I’m just a tad jealous that you’re the lucky ones without the snow. But in the spirit of the festive lattes that you’ll be sipping in South Florida, here’s my list of holiday must-have essentials to make your last-minute shopping trips nothing short of first class.
In love with leather
This holiday season, leather is very much in business.
Dress it up with statement jewelry, spikes, rhinestones — the possibilities are endless. Here in Manhattan, we could pull off heavy textures, but for Florida, lighter faux varieties should work well. While you’re at it, try leather in different hues—and I don’t just mean predictable holiday red.
This Talulah blue peplum blouse is sure to turn heads. Also, leather leggings are a good investment because of their versatility to partner with color and metallics alike.
I love these Helmut Lang cropped leggings; they’re perfect to show off those sparkly stilettos.
Amazing lace
Nothing spells feminine grace like lace. If you’re a fan of minimalism and like to stick to your little black dress, lace is your best bet. The gossamer illusion that lace brings to the party is nothing short of poetic.
This David Meister number is a guaranteed head turner. And if you still like to throw in a little bit of shimmer glimmer, you can do that in lace too. I’d place my bets on a Tadashi Shoji creation that has just enough of everything you need to bring on the sparkle.
If you must wear red, how about red pumps? The Valentino kind, of course.
Mesmerizing metallics
Stock up on holiday opulence by maximizing the on-trend metallic shine, be it fabrics, textures or accessories. Shimmer sweaters, pants, sequined dresses, scarves and jewelry all can do the trick. If you’re sticking to your LBD, try a gold clutch or shoes to add that quintessential holiday touch.
Alexander McQueen 
Alice + Olivia
Tory BurchWhether it is the “Heroine” McQueen’s gold clutch, Alice + Olivia’s embellished twist or Tory’s navy and gold “Frete” clutch, you won’t go wrong. When you do metallic print pants, pair them with a muted top that has a great form-fitting silhouette. Peplum is still in, but uneven hemlines seem to be taking over.
Color code
To keep your holidays haute, make sure your ensemble is telling the right color story. If your outfit is too muted, jazz it up with shoes or teardrop earrings. Pantone’s color of the year is radiant orchid, so add some of that vintage, regal purple hue to the mix or infuse some fuchsia through shoes or jewelry. You can afford to herald in some of the resort trends in advance as a Floridian with the weather on your side.
Try a color headpiece, akin to this much-awaited Gucci head bow.
Or maybe these Tom Ford suede pumps. Also, word on the runway is that the mid heel is making its way back, so watch out for that. If you choose to keep it traditional and wear red, try slicking back your hair and wearing statement earrings—tear drop, chandelier or tassels—to complete the look.
About Jo
Jyoti “Jo” Peswani loves how fashion spices up life. A former Floridian, she’s a seasoned fashion and lifestyle journalist who recently relocated to the New York metro area. When she’s not writing about trends, designers and the vibrant NYC scene, she helps businesses with marketing, strategy and writing through her company The Idea Is {In}. Ideas are her business; fashion is her passion.
