Fashion blogger Asima Khan from As I Make My Mark shares three ways to think outside of the box when dressing for holiday parties.
By Asima Khan
Photography by Bruce Turner Photography
Makeup: Areej Daghlas
Hair: Zahraa Alkubba
Production/Media Crew: OVDO Media
Director/Executive Producer: Stephen Oh
Creative Director/Producer: Michelle Nguyen
Editor: Ryan Oh
There’s such a long list of things to look forward to when it comes to the holiday season — family, food, festivities and much, much more! I, for one, love this time of the year because it brings so many occasions to play ultimate dress up. From cocktail parties, to black-tie events and, of course, the bash that brings it all to a close — New Year’s Eve!
Over the years I have been to a variety of these parties and in recent years have started to think outside of the box when it comes to putting looks together. It’s easy to throw on a strapless ball gown for a black-tie event…but where’s the fun in that?
Here are three looks that will put a pep in your step and turn some heads as soon as you walk into the room this holiday party season!
“Not your average cocktail wear.”
Since exaggerated shoulders have decided to make a huge comeback, I found it fitting to showcase a dress that takes your LBD to the next level! It is rare to find fashion pieces that give you a couture feel without a couture price, and that mission was accomplished here. To add a little extra drama to the overall look, I decided to display it with an intense smokey eye, larger-than-life hair and a smaller fishnet stocking. Side note: Stockings are also extremely on trend at the moment. My personal favorite companies to get a variety of pairs from are Calzedonia and Express.
SHOP: Mini cocktail dress with dramatic shoulder, ASOS; embellished tassel drop earrings, Express; fishnet tights, Express; Steve Madden suede pump, Nordstrom Rack.
“Black Tie with a Little Edge.”
I can’t tell you how many black-tie events I have been to and how many of those events were attended in gowns that were black and poofed out from the waist down. Each one of these gowns has cemented a residence in my closet and will not be making an appearance any time soon. My thought with this look was to display something a little more versatile. A piece that you could wear to many more occasions if need be. Something that offers a mix of classic along with a little bit of edge. This long sleeve purple velvet dress from Revolve was just the right match! I found it on sale and paid less than what a nice meal downtown would cost me. Paired with a multicolor snake skin heel, a statement gold earring and classic Hollywood waves, you are now ready to make an entrance!
SHOP: Miranda deep V maxi dress, Revolve; knock knock drop earrings, Nasty Gal; multicolored strap sandals, Zara.
“Shine Bright Like a Diamond.”
What other way is there to ring in the new year other than with a sparkly ensemble…am I right!? To be honest, I am never one who is all about beading, sequin or overly adorned clothing, but when it comes to New Year’s Eve, there’s no other way to do it! It’s as if the evening was made for all that shimmers and shines. With that being said, let’s look for some cute details that separate your outfit from more of the classic styles. Revolve has come in once again and saved the day! While browsing on their site, I came to a hard stop on this piece for a few different reasons. I loved that the dress had pockets and a wrap-like feature that gave me the exact vibes I was going for. Blazer dresses are everything these days, as I’m sure you’ve noticed on most bloggers and runways, and this sequins dress mimics that same look. Adding sparkly accessories to enhance the details was also a no-brainer for me.
SHOP: X Naven Belle dress, Revolve; Swarovski crystal fan earrings, Macy’s; the nudist sandal, Stuart Weitzman.
Please watch the Behind the Scenes video below:
Styling, designing, blogging — Asima does it all in the name of fashion! After working in luxury retail for most of her life, including most recently for Chanel, Asima is sharing her style chops with the world through her blog, asimakemymark.com. From what to wear, how to wear it and where to wear it to, Asima shares her fusion of high-low OOTD’s on her Instagram @asimakemymark.
As I Make My Mark 