Dressing up for a party

CEBU, Philippines - It's the season of cheers - of parties too. As Christmas day approaches, parties may be held almost every other night for some people. With others, it may even be every night! True, parties come frequently during the Christmas season. At the workplace, there's often the department party, and a section party. These are held aside from the overall company party.

There are also the invitations to other parties, like a Christmas party at supplier or client companies, a party at a friend's home, and some of these commercially organized parties. Also, reunion and homecoming parties are plenty at Christmastime.

It's a merry season, indeed. But all these parties to attend - while they're mostly fun - can also be a cause of unnecessary stress. Especially among women. Now, the big question is often: How do I dress up?

Following is a pooled advice from www.wikihow.com, with people from everywhere chipping in sensible, practical ideas for women on dressing up for a party.

Outfit and Accessories

1. As all girls know, choosing the right outfit for a party is a very important task. The first thing to consider is the time and location of the party, as it will affect everything - from the clothes to wear and the shoes to jewelry and makeup.

If the party is during the day, at a bowling alley or theme park, it is a good idea to go with something comfortable yet cool, like jeans and a statement tee. If the party is at night, in a fancy restaurant or club, one may go a little dressier and wear something like a cute dress, a playsuit or a skirt and top combo.

2. One's own personal style is an important consideration, too. If wanting to stand out and be unique - in a good way, of course - one may come up with a cool alternative to the norm that suits her personality but still fits with the vibe of the party. For example, a girl who would not normally wear high heels but still wants to look glam could try wearing a pair of bejewelled sneakers instead!

3. And one's budget, of course. Is there money to buy a new outfit, or does one need to work with what's already in her wardrobe? If it's the latter, combining existing clothes in new and unusual ways may be the way to go - layering a couple of tops on top of each other, clashing non-matching patterns or combining unusual fabric, like a black biker jacket with a pretty silk dress, may be tried.

4. A good choice of jewelry. When it comes to jewelry, one shall decide whether to go understated and classic, or bold and over-the-top. For elegant evening parties, things like delicate diamond (or crystal) earrings and pearl necklaces are perfect. For night parties, one may go for bold statement pieces, clash chunky gold and silver chains, or wear large hoop or chandelier earrings.

5. Matching or clashing shoes and purse. Traditionally, women matched their shoes to their purse, but this is no longer the case - nowadays, pretty much anything goes. One may either pick out a color from her outfit (it doesn't have to be the main color) and match her shoes and purse to it, or she can go for a bold color clash. For example, if wearing a plain black dress, something like gold shoes and a neon orange handbag could work really well.

6. Adding something unique. After taking care of the shoes, the purse and the jewelry, any other accessories to choose to wear are really a matter of personal preference. One may consider wearing a 'boho' headband, embellishing her hair with fresh flowers, wearing an anklet or an upper arm band, layering on a chunky belt or rocking a funky trilby hat. 

Hair and Makeup

1. One may do her own hair. One's hair is probably the next most important thing after outfit. Whatever style one ends up going for, she has to make sure her hair is freshly washed, so it is easy to work with and smells nice and clean.

2. Keeping things simple. If one wants to keep things easy, she may try straightening her hair with the flat iron for a simple, sleek look, or try curling it with a curling wand to achieve glamorous, loose waves or pretty, tight ringlets. An 'up-do' may be tried too. If she wants an up-do, trying a classic French twist, an elegant sock bun or a chic braided up-do may be considered; or she may experiment with braids.

3. Or seeing a stylist may be opted. If there's money, she may consider going to the hair salon and getting them to blow dry, curl or style her hair. She may even try a new color or an interesting new cut, like a side fringe, a pixie cut or a bob! However, if it's a birthday party she going to, she has to be careful - there's risk of upstaging the birthday girl with one's new hairdo!

4. Planning the makeup. Makeup is the next thing to think about - it's amazing the variety of different party looks one can create. Again, one needs to think about the time and location of the party. Daytime and outdoor parties require more of a toned-down look; elegant evening parties can be glamorous and elegant; while fun, crazy nighttime parties can be crazy and colorful.

5. A flawless base is important to create. One has to make sure her skin is clean and well-hydrated, before applying some primer to give her a flawless base. A concealer may be used to cover up any blemishes, then apply a foundation that perfectly matches the natural skin tone.

6.  A touch of color. The color of eyeshadow, blush and lipstick depends on the type of party. Toned-down, nude colors are best for during the day, while smokey eyes and red lips work nicely for glamorous evening looks. At night, pretty much anything goes. She may try bright pink or dark purple lips, neon eyeshadows and glittery mascaras.

7. Focus on the eyes. Two makeup tasks that girls most often have issue with are eyeliner and mascara application. Mascara shall be applied correctly. If feeling really adventurous, one could even apply false eyelashes. And the eyebrows shall be tidied up and filled in with a little pencil to sharpen the look.

Extra Tips

• One must try not to overdress. Dressing appropriately is important for any occasion. She may follow the trends as much as she can, but she has to have a classic style to work around.

• Dental hygiene is important. Flossing, brushing the teeth and rinsing the mouth out with some mouthwash leave one's breath smelling fresh. She may also consider packing some mints or gum in her purse, so she can freshen up when necessary.

• Anything that one doesn’t  feel comfortable wearing shall be avoided.

• Smelling delicious. One shall make sure she smells great throughout the entire duration of the party by rubbing on a little antiperspirant deodorant and some perfume. Perfume shall be applied to the pulse points - the inside of wrists, behind the ears, the inside of thighs and between the breasts - for the most long-lasting results.

Yet, overall, the girl has to remember that it's the person inside that really counts! (FREEMAN)