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Most women appreciate looking their best, and it brings me joy to enhance their style and individuality through fashion. As the holiday season approaches, with its numerous celebrations, selecting the perfect outfit can be daunting. Here are some tips for exuding confidence at any gathering.
by Amy Levenson Krumholz | Fashion Editor
Hosting at Home
You’ve adorned your home and invited friends to celebrate. My recommendation? A fashionable mix of relaxed and festive. Meridith sports a chic off-shoulder embellished T-shirt from her Maniac collection, paired with emerald green suede leggings, knee-high boots (an essential piece!), and a statement necklace to complete the look.
Meridith Casey is the visionary behind Dallas-based company, Maniac, which donates 100% of its net profits to the Child and Family Guidance Center in Dallas, an organization dedicated to providing support for over a century. With a business degree from the University of Georgia and a flair for fashion, her life shifted when her brother was diagnosed with bipolar disorder three years ago. “Maniac merges my love for stylish, comfortable clothing with my empathy for my brother and those like him,” she shares.
Transition to Cocktail Wear
For a more sophisticated gathering, substitute the knee-high boots with elegant ankle strap heels and add a statement faux fur jacket along with a golden chain handbag to make an impression at more formal affairs. Fabulous!
Charity Luncheon
The season is about giving back and looking fashionable. For a polished daytime appearance, I dressed Laurie in a bright blue A-Line shift dress (since blue is the new black!) layered with a deconstructed winter white blazer, and this season’s must-have suede ankle boots.
Lauri Paschetag Braschler runs LuLu’s Blooms, LLC, an organic landscaping business where she channels her passion for sustainability. However, her dedication to making a difference extends primarily to the community. At 18, while in college, Lauri suffered a severe car accident that took the lives of two of her fellow passengers. After five days in a coma, she was told she would have lasting brain damage. Refusing to accept this fate, she worked tenaciously on her recovery, focusing on re-learning skills like speaking and reading. She returned to school less than two months after the accident, determined to live her life to the fullest and inspire others to chase their dreams. When not cultivating beautiful landscapes, she participates in runs, “warrior” programs, or other athletic challenges for charitable causes. “I strive to motivate others to achieve what others deem impossible—be it in education, careers, sports, or endurance challenges. I want everyone to finish strong.”
Transition to Work Party
To adapt her style for a 3:00 p.m. office celebration, Laurie could enhance her look with a long strand of black pearls, a sleek grey blazer, and pointy-toe suede pumps. And don’t forget a bold red lipstick in a chic handbag. Oh la la!
The Company Holiday Celebration
Radhika models the ideal balance of professionalism and chicness in a high-low jacquard full skirt, classic silk black top, strappy suede heels (perfect for jewel tones!), and a custom horn necklace.
Radhika Zaveri, a marketing executive and university professor, founded Sukan, a jewelry line crafted locally and made in India. Sukan translates to “good wishes,” embodying her mission to empower women in rural India, enabling them to share their artistry and achieve independence. “Our pieces reflect a global purpose of fostering a conscious society everywhere, encouraging us to empower ourselves and others to create a world we desire to live in.”
Transition to Girls Night Out
For an evening gift exchange with friends, Radhika can switch to this season’s trendy flared jeans, an embellished saddle bag, and the trendy burgundy platform heels, complemented by dazzling earrings. Très chic!
Cocktails Anyone?
For Kim, I chose a sophisticated sheath dress featuring a crisscross undergarment for added flair. Its elegance is timeless.
Kim Bannister is a writer, volunteer, and co-founder of Sawyer Collection, a line of artistic Lucite home accessories created with her daughter, Sawyer, a student at The Hockaday School. Passionate about philanthropy, Kim supports numerous charities, including Heroes for Children and The Elisa Project. “From an early age, I learned the importance of helping others; it’s a core value. We are grateful for our health, family, and friends—something many lack. It can be as simple as demonstrating care and support. Volunteering embodies hope and strength for many and leads to real change.”
Transition from Cocktail to Business Event
It’s common to juggle multiple events during the festive season. For a swift transition from a glamorous affair to a more reserved setting, Kim can layer a blazer over her dress, add a stylish belt, wear closed-toe shoes, and carry a structured handbag. She will look stunning!
Fashions styled by Amy Levenson Krumholz – StylebyAmy.com.
