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Hot Trends For Fabulous Holiday Looks

Which colours are on trend? Deep, rich shades of berry, evergreen, cobalt and silver and gold (of course) add luxe to even the easiest of pieces.These colours look fresh and unexpected when paired back to something lighter and brighter.
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Woman in silver dress with feather boa dancing in nightclub
Chris Ryan via Getty Images
Woman in silver dress with feather boa dancing in nightclub

I love the sparkle and the glitz of the holidays, but how do I put together a polished look for this festive season?

I started by finding out more about shapewear. This is the foundation for any beautiful holiday look. Julie Douce, Sales Director, Chantelle Canada shared her tips on how to find the perfect shape wear that you can feel your best in.

What are the different types of shapewear?

Shapewear is an elegant solution piece which highlights and slims your natural shape. The most popular shapewear style is the tummy brief. It looks almost identical to a brief style panty and has an extra support panel in front to smooth over the tummy.

There are shapewear for body smoothing, waist slimming or sculpting effect. Shapewear also comes with different control levels, from light to firm. For extra smoothness, moderate control shapewear is the answer.

There are different types of shapewear for different needs:

Body shaper: For women seeking to slim and re-proportion their figures overall. Ideal under a dress or a body-hugging outfit, or on a daily basis under a pair of trousers. It reduces and smooths bulges from under the bust to mid-thigh.

Very high-waisted panty: For women seeking targeted flat stomach and back bulge action. For everyday wear.

Under bust bodysuit: For women seeking targeted flat stomach. Shapes the entire chest to imperceptibly refine the figure.

How do you ensure that you have the correct fit?

You will know if your shapewear is not fitting correctly if you have a binding, uncomfortable feeling all day. When you have your shapewear on, sit down. If you have a binding feeling around your legs or torso, you need to readjust it. A proper fit means the shapewear should feel comfortable sitting or standing.

How do you care for shapewear?

It is not recommended to wear the same shape wear two consecutive days in a row. The elastic needs to recover after a day of wear. Hand wash your shapewear in a delicate detergent. Harsh detergents and bleaches can destroy elastic. Rinse in cold water to restore the shape and the elastic, and always air dry your shapewear. Carefully fold your shapewear to prevent snagging.

To find out the hottest holiday style trends, I spoke with Amanda Kraemer, style director at LOFT. Amanda shared with me some of her top style tips for this festive season.

What are the hot new styles for the holidays?

What was once outdated now feels most modern. Consider metallic jacquard skirts, they can be worn during the day with a cozy sweater and then easily dressed up for after-hours parties with a heel.

Which colours are on trend?

Deep, rich shades of berry, evergreen, cobalt and silver and gold (of course) add luxe to even the easiest of pieces.These colours look fresh and unexpected when paired back to something lighter and brighter.

What are the new ways that women are wearing dresses and pant suits this season?

Women have become really good at making suits and dresses work harder than ever. For example, dresses can be worn alone, or layered with a turtleneck or by adding a chunky sweater or cardigan on top. Think 'one dress, multiple personalities'.

Suits should also be approached in this same way. I love a pant with a tee and textured scarf. A suit jacket looks coolest added to a lace dress for parties or flare denim for date night.

Any other tips?

When you're feeling tight on time, remember nothing takes you day-to-night quicker than a statement earring, heels and a smile!

To finish the perfect holiday look, I spoke with Diego Greco, product line developer at Hush Puppies and Diego shared with me some of the top shoe trends for the holidays.

What are the hot new shoe styles for the holidays?

If you're looking to make an entrance this holiday season, there's no shortage of options. Heels will surely be the statement piece. Highlights to look for, lace-up, ankle straps and ankle embellishments. As for toe shape, it remains all about the point.

But make sure the toe isn't too pointy or elongated so class is never compromised. Bling will still be prevalent this holiday season, but if you're looking for something elegant, opt for smooth luxurious suede, a rising trend in the women's dress category.

Which colours are on trend?

It's all about the lady in red. Deep red is the stand-out colour.

Are there new fabrics or materials being used for the holidays?

Leather is being manipulated to offer you something different like never before. New and diverse manufacturing processes are being used to make the leather more sparkly and alluring for the consumer. The other material that will be very much on trend as mentioned earlier will be suede.

I am going to use these helpful tips as I continue to expand my style ideas for the holidays!

Your suggestions are always welcome, as I continue on my journey to live life to the fullest. Let's have the very best holidays for 2015!

Visit Sacha daily at SachaD.com

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