Holiday party separates: the fancy wrap ensemble
November 29th, 2007Fancy separates are the way to go if party frocks are not for you. The fancy wrap ensemble is classic, easy and instantly slimming. Unless you’re extremely well endowed, you can probably wear this look. Pair a fancy wrap blouse with a short or long skirt (A-line or straight), fancy heels and a petite posh bag and Bob’s your uncle. Matching the look with slacks will also work, but it’s not quite as smart. This style of blouse aches to be worn with a skirt because it’s dressier and more feminine that way.
This ensemble might need a little fine tuning. Here are some tips to help you on your way:
- Luxurious fabrication is essential. Wrap blouses are available in everyday cotton, which is fine for the office but won’t do for fancy fares. You’re after silk and taffeta to be party appropriate.
- Wear a shimmery camisole if the front V-neckline is too low.
- Alter the length of the ties if you prefer the look of a reef knot instead of a bow. A bow can look fussy while the vertical appeal of knotted ties is streamlined and draws the eye up and down. Most wrap blouse ties are long enough to accommodate bows, and end up hanging too far down your thigh if you leave them knotted without tying the bow. You’ll therefore need to have the length of the ties shortened so that the look stays balanced.
This party separate combination is particularly flattering if you have a little extra around the middle. A woven top that’s layered and ruched has wonderful camouflaging capabilities.
You can achieve the same affect with different styles of blouse. The pink blouse on the right doesn’t actually “wrap” like the red and brown blouses do (it buttons done the front instead), but the overall look of the outfit is much the same.
November 29th, 2007 at 9:01 am
I bought the red blouse last week. It is absolutely beautiful! Looks great with black velvet pants or cream wool pants, although I would like to find a skirt to wear with it.
November 29th, 2007 at 9:13 am
Super! I hope that you find a skirt for party purposes….it’s more special that way. Love the idea of the cream pants. Pull on velvet pants are they?
November 29th, 2007 at 9:52 am
it might work for a skinny suburban yuppie but not for anyone urban, urbane or buxom. the thought of wearing a big shiny bow btw my breasts and hips just cracks me up to be honest. i’d wear that pink top if the bow came off, i love the 3/4 sleeves and the rich color.
November 29th, 2007 at 1:26 pm
Where are those shirts from? I LOVE THEM!
November 29th, 2007 at 6:08 pm
Love these looks! I just got a purple one! Say, what does “Bob’s your uncle” really mean? Ha. sounds humorous.
November 29th, 2007 at 6:52 pm
This urban girl loves her wrap top with the sash (although I am not buxom). This look will be perfect for my corporate holiday party. Angie, do you have tips on tying the bow like the pictures? I can never remember how to get it right.
November 29th, 2007 at 7:23 pm
m…I have to agree with you. I don’t care for wrap blouses on curvy women and the bows seem silly to me. I don’t care for the way the bow becomes the focal point of the outfit. I always like my focal point to draw the eye up, not down.
Why is it that I can look good in wrap sweaters and knit tops, but not blouses?
I do love the look of the fabric, especially the red one. But they all look rather stiff and ungiving. Rhonda, how does the red blouse from Ann Taylor feel against your skin?
Meg, the photos that Angie posts are clickable and will bring you to the product, or you can just roll your mouse over the picture and the URL (with the store’s name) should appear in your tool bar at the bottom of your screen.
November 29th, 2007 at 11:29 pm
M, I agree that this look doesn’t work for the well endowed. For the rest, I think it is horses for courses. Bows are not for everyone - you either like the effect or you don’t (although there is always the option of tying the ties without the bow). The look might not be edgy, but it’s certainly still stylish and in many cases age appropriate. A handy solution to pull out of the closet for situations that demand something less fashion forward. And quite at home amongst the urbanites.
November 29th, 2007 at 11:35 pm
Bob’s your uncle means….”and there you go”. It’s a very common British expression.
January 2nd, 2008 at 11:43 am
After you wear a blouse like this for a party, are there other appropriate places to wear it (multi-use)? In general, what can you do to get more use out of your festive party attire now that the holiday season is over?
January 2nd, 2008 at 4:04 pm
Hopefully you’re able to dress down a blouse like this with a pair of jeans and fab heels, but it doesn’t always work. If the denim friendly ensemble happens to work, this smart casual outfit will take you off to drinks and supper.