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Festive Accessories for Your Basic Black Dress
Add holiday sparkle to the clothes you own.
No room in your budget for a new holiday outfit? No problem! Your classic black cocktail dress can be easily transformed into a knockout outfit with a few festive metallic accessories. A jeweled brooch, a stack of gold bangles or a silver handbag can snazz up any dress, says Jennifer Mooney, a New York City stylist. “A little metallic can go a long way,” Mooney says, “so choose your accessories wisely.”
From the Top
Glittery headbands are a feminine statement all their own — and they’re easy to find at bargain prices in accessories shops at the mall. “I love embellished headbands,” fashion editor and stylist Jay V. del Rosario says. “But if you choose to go this route, just remember to forgo splashy earrings.”
Shine on
Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but who can afford them? Instead, choose oversize costume jewelry, such as a large crystal brooch or pendant necklace. Or wear a single bejeweled cuff bracelet, either on bare skin or over a sleeve. Pick stones such as smoky quartz and yellow cubic zirconia.
Gold Rush
When it comes to holiday makeup, all that glitters is gold. Pick one facial feature to accent with metallic. For example, pair a neutral brown eye shadow with pink-gold lipstick. Or invert the look with sheer lip color and soft gold eye shadow.
Looking for something bolder? Bare Escentuals Extreme Glimmers Kit ($44 at sephora.com) features three rich and creamy eye colors — silver, bronze and plum — to create a perfect look for an evening out.
Hair Apparent
Add sparkle to a romantic, soft, loose hairstyle, with a bejeweled barrette or hair jewels. Once popular only with brides, these little gems are an inexpensive way to add pizzazz. Find faux rubies, diamonds and amethysts at myhairjewels.com.
Tie One on
Belts are a great way to maximize an outfit’s potential. A thin belt in a metallic finish is a trendy accessory that takes your look from day to evening. “Wear a blazer loose and open for a casual daytime look, then cinch it with a metallic belt for a dinner out,” Rosario says.
No More Plain Mary Janes
From bows to flowers to sparkling crystals, shoe clips are an easy way to turn a simple pair of heels into party-ready pumps. Found in antique stores, on eBay or from online retailers (try absolutelyaudrey.com ), these embellishments an inexpensive way to light up your night.
Or choose shoes that have a metallic finish or are adorned with rhinestones. “Most footwear companies are embellishing their holidays shoes with sparkly accents,” Mooney says. “They’re like jewelry for the feet.”
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Any suggestions on where to find good costume jewelry?
Great ideas. I sometimes tie 2" deep, colored grosgrain at my waist and put a big rhinestone pin in the center. It totally transforms that simple black dress.
I’m all for jazzing up a little-black-dress outfit with some sparkly, metallic-colored tights.
you can also use clip-on earrings as shoe accents. i find them at thrift stores for .25 to 1. great deal