Five Trends to Try for the Holidays

By Shira Yoskovitch, founder, Handled Concierge Services

The holiday season is hectic, and at times can feel like you’re running a gauntlet. In a frenzy to meet end-of-year deadlines at the same time as celebrating with your friends and loved ones, our wardrobes often fall to the end of our priority list. However, a well thought-out ensemble can provide the confidence boost and time saver you need to nail the onslaught of events that inevitably end up on your calendar this time of year.

As a former corporate executive, I know all about the stress of holiday outfit shopping. And now that I’ve founded my own personal shopping service, Handled Concierge Services, I’m helping busy professionals get the holiday wardrobe they need without the hassle. I often suggest to my clients that they focus on a few key trends to incorporate and elevate their existing wardrobe, carrying you from client dinners to office parties to home celebrations in style — and with ease.

Bold Red

We tend to shy away from bold colours during the winter season, but opting for red in a sea of standard greys, blacks, or browns is an impactful, fun and wearable way to make your wardrobe more interesting and holiday-friendly. Dip a toe into the trend by pairing a cherry red bootie with a neutral black jumpsuit or go all-in with a classic merlot dress that’s equally office party and after-party appropriate.

Lela Rose Knit Bell Sleeve dress, $1,697.21, nordstrom.com

Vince Camuto Destilly 2 Bootie, $196.52, nordstrom.com 

Embellishments

When you envision holiday fashion, does tinsel-like shimmer come to mind? Rocking a statement-making piece like a sequin skirt is definitely striking (and at ankle length, appropriate for most after hours company get-togethers). But that something extra you add to your look doesn’t need to sparkle, if  shiny just isn’t your thing. It can also mean cool patchwork, textures or patterns, or a statement-making scarf or clutch. By incorporating individual pieces with character, you can add a bit of a wink to your beloved wardrobe staples in an easy and budget-friendly way.

Alice + Olivia Ella Embellished Midi Skirt, $1,041.92, nordstrom.com

Ted Baker Cena Bow Velvet Clutch, $221.49, nordstrom.com

Blazer dresses

The blazer dress is a timeless silhouette that stays current depending on the colour, fabric, and how it’s accessorized. Strong enough to stand-alone, you can throw it on with a pair of pumps or keep it more casual with tights and boots. It’s also a great outfit to layer with jewelry — think coloured stacked bracelets in different metals or leathers, or statement earrings (or both, if you’re feeling sassy.) From meetings to client dinners, from a bank to a tech startup, it’s forever flattering and appropriate. It’s also comfortable and versatile enough to handle different events on the same day with just an easy change of accessories or footwear. With a simple yet structured blazer dress, you will be the star, rather than your outfit.

 Moschino PVC-trimmed crepe mini dress, $2204.22, net-a-porter.com

Separates

The good news about winter is you can play the separates game without thinking nearly as hard. Layering and mixing and matching provide a lot of versatility and options with weights, fabrics, and prints. Pick up a trendy, affordable suit jacket and trouser combo and suddenly you have one set that can garner several different looks. Wear them together, and you’ve got a monochromatic look that’s always chic, and always on trend. Separate them and more than double the number of outfits — wear the jacket with some cool jeans and boots, or wear the trousers with a comfy sweater or blouse and you’ve got a more casual look for at-home parties.  Bonus points if you’re able to find affordable pieces in a quality fabric, as they will instantly look at home with your staple investment items, making it easy to take a few fashion risks.

Topshop Metallic Glitter Suit Jacket, $85.16, nordstrom.com

Topshop Metallic Glitter Suit Trousers, $55.69, nordstrom.com

Statement Outerwear

When people think about holiday dressing they often forget about outerwear, and I understand — in Canada, we pick our coats to stand up to the cold, not make a fashion statement. But showing up with a parka over a fabulous dress takes away from your look, and takes the glamour out of your night. You deserve to look just as great coming in and out of the event as you do at it. A beautiful berry cape or a luxurious faux-fur skirted coat can do just that.

Ted Baker CIEORA Buttoned wool cape, $505, tedbaker.com

Ted Baker NARNIAA Faux fur skirted coat, $759, tedbaker.com

If you’re running short on time this holiday season, let Handled be your personal shopper at your fingertips. We’ll style the right look for every occasion or event, or help you build an everyday wardrobe filled with perfect pieces that work for your lifestyle. All you need to do is tell us what you want, and set the budget and timeline. We handle everything — yes, everything — from there. Get your holiday wish list started at itshandled.ca

Handled is a proud sponsor of the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards.