Holiday style - Beauty & Style

Ebony, Dec, 2003

THE holiday season is here, and now is the time to assess your wardrobe to make sure you a re ready for the endless parties. Whether you are attending a Christmas ball, corporate parties, serial receptions, playing hostess yourself or visiting someone else's home, you want to dress so you can celebrate in style.

Starting in late fall, department stores and boutiques are well stocked with an array of festive attire. Depending, on when, what and where, you may choose a frilly party dress, a flowing silky ensemble or a snazzy pant outfit. The important point is to find something that flatters your body and your attitude.

Sometimes you will find that special outfit in your own closet amid the career attire. Dress up a pantsuit or dress with dazzling jewelry and other accessories such as scarves. A sparkly blouse or sweater and fancy heels can transform a pantsuit from workfare to glamorous. A simple sheath takes on new life with a colorful scarf and eye-catching jewelry.

Most important to remember when choosing your holiday wardrobe is that your attire should be appropriate for the occasion and you should look and feel good in it. It's no fun looking pretty but feeling uncomfortable. After all, it's the holiday season. Celebrate in style.

EXPRESS YOUR HOLIDAY STYLE with inspiration from these designs showcased at the Ebony Fashion Fair show. For a dress up event, Cassandra Stone offers Red sequined column Gown with cowl neck Back. Modeled by Arynetta Northcutt of San Antonio, Texas.

TINIKA HAMPTON (right) of Chattanooga, Tenn., sports cutting-edge style in Laura Biagiotti white wool ensemble of sleeveless, body-hugging minidress over leggings (both embellished with gems), topped with matching coat with rib knit shawl collar.

MEISHA SHERMAN, an employment agency account director, shows how to dress up a simple black Amanda Smith pantsuit by pairing it with Joseph A sequined shell. She wears BCB Girls pointed-toe heels with cutout details.

KIM BENOIT, an event planner, wears a Jeffrey & Dara cocktail dress with pink bow. Both Meisha and Kim live in the Los Angeles area. (Attire available at selected Robinsons-May and Meier & Frank stores. Makeup by Dannie T. Willis for Fashion Fair Cosmetics.)

MEISHA radiates in comfort and style in Valerie Stevens beige cashmere track suit with hooded zip-front jacket that is great for entertaining at home. She wears Valerie Stevens Rhinestone evening sandal. (Available at selected Robinsons-May and Meier & Frank stores.)

For casual holiday events, including entertaining at home, KIM shows another Amanda Smith ensemble, which is accessorized with rhinestone sandals and jewelry.

LIGHT UP THE HOLIDAY SCENE in Bill Blass form-fitting sequined spaghetti strap gown, worn by Ebony Fashion Fair's Arynetta Northcutt.

LISA HAYNES of Columbus, Ohio, also an Ebony Fashion Fair model, shows that full figured Sisters don't have to sacrifice style during the holidays or any other time She looks fabulous hi purple Dolce Jovani cocktail dress with sheer shawl.