By: Trinidad Guardian

Tuesday December 22,

You’ve probably been racking your brain and all corners of the mall to find that one outfit that’ll wow them at this year’s Christmas office party. Or maybe you just want to try a different style for Christmas Eve service: the matronly skirt suits are not your thing. Then there’s the compulsory New Year’s bash, the family reunion where you just have to outdo Cousin Susie, and your best friend’s wedding. But who has money for even one great outfit these days, much less four or five? Marty Lovell from the fashion-forward Carnaby Street stores at Trincity Mall and Shoppes of Maraval has her pulse on what’s très chic this year in Europe and how you can still afford to look good this season, at every event.

“It’s all about making a strong statement,” Lovell said in an interview at her Trincity Mall branch. “Sequins, leather, animal prints and shoulder pads. It’s a very structured silhouette. The 80s is a very strong influence on this year’s style.” Patterned or “crazy” leggings as Lovell called them, along with a great sequinned top or structured jacket is a good look for either day or night. She suggested that instead of looking for the obligatory dress for any occasion you could try mixing and matching quirky separates and jazzy accessories for an off-beat but elegant finish.

It’ll be easier on your pocket too. “A tailored trouser and a structured shirt with a sequinned waistcoast is a great look. And you can dress them up with some accessories.” If you must have a dress, look for something different with a satiny or silky finish. “Cotton dresses can work just as well for evening,” Lovell confirmed, as I fingered a long loose cotton blend dress in brown and cream. Fitted, belted dresses with plunging necklines are still in, as are pencil skirts and bright colours, like greens, yellow, purple and red.

Metallics are also a good choice for evening wear, and silver and gold are at the top of the list. Lovell gave a list of basic must-haves for this whirlwind event season: Pearls—If you’re looking to dress up a day look, even if it’s ‘grunge’ (ripped jeans, and structured tops) pearls can usually pull it off. “Pearls always bring out the richness in a garment, makes it look more expensive than it really is,” Lovell said. Camisole or tube top—Suppose you did buy a dress with a plunging neckline for a party. But now you need something to wear to church on Christmas morning.

Lovell said that putting a contrasting or matching tube top or cammy underneath the dress can save your dignity when you step through those sacred doors; and save your pocket from another purchase. Little black dress—Nuff said. Tailored trousers—These go with anything, from casual tops, to dressy sequinned tunics, Lovell said. So work them. A sequinned top—Sequins come back into fashion nearly every year, Lovell assured me, so you can buy just one sequinned waistcoat or tunic and recycle with different accessories, skirts, pants, leggings, shoes … The list is endless. Great underwear—A good-fitting bra and pants can make or break your outfit, according to Lovell.

Invest in a supportive and versatile bra, as well as some shape wear undies. They help tuck in your tummy and smooth out the muffin top look. The most important thing about mixing and matching is to be bold, be fearless. You can’t find a unique look if you don’t try. “Just practice flinging things together to see if they work. If they do work, wear it,” Lovell said.

By Desiree McEachrane