Like any means of communication, clothing has its own set of codes which also transmit social signals. Essentially, ideologies, wealth and political statements are usually transmitted through dress. The fashion system is not static, and as society and interests evolve so, of course, do silhouettes, styles, and colour palettes.
If we dig into the archives of the history of fashion, the modern idea of a party dress for the middle class really came into being in the 1910s or ’20s.
Before that, only the aristocracy and the superrich dressed up for social gatherings and special events. And, by the way, party dressing does not necessarily mean only evening attire — it’s choosing clothing and accessories for a get-together of friends and family. It can even be more casual, depending on your taste. And not all evening attire is made up of party dresses. So, that settles that.
Prior to the democratization of the party dress for the masses, the majority of people in the Western world did not own enough clothing to designate certain dresses for special occasions. Of course, fast fashion has dramatically altered that. But in the 1910s and ’20s, major upward mobility was becoming a reality since the economy was on an upswing, meaning women had the means to consume fashion items, either sewn by them or bought readily made in shops.
You now had specialized clothing for different occasions, including parties. Still, most women didn’t own many special event dresses. In fact, one good dress would be enough to wear for evening, parties, weddings, or other formal occasions — hence that’s where the idea of the ‘little black dress’ came to be. Also, there was no social media documenting every second of the day, so the idea of ‘repeating’ the same dress for different parties was never perceived as an affront to one’s amazing taste or fashion relevancy. OK, that was definitely another era!
Dressing for the Holiday Season
It is implicitly understood that vacation wear has types of garments and colour palettes that distinguish it from everyday wear, and even office attire. The same thing happens when the calendar tilts towards the end of the year, with all the celebrations that take place at that time: Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanzaa, New Year’s Eve.
Our December plans might feel uncertain, at this point, but sequins and snowflake prints are popping everywhere, assuring us we’re heading towards ‘festive dressing’ mode.
Velvet, lace, sequins or plaid… However you choose to interpret the season’s sartorial uniform is as much a part of the fabric of Christmas as festive decorations and presents.
Since Christmas is (typically) one of the most social times of the year, we tend to gravitate towards items that catch the light or look rich in their texture: sequins, glitter, satin and shimmering fabrics invite others to notice us. There is a feeling of luxe in the air during these festive times, even if the items themselves are not particularly expensive. However, ‘dressing the part’ is what makes it special.
According to some behavioural psychologists, dressing up can even have a positive impact on our moods. It goes hand in hand with the concept of dopamine dressing, where the desire for bolder, more colourful fabrics helps uplift us. A particular important point here in Canada where the acute lack of sunlight, that lingers on from late October to the end of January, can lead to SAD (seasonal affective disorder), a clinically diagnosed depression related to the change of seasons and the absence of natural light.
Is it a coincidence that the most festive time of the year in the Northern hemisphere occurs when the light returns at the winter solstice? We think not. The end of year festivities give us hope for a brighter future. And that type of mindset calls for celebratory fashion.
What to Choose?
Like every other day, what you choose to wear to display your sense of style during the holiday season is inherently part of who you are. Although green and red are classic holiday colours, who really wants to dress like a Christmas tree ornament? Although some want to play up the spirit of the holiday as much as they can!
On social media, as soon as Halloween closed the lid on its eerie decors and otherworldly characters, and Maria starts chanting her well-known yearly anthem (you know it, no need to produce an irritating ear worm…), celebrities and influencers debut their parade of holiday looks all over social media.
Though not necessarily ‘ugly,’ Christmas sweaters display with unabashed abandon the most significant elements of the holiday season: a cornucopia of light strings, reindeer, Santa Claus, Christmas trees, candy canes, snow people, poinsettias… Then, there are families who cannot think of celebrating the holidays without their matching Christmas pyjamas.
Whatever your fashion style and your personal vibe, here are a few ideas to help you dress up festively as we all blast forward to the end of year festivities. Don’t feel like celebrating anything? That’s fine, too. Just cozy up in a nice knit and you’re ready to enjoy the season your way.
In the meantime, here are some looks to sparkle on your holiday outings!
-Time to Shine
Outdo them all with a hit of sequins, and a splash of metallics and glitter. Give that disco ball some stiff competition!
-Party on Top
The ultimate ‘best dressed’ formula for almost any event is wide-legged pants and a beautiful top, couture-worthy top. The perennial pairing is a failsafe way to ensure you’re dressed for wherever the night may take you.
-Big Feminine Energy
Lace trimmings, lavish embroideries and detailing. The ideal style for the extrovert and not for the faint-hearted. Guaranteed to turn heads. Just make sure to keep accessories at a minimum.
-Velvet is for Everyday
Instantly elevate your look with this luxe fabric that has a rich texture and shimmering finish. Choose a minimalist two-piece with wide pants or rock a velvet pantsuit.
