The holidays are known for festive hues of red, green, gold, and silver. However, it is also a great time to experiment with a classic Little Black Dress. The LBD is known for being timeless and versatile. But how do you create holiday cheer with such a dark shade? Take your Little Black Holiday Look to the next level, with texture!
Thankfully, you can spice up any monochromatic outfit with a little texture by combining different fabrics. When implementing texture, you add intrigue to an outfit and create focal points based on placement. For example, the lead elements in this outfit are feathers, sparkles, and vegan leather.
Due to feathers hitting the runway this season, I pulled my favorite vintage Betsey Johnson LBD out of the closet. This eyelash feather dress gets a warm makeover by layering a sparkly sweater over top (try this one from White House Black Market). To define the waistline, I tucked the sweater into an accent belt (similar). Festively, the sparkles in the top add a layer of holiday cheer and the gold buckle accents with a little shine.
Sadly, almost every great holiday outfit ends up getting covered with a coat. To keep the intrigue, I added a third texture, accessorizing with vegan leather, as shown in this knot clutch and gloves. You can also accomplish a similar look with satin, like this clutch, which is trending right now!
For a little drama, I added a set of Pretty Little Thing hoops to match the belt, a hat, and over-the-knee boots (similar at Lulu’s). As with every LBD, this outfit is versatile, working well for the holiday or NYE!
Want to see other looks that play with texture? Check out my blogs on this SPARKLY outfit or this RED VELVET ensemble. Take that black holiday look to the next level and Enjoy the holiday season!
New York Fashion Week is the perfect time to gain a wealth of inspiration for the upcoming season. After a long week covering runway shows, networking at industry parties, and collaborating with amazing brands (see below for details), I was able to assess what will be trending for Fall/Winter 2019. The biggest takeaway from NYFW F/W 2019 is the chic use of texture.
Textured detailing will play a huge role on our F/W 2019 styles. A bold use of metallics, prints, beadwork and even feathering are on the rise. Hakan Akkaya’s Glam Rock Collection exceptionally portrayed this detailing. His pieces ranged from retro-inspired looks with full studs, head to toe metallic beadwork, to full printed looks. I adored the androgynous 70’s rock inspiration, especially in the hair band styling and the pronounced shoulders. Admittedly, each model had strength powering down the runway… a confidence everyone should (and will) feel when wearing pieces of this collection.
Anveglosa NYFW FW 2019 – Photos: Albert Urso/Getty Images for Fashion Hong Kong
Thankfully, leather is a fabric that is making a large comeback on the runway. With its sleek texture, it adds strength to feminine ensembles. Reminiscent of the fantastic 2013 Kenneth Cole collection (which I adore), the Anveglosa line, by designer Annette Chan, represented the fortitude of women using treated leather blended with soft tulle and silk. The thick fabric adds a sophisticated functionality to a soft base look.
Cong Tri NYFW FW 2019
Designer Cong Tri was also spot on with his texture palette. His feminine looks appeared in all fabrics starting with beaded body suits, merging into architectural tulle, merging into model Winnie Harlow strutting down the runway in printed metallics. Each piece was designed with a romantic flare ready to turn heads.
Photo: Taylor F. Lucas
MY LOOKS:
My outfit for the Cong Tri show consisted of an amazing asymmetrical grey wool coat and thick high necked top by Marcella Moda NYC (pictured above). I love a sleek, simple look, and this captured it with sophistication. Also, it was about 15 Degrees that day and the coat was SO WARM!! Marcella Moda NYC pieces mix NYC style with European craftsmanship for beautiful minimalist modern pieces.
(Photo 1) Wearing Nasty Gal, Stephanie Poulos Photography, (Photo 2) Wearing Marcella Moda NYC, Taylor F. Lucas, (Photo 3) Met Gala inspired, Paula Mendoza bangle, Patrick Hovan
Backtracking to the first day of NYFW, I wore a full Nasty Gal look with a 1970’s retro vibe (see below for outfit details). When it came to my jewelry on day two, Lele Sadoughi‘s beautiful Trumpet Lily Earrings (similar) and ring (similar) influenced my white look. I sported a Paula Mendoza bangle, supplied by Lihte, to the Fashion Mingle industry party. The black and white look was inspired by last years Met Gala theme.
NYFW Day 2, white outfit, Jewelry: Lele Sadoughi
Also, I tried some new hair products during fashion week to repair my broken ends! I was extremely surprised at the outcome! Featured blog on SEVEN Hair Care coming soon!
Thank you to all the PR companies, designers, collaborators, and a special thank you to the Element Times Square West for hosting me during NYFW (stay tuned for a NYC travel blog coming your way.) Cheers to a successful fashion week and many more to come!
