All That Glitters

Go fashion-forward at holiday parties with trendy metallics, jewel tones, and mixed textures

Michelle Roe Arts & Entertainment, Shopping

Holiday festivities drive the desert’s casual mode up a notch. Dare to be seen about town, at friendly get-togethers, and the most lavish of parties, using best-dressed tips from those in the know. ’Tis the season to rock your holiday best.

This year, seasonal fashion is all about the mix. Blending fabrics with embellished details, soft sweaters, leather paneling, and romantic lace, designers have created diverse selections to suit every occasion.  

Black and white remain trendy for winter, but gold is back and comes on strong for dramatic effect. Metallics dominate, and vibrant jewel tones in rich wine and bold blue hues add pizzazz. Form-fitting shapes remain popular, and knee lengths for skirts and dresses are also in vogue.

Sparkle in Eileen Fisher’s clear sequin shimmer top. Sporting a bateau neckline, this feminine short-sleeve top is perfectly paired with dressy pants and skirts. For a modern take, blend this softer piece with edgier leggings. Warm the chilly desert night in a sumptuous plaited mohair tunic. Accent the striking jewel neckline with a beaded crochet necklace to complete the look. 73585 El Paseo, Ste. A1108, Palm Desert. 760-340-5202; www.eileenfisher.com

Radiate timeless elegance and confidence in St. John’s sateen Milano knit dress. Expertly designed with a hand-beaded lace bodice, this fitted ensemble comes in one of the season’s hottest colors, chambord. 73061 El Paseo, Palm Desert. 760-568-5900; www.discoverstjohn.com

Bring sexy back, and be the talk of the social scene with Bebe. Offering exclusive custom prints and garments that hug all the right spots, Bebe’s new lifestyle collection lets you show off your best assets this holiday season. 73350 El Paseo Dr., Palm Desert. 760-773-9707; www.bebe.com

Grab all the attention in Trina Turk’s Denise dress. This chic knit sweaterdress mingles California casual with high style. Current color blocking with black and gold detail adds a touch of glamour to this versatile outfit, making it your go-to for day or night. Gentlemen, remember to peruse Mr. Turk Menswear to spice up your favorite shirt with a chic bow tie. 891 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs. 760-416-2856; www.trinaturk.com

Trending at She She, find fashion-forward designer apparel with hip holiday style. You’ll love the selection of embellished vests and jackets, novelty sweaters, and pieces sporting studs, beads, and sequins. TOMS Nepal Boots are all the rage, and She She Kids has just the right touch to outfit the littlest fashionistas. She She, 73575 El Paseo, Ste. C1308, Palm Desert; 760-779-0417. She She Kids, 73525 El Paseo, Ste. E1501, Palm Desert. 760-779-5538.

For a red carpet-worthy entrance, visit Fe Zandi Haute Couture on El Paseo. The designer’s exquisite collection dazzles with the crème de la crème in French fashion. Fe Zandi creates one-of-a-kind works of art with fine embroidery, custom silks, and wool crepe fabrics. 73111 El Paseo, Ste. 105A, Palm Desert. 760-776-6100; www.fezandi.com

Polish your holiday look with pops of rich jewel tones

Complement your holiday finery with a perfect pop of color from this season’s trendy jewel tones. Regal purples, sultry blues, and a rainbow of gem shades enliven metallics, blacks,  and whites. The Murano  Collection by Marco Bicego at Leeds & Son Fine Jewelers features precious stones in haute-right-now hues in hand-engraved 18K gold. Peeks of green complete any holiday look. Leeds’ Siviglia Sapphires, also by Marco Bicego, highlight yellow hand-textured gold confetti beads set with sapphires in a range of soft sorbet shades and bright colors. 73670 El Paseo, Palm Desert. 760-568-5266; www.leedsandson.com