Lady LUX

The holidays are just around the corner. While some are worrying about turkeys, gifts and ornaments, at Lady LUX we know you’re really plotting about what to wear. Inspired by the Fall 2011 runway, red, green and purple are the perfect colors to look fabulous and festive this holiday season. Read on to see our favorite picks in each color and how to incorporate all three into your looks!

RED
Red is always a favorite for the holidays, and this season was no exception. The bold color was splashed across the runways in short and long dresses, monochrome suits, eye-catching outerwear and striking, pouty lips.

Perfect for any merry little party, red dresses are an effortless go-to. One by Costume Dept.’s plunging V-neck maxi will surely make you the center of attention with its Hollywood glam vibe.

For a cocktail party atmosphere, Rebecca Minkoff’s strapless tweed dress with a sweetheart neckline is the answer. Flirty and stylish, try styling this bustier dress with a tuxedo blazer, round toe pumps and a metallic clutch.

And if dresses aren’t what you’re craving, Derek Lam’s red, high-waisted, boot-cut trouser with contrasting black tuxedo stripes is the sophisticated solution. Pair the trousers with a fitted sweater or Lover’s chiffon blouse for a monochromatic ensemble.

For an edgy look, try LNA’s exaggerated asymmetrical tunic paired with leather or velvet leggings. Complete the look with a pair of sexy booties and a bold cocktail ring.

Red can also be easily infused into every look with Alexander Wang’s embossed clutch or Marc by Marc Jacobs’ aluminum watch. And don’t forget that shoes make the outfit. Red, open-toe pumps from Giuseppe Zanotti could pair with pencil skirts, palazzo pants or your favorite LBD.

LadyLUX via Shopbop.com and Style.com

GREEN
The Grinch may be the least festive person around, but at least he’s got it right with his stylish green. From kelly to forest, this neutral color was the new black this season as one of the favorite colors of the Spring runway.

Phillip Lim took beauty to a whole new level with barely-there apple-green eye shadow and matching eyeliner.

Valentino’s trench coat hit bold notes in dark green leather and matching pumps. For an evening event, channel Gucci’s emerald, floor-sweeping number with Issa’s gorgeous halter-neck dress. Dazzle in this stunning dress with an arm cuff and chandelier earrings.

Go green to the company holiday party in Parker’s double-flared sleeve dress or By Malene Birger’s flattering waist-cinching twist dress. Add simple gold accessories to complete the look without overwhelming it.

If you’re staying casual yet chic, try pairing Elie Tahari’s turtleneck, Rebecca Minkoff’s print blouse or Theyskens’ Theory’s sleeveless blouse with flared black pants or a high-waisted pencil skirt. Easily dressed up, these ensembles would be perfect for holiday dinner parties.

To add touches of green – such as classic earrings from Gemma Redux Siam or stacked rings from Soo Ihn Kim – can punch up any simple outfit. The color appears most striking against white. Brighten up everyday looks with Tuleste Market’s teal messenger bag with metal plate accents or with B Brian Atwood’s slingback pumps.

LadyLUX via Shopbop.com and Style.com

PURPLE

Looking to stand out from the crowd? Purple is a great option that is still festive and fashionable. Paired with black and red, this royal color is positively eye-catching.

Get inspired by Versace’s and Yves Saint Laurent’s runway looks in deep shades of violet. Sleek and sophisticated, Halston Heritage’s three-quarter-sleeve dress can easily go from day to night. Style with clean, black open-toe pumps for the day, and at night try sexy, strappy sandals; a statement necklace; and a trench coat for instant glam.

Eggplant purple leather is modern and fresh. Dallin Chase’s tiered-layer skirt is looking for a party. For a softer look, sport this skirt with a snow-white sweater and wedge pumps.

On the more daring side, colorblock with complementing colors of mustard or green. To create minimalist looks, Alice and Olivia’s wide-leg pants can be a fabulous place to start. The high-waisted trousers are flattering and can achieve a clean style with a contrasted leather-sleeve top.

Looking for a plum-colored wardrobe staple? Alice and Olivia’s button down top with a fold-over collar can be paired with anything from jeans to a long maxiskirt for a family get-together.

If your feet fancy purple footwear, then they have plenty of options. Boutique 9’s ankle-strap wedge pumps give your outfits a five-inch boost of confidence. Alice and Olivia’s snake-embossed leather platform pumps with stiletto heels lengthen legs in pencil skirts or cigarette pants. Rag & Bone’s trendy suede ankle bootie with chubby heels is not only comfortable, but great for everyday running around or for a playful, glittering dress.

Add the finishing touch to your look by applying dark-purple lip shades or dusting your eyelids with shimmery lavenders. And finally, for a classic hint of amethyst, Vanessa Mooney’s teardrop crystal studs are the perfect glitz.

This article was contributed Annette Tang of the Versastyle. You can follow Annette and her fashion adventures on Twitter at @theversastyle.

Tagged in: lux exclusives, guides, fashion, shopbop, alexander wang, holiday, green, gucci, marc by marc jacobs, 3.1 phillip lim, rebecca minkoff, red, valentino, derek lam, versace, giuseppe zanotti, style guide, boutique 9, halston heritage, b brian atwood, elie tahari, parker, purple, colors, lna, soo ihn kim, by malene birger, vanessa mooney, one by costume dept, issa, dallin chase, gemma redux siam, tuleste market, theyskens' theory, rag & bone, alice + olivia,

Fashion / Guides