When picking a party dress, the first thing to consider is: are you naughty or nice?

By Maureen Mancini Amaturo

 

When picking a party dress, the first thing to consider is: are you naughty or nice? Once you’ve got your personality sorted out, study the silhouettes that are right for your shape. With so many to choose from, bring on the party.

 

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Mod Dress: A straight shift, or a sweeping, swing (tent) silhouette, with a high collar and a short hemline. Opaque tights for the office party; nude or sheer black for night. Add a pointy-toe heel.

 

Lace: Traditionally holiday and stereotyped as fancy-schmancy, but wear your hair down in soft waves and natural makeup, and you can wear lace anywhere. Sheer is sexy. Try a lace blouse or bolero over a strapless black shift or a lace bodice with a solid skirt.

 

’20s Chic: There’s no denying the Gatsby influence. Low-cut, above-the-knee, and slinky featuring feathers, beads, dropped waists, crystals, and attention-getting headpieces. Or 20s-inspired pantsuits with loose, flowing, billowy legs á la lounge pants.

 

Leather: Yes, it can be naughty, but a classic silhouette, at the knee or just below,  and leather is appropriate work-wear. You can find long-
sleeved, sleek silhouettes that transform leather from sassy to sophisticated.

 

Prints: Have a little fun with them for the holidays. Everything from graphic and geometric prints to Andy Warhol imagery. Get creative and step out of your comfort zone.

 

Emerald Green: It’s been the color-king all year, and it still reigns. This jewel tone is a stunning color for a column dress or a 50s fit-and-flare. Not into green all over? Definitely grab emerald-toned jewels, purse, or shoes. And how season-appropriate is green?

 

Winter White: While we’re talking colors, picture the perfect pencil skirt, tiers of ruffles, or a slim dress in white. Sleek, sophisticated, and crisp. The perfect color backdrop for icy crystals or a dramatic statement necklace. Try a bold shoe like red, fuschia, cobalt, purple, or emerald instead of a
neutral.

 

All dresses at Angela’s in Rye