you'll be the star of the party."

Just because you're being practical doesn't mean you can't splurge on a couple of special items for the holidays. Treat yourself to something new. It could be a bowl-them-over dress or a long velvet skirt for those who want to make a statement or, if you're on a budget, maybe just pick up a new set of earrings and a choker. Go to the store with an attitude of experimentation and fun. Play with color and texture and decide what looks best on you.

"Every year, I have to get at least a couple of signature pieces that are really happening for the season," says Cook. "For instance, this season you have to have [something] red."

You don't have to spend a lot of money to look good. Instead of buying a fancy blouse to match your full skirt, try a silk tank. Or top off a pair of black slacks with a jeweled sweater. While you're shopping, consider picking up a good pair of holiday shoes (silver and black are classic colors) or repair the ones you have. When selecting shoes for festive occasions, make sure they are comfortable as well as fashionable.

"Don't buy the two-hour shoes," says Cook, who enjoys dancing with her husband John. "You won't have fun dancing, if you want to go home because your feet hurt."

Other holiday secrets include choosing eye-catching accessories--pearls or African or rhinestone jewelry can turn a plain dress into a conversation piece--and making your face sparkle with a cleansing and moisturizing regimen. Great makeup is another quick way to reinvent your look.

No matter what style you choose, it's important to remember that attitude can make almost any look a winner. "If you're confident, people will notice you," says one woman. "And you'll feel great, no matter what you have on."

Holiday Staples

* A black dress, skirt and slacks

* Black or silver cocktail shoes

* Sassy purse or satchel

* Chokers and earrings (consider pearl, rhinestone or African accents)

* A shawl or jacket

* A manicure and flawless makeup (or a beautiful natural look)

* A playful spirit (experiment with colors & textures to jazz up your look)

* Lots of confidence