To stand out this holiday season, just slip on that little black dress and add a dramatic accessory.
That one fabulous flourish could be anything from a black feather hat to gold-crested black suede shoes to glittery earrings. As long as you don’t pile on the accessories (you know how the necklace never quite matches the belt, which clashes with the shoes and ultimately looks overdone), there’s no going wrong. After all, choosing a standout accessory is merely a way of expressing a particular mood, revealing a bit of your personality to distinguish yourself in a sea of excess.
“The woman wearing a smashing hat doesn’t have to compete at all,” says Chicago hat designer Raymond Hudd. “If she walks into a room, the hat will do all the talking.”
“Each (accessory) gives off a different signal,” adds Chicago designer Mary Pinto, whose long, black chiffon scarf with white lace embroidery is a splendid example. “Scarves never go on the same way twice.”
A well-chosen piece of jewelry never fails to draw attention. Or go for a dramatic detail, such as a bugle-beaded choker, an armful of ivory bracelets, a Venetian glass ring or a dangling pendant, such as the Classic Collection’s silver necklace, a bit tribal and very wild.
Some shimmering pantyhose may catch the light just perfectly one evening, while great red lips may be all you need for the next. The real key is not to demure, but dazzle with one great detail.
Where to buy
Silver-plated necklace , $29, from the Classic Collection, 822 W. Belmont Ave. Black tulle dress, $187, black velvet dress, $195; from Toshiro, 3309 N. Clark St. DKNY black velvet shoes, $176, Vittorio Ricci black satin crested shoes, $145; all from Nordstrom. Black feather hat, $748, from Raymond Hudd Inc., 2545 N. Clark St.
