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Fashion Column: How to Dress Festively Without Going Overboard

Marisa Anziano

We all have those people in our lives who take being festive during the holiday season a little too seriously: someone with that hideous Christmas sweater with embroidered reindeer and candy canes that has been picked out for months; someone whose signature red Santa hat is made of a premiere crushed velvet and the white fur-trimmed brim lights up in 10-second intervals; someone whose car has reindeer antlers and a red nose; someone else whose  dog is dressed like an elf from December 1st  until January 2nd; and they’ve all been singing holiday tunes since the day after Halloween.

Now, I am all for decking the halls and being jolly. However, I am not so sure I can rock an itchy Christmas sweater for any occasion other than an Ugly Christmas Sweater party. For those of you who are like me, or those of you who have had a festive intervention, I am here to help you survive this holiday season with plenty of merriment and style as well.

First, pack up your ugly Christmas sweaters in a box and shove them all the way to the back of your closet. If your sweater has ice-skating penguins wearing Santa costumes, perfectly wrapped presents, or any translation of holiday lore, I am talking to you. Ironically, if it is worn to an Ugly Christmas Sweater party, then there is no sweater too ridiculous. If planning to wear one seriously, may I suggest instead a nice plain forest-green or Kelly-green v-neck pullover sweater, a pair of dressy jeans, and nice flats.

Second, any sort of antler hat, or headband should be reserved for holiday parties and the actual day of the holiday only. Putting on a pair of cute reindeer antlers and a little black dress, pumps, and a simple cardigan is a great way to marry fashion and the holiday spirit. Dressing up like Santa every day, unless you work as one in a mall, is a terrible idea. Remember: less is more.

Third, festive jewelry is a great way to make a holiday statement. I picked up from Target a fabulous dark red ring in the shape of a bow that you stick on a present. I cannot wait to wear it on Christmas Eve! Jewelry is the best way to showcase how jolly you truly are. My aunt is the queen of holiday brooches and pins. Take a cue from her and find a nice wreath, tree, or some other jubilant pin to add to an otherwise ordinary ensemble.

Fourth, the more sparkles the better. Adding a dose of sequins or sparkles into your holiday ensemble is like an instant holiday boost. Sequined pumps or flats, headbands, cardigans, or even tops can enhance your cheery holiday spirit. It is immediately recognizable as a special occasion or holiday outfit.

“For the holidays, it really depends on where I am going. I’m not going to wear 4-inch heels just to sit in my aunt’s kitchen, but I would probably dress nicer than I would on a regular day, ” says Brittany Colasanto, senior Art Therapy major.

Senior Business Management major Megan Hallquest says: “I love everything about the holidays. I am the type of person who is in the holiday spirit from December 1st to January 1st. I do not think you can ever go overboard with Christmas and holiday gear. Everything looks so good! I do love dressing up because you can never be too festive.”

The holiday season is all about family, having fun, giving, and being grateful for what you have. As always, if you want to wear the craziest Christmas sweater known to man, wear it! By all means, if you are confident and jovial like Santa, then I implore you to wear your best holiday garb. It is people like you who make this season, and theworld in general, a brighter and happier  place.

No matter what you wear this holiday season, remember to have fun and enjoy. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

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