It’s a natural instinct to want to make a statement at holiday parties. If it’s work-related it’s an opportunity to impress the boss. If it’s social, who wants to be the wallflower when they can impress their boss?
But it’s important to know the difference. “standing out”You being the subject of everyone’s Twitter feeds the next day, and not in a good light — because you wore, spoke or did something.
“The key is to be festive, not foolish,” as one etiquette expert puts it.
These are some tips that will help you shine.
* The Confidence-Boosting Pose. Wonder Woman before you enter the room. “Stand with your legs apart and your hands on your hips, and hold that pose for two minutes,”Carol Kinsey Goman is the author of “The Silent Language of Leaders.” “Your level of cortisol, a stress hormone, decreases.”
* Holding Up Your End of the Conversation. Now that you have the attention of other guests, what do you say to keep it going? “Knowledge of current events can help fill any lull,”Tina Brown, editor in chief of Newsweek and The Daily Beast, said. “And if you can find out beforehand who the other guests will be, Google is a great dinner-party aid.”
* Glam Up Your Outfit. Even if your Little Black Dress is just a regular dress, a statement necklace can transform it into something new. Harper’s Bazaar, one example, is very proud of what it calls “What It Calls”. “Argentum Momentum,”This is a fancy way to say silver, specifically. “brushed, polished and sculptural”Silver necklaces The more you have, the better.
* The Perfect Accessories. Not only does it telegraph your social status — a potentially crucial test for anyone debating whether to make a beeline for you or the crudités — but a watch like Baume &
Mercier’s Linea wraparoundwww.baume-et-mercier.com/en-us) is also a fashion maven’s dream: The Swiss watchmaker has thoughtfully provided a wide palette of interchangeable straps to coordinate with your outfit.
“It’s no secret I love the versatility of the Linea,”Lauren Dimet Waters from Second City Style. “The interchangeable strap system not only gives me the ability to accessorize my holiday outfits any way I want, it’s so easy to change the bands I don’t have to fear ruining my holiday manicure either.”These watches are available at the Baume & Mercier e-boutiqueOr call 1-800-MERCIER for free wrapping and engraving
Let’s end with a note about make-up. Although you might want to up the ante, it is not the best time to go for something as complex as the smoky eyes look.
