Flimsy party dresses won’t keep you warm on chilly nights. Long dresses might help, but a coat is the real solution. Dressy trenches and structured winter coats are ideal. You’ll achieve the longest and leanest looking line with coats that are the same length as your dress, or longer. The same holds true for coats worn on top of skirts. Coats that fall shorter than the hem of your skirt or dress are not quite as flattering. While we can’t always buy separate coats for separate outfits, you should be be mindful of this if you happen to be looking for a new coat and you wear lots of skirts and dresses in winter.

Max Studio demonstrates a good line for coats worn over dresses.

A trench coat is a lightweight single or double breasted, belted coat which had the original purpose of being water resistant. The house of Burberry created them; and the very first styles that were manufactured are not unlike the classic camel style that they still sell today.

Trench coats come in a dizzying array of colours, fabrics and style detailing – and they don’t need to be Burberry to be stylish. Their lightweight quality makes them ideal for milder climates, cool evenings and transitional seasonal weather.

Trenches can be:

• Smart casual – when made of cotton twill and paired with denim, a fun T, fashion sneakers and a messenger bag.
• Business casual – when made of better-end combed cotton twill and paired with slacks, a collared shirt, cardigan, heels and oversized tote.
• Formal – when made of a shiny fabric and popped over a cocktail dress and matched with hose, heels and a small clutch bag.

Single breasted trench coats will flatter all body types, while double breasted styles are a little trickier. Trench coats can often feel bulky simply because they’ve been made with too much fabric. Be mindful of this and select a style that is structured and lies close to your body.

A trusty trench is a must in any woman’s wardrobe – this timeless piece will never let you down!

The Burberry classic and two modern alternatives from Carmen Marc Valvo (Saks Fifth Avenue) and Calvin Klein (Macy’s).

We’ve all been caught with nothing to wear at some point or another. It’s immensely frustrating to be rushing around at the last minute trying to piece together an outfit for a fabulous bash. The simple solution is to keep a few fairly classic dressy basics in your wardrobe. That way you’ll be spared from disappointing shopping sprees, and prepared for last-minute invitations. 

Dressy basics to keep on hand:

• Little cocktail dress which doesn’t need to be black.
• Beaded top that you can wear with slacks, a skirt or a suit.
• Dressy pants in either satin, crepe or velvet.
• Dressy skirt that’s preferably a-line and knee length for maximum versatility, in either taffeta or raw silk.
• Dressy shoes in mule, sandal or sling-back.
• Perfect clutch that’s small and says something about your personality.
• Dressy wrap that’s a similar fabric weight to the dress or top it will accompany.

The next time you shop and fall in love with dressy items that you think you won’t need – think again.  Build a capsule of dressy items over time and don’t get caught! This can be cost effective, organized and less stressful in the long run.

Grace Kelly-inspired little black dress and fancy satin sling-backs from Bloomingdales.

Gold clutch from Nordstrom.

The snap bag is the alternative to the dainty clutch this party season. It gets its name from the fact that it has a “snap clasp” – rather like the purse your grandmother probably had many years ago.  This stunning little boxy framed accessory is just big enough to hold essentials like your lipstick, keys, cell phone and some cash. It will instantly freshen up any existing cocktail dress or dressy ensemble in your wardrobe. After all, it’s so simple to make a maximum style statement with the power of accessories.

A simple snap bag from Macy’s (top left) and more elaborate alternatives from Dillards and Nordstrom.

With the look of a men’s tux, but tailored for a women’s body, the tuxedo suit is a timeless dressy suit option for the party season. There are tuxedo suits everywhere at the moment, and the look couldn’t be easier to put together. It’s suited to most body types and won’t date (Calvin Klein and Donna Karan include tuxedo suits in their holiday collections every season). 

Here’s what to do once you have your suit:

• Add a fitted white tuxedo shirt and let the cuffs and hem peep out from underneath the jacket. Throw in a pair of glittery cuff-links for extra panache.
• Add a colorful shiny camisole for a more festive look.
• Wear the suit on its own, and add a shiny handkerchief.
• Wear cropped shorts instead of slacks as a cooler alternative in warmer climates

Keep the look extremely tailored to ensure elegance and femininity. Keep the accessories girly with pretty heels and a dainty evening bag. Now blow them away with your chic, comfortable and confident sense of style!

Tuxedo suits from Banana Republic, Classiques Entier (available at Nordstrom), and Ralph Lauren.

The little black dress is the “it” item for the party season this year. If you don’t already have one in your wardrobe, now of all seasons (when black is big) is the time to purchase one.

Little black dresses have been a statement for decades, but this season several flirty new options are joining the conventional stylings.

• The bubble dress is especially flattering for the fuller-hipped figure. Go all the way and wear this dress with opaque tights for a svelte retro ‘80’s look.
• The kimono dress is exotic to the extreme and looks best in soft drapey fabrics. It’s a good style for pretty pear shaped bodies and can’t be beat as far as comfort is concerned.
• The balloon sleeve dress is in keeping with this season’s voluminous styles, and is more subtle than the bubble dress. It’s a warmer option than the sleeveless alternatives and will look just as fabulous over pants or jeans as an elegant tunic.
• The lace dress never fails to give off a vintage vibe. Finish off the look with a fake fur shrug or capelet and watch those heads turn.

Once you’ve got your little black dress – make it your own. Add the accessories you need to capture your personality and mood for the occasion.

Bubble (Saks Fifth Avenue), kimono (Nordstrom), balloon sleeve (Nordstrom) and Lace (ABS) dresses.

It’s that time if year again! What are we going to wear to the office Christmas party, a dressy dinner or the New Year’s celebration? I’m getting many questions along these lines on “Ask Angie”, so I thought I’d devote a few blog entries to the topic.

Your outfit choices for such occasions are always the same. Before I delve into specifics – you’ll need to select one of the following ensembles:

• Little black dress – there is nothing more fashionable and appropriate to wear at the moment then that little black dress. Black remains the strongest fashion colour this season and nothing is quite as festive, elegant or girly as a dress.
• Cocktail dress – if black is not for you; try something red, smoky grey, brown, blue or metallic. Iridescent fabrications add interest and depth, and tend to look better-end and more sophisticated. If you are uncomfortable wearing a dress that is flimsy, select a fully lined and structured style instead. You might not find a huge selection in colourful cocktail dresses at the moment with anything black being the order of the evening.
• Dressy suit – either a pants or skirt suit will do the trick. Pant suits capture this season’s fashion moment a little more than skirts (in keeping with the androgynous trend). Dressy means tuxedo style pants, satin piped lapels and velvet trim – something a little more then what you’d wear to work.
• Dressy separates – these are a particularly good choice if you have a few occasions to go to as you’ll be able to mix and match your items cost effectively. Dressy slacks or skirts teamed with shimmery or sequined tops and a formal trench coat or jacket will have you looking the part for any formal occasion.

Once you’ve chosen one of the ensembles above – the finishing touches are also always the same:

• Heels – you’ll ruin your outfit with flat shoes. You’ll need height to create that long lean line, even if it’s only with a one inch kitten heel.
• Small bag – no totes or slouchy hobos. Dainty clutches or glittery evening bags are best.
• Jewelry – choose one piece to wear with your outfit and make a statement with it.

This party season cheat sheet will hopefully give you a better idea of what to look for when you shop for an ensemble. You might already have the outfit and merely want to update the accessories. Enjoy your social function and make an entrance with what you wear!

Two fashion forward party ensembles from Max Studio.