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by Kathy TanakaPhotos courtesy of Sandi Wilson Photography
This year I am very excited about the Christmas outfits. There is something for everyone! Christmas 2004 is classic and ladylike with a bit of whimsical fun. Colors that are popular this season are classic black, red and shades of purple.
A lot of the styles are taken from classy ladies of the past. So many of this season's clothes can be taken out of your closet and worn year-after-year: tweed blazers, pencil (straight) skirts, sweaters, boots, and velvet and luxury fabric pieces.
For a black tie event a beautiful dress is always nice. Dresses seem to come in every shape and size. Wear what works best for you, updating were you can. My favorite is a retro 50-60's style with a fitted bodice and full skirt. This year I found the perfect black dress for me, missing a belt and thus on sale. I was so excited! I want to dress it up with the new velvet belts that are out now, maybe a brooch too. Other accessories for dresses are high heeled jewelled or bowed sandals that wrap up your ankle, pumps, fitted pointy toed suede boots, dangling earrings, pearls, and jewelled or satin clutch purses.
If you're more of a separates person, I saw some beautiful slightly full skirts. They come so many different ways. Some skirts are appliquéd out of velvet, some are embroidered. There are many amazing fabrics out now. There was one skirt that I can't get out of my head. It has rows and rows of sheered ribbon. The workmanship was beautiful. These would all look great with sweaters. There are lots of different sweaters out this year. They range from sweater sets to off the shoulder to turtle necks to very decorated with rosettes. Chances are you have a great sweater in your closet!
To top off your outfit is a faux fur shrug with a satin bow that ties at your neck.Wow! Or go for one of the great classic Coco Channel- looking tweed blazer that are out now. They come in a variety of colors from traditional black and white to baby pink! Remember it's Christmas time! Time to wear something special.
If you are going to a Christmas party that is more casual, you can tone down the above options. I’m sure a lot of you like to wear pants. They look great with boots, pumps or dressy sandals. For your top, think layering. Pair a blouse with a fitted sweater or a blazer. Add a special brooch just for fun. For casual parties, some of the velvet hooded jackets and pants look nice too.
Just remember, look at what you have and what works for you and add something special. Try not to stress over what you are wearing. Jesus was born for us and He is coming back soon. That’s what's important. You are important to Him too!
Kathy Tanaka has been a swimwear designer in Los Angeles for over 18 years. She also has been involved in church as a worship leader and youth teacher. She lives by the beach with her husband and two sons.
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