Shake Up your party attire with a heaping dose of sparkle, a teaspoon of texture and a zest for special details. This winter’s style muddles the lines between day and night and his and hers, all without sacrificing the sparkle and shine we love for the season. Don’t forget to garnish with the ultimate accessory for holiday merrymaking — a coordinating craft cocktail. Our festive beverages were created by Verandah Bar & Lounge at Cary’s downtown Mayton Inn.
Very Velvet
Winter’s favorite fabric comes in updated colors this season. Watch for taupe, blush, icy blue and dark green.
His and Hers Suiting
Voluminous silhouettes, creative colors and bold patterns are surfacing in menswear styles for guys and gals. Adventurous takes on a traditional suit will turn heads at your office party.
Leather and Lace
Naughty meets nice this holiday season by pairing dainty lace and edgy leather. Modest details, like a high neck and long sleeves, are balanced with an above-the-knee skirt.
America the Beautiful
Red does double duty this season — as a holiday staple and a nod to designers’ love for all things patriotic. Subtle pattern play keeps the look sophisticated, like this mix of gingham, stripes and windowpane.
Dazzling Details
Standout details such as ruffles, bows, pleats and bell sleeves feel fun and feminine for the holidays. This navy dress wows with a peek-a-boo back and sleeves tied with bows.
Bold Shoulders
From off-the-shoulder to one-shoulder, collar-baring styles are here to stay. An asymmetrical hi-low hem mimics the neckline in a modern shape for this black and white tunic.
All About the Burgundy
Darker and moodier than red, this chic shade works for men and women. Go bold with a corduroy button-up shirt or add a hint with a velvet clutch.
Knot Me
An off-center knot updates a classic sheath dress that’s as comfortable in the office as it is at happy hour. Pair with edgier accessories, like this tasseled choker, for night, or a blazer for day.
Cocktail Recipes
Rusty Apple Toddy
Perfect to sip in front of the fire.
3 ounces hot apple juice or cider
1 ounce Drambuie
Juice of one lemon wedge
Combine ingredients and garnish with a cinnamon stick and an apple slice.
Brandy Alexander
If you aren’t a fan of eggnog, try this rich holiday indulgence.
2 ounces cognac
1 ounce heavy cream
¾ teaspoon Creme de Cacao
Shake ingredients over ice. Serve in a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with freshly grated nutmeg.
Holiday Sauce Cocktail
Colorful, fruity and reminiscent of Thanksgiving dinner.
1½ ounces Cognac
½ ounce lemon juice
1 heaping teaspoon cranberry sauce
3 dashes Sycophant Orange and Fig Bitters
Shake ingredients over ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with orange peel.
Special thanks to Jessica Wright, Maggie Underhill and Jeremy Buchholz for modeling, and to The Mayton Inn for the photo shoot venue.
The Mayton Inn
301 S. Academy St., Cary
(919) 670-5000
maytoninn.com
Cocktail recipes created by the Verandah Bar and Lounge.
Verandah
301 S. Academy St., Cary
(919) 670-5000
verandahcary.com
Hair and makeup by Valerie Lester, Erin Pugh and Esther Johnson of Color Salon & Spa.
Color Salon & Spa
3582 Davis Drive, Morrisville
(919) 380-7772
colorsalonspa.com
Nails by Paintbase.
Paintbase
Park West Village
3019 Village Market Place, Morrisville
(919) 694-5933
cary.paintbasenails.com
Shop the Look:
The Art of Style
19 W. Hargett St., Raleigh
(919) 755-3333
theartofstyleboutique.com
Pink Magnolia Boutique
Park West Village
3021 Village Market Place, Morrisville
(919) 561-1769
Parkside Town Commons
1205 Parkside Main St., Cary
(919) 518-5532
lovepinkmagnolia.com
Ashworth’s Clothing
210 S. Main St., Fuquay-Varina
(919) 552-5201
facebook.com/AshworthsClothing
Charming Charlie
2128 Village Market Drive, Morrisville
(919) 465-0530
charmingcharlie.com
Stella & Dot
stelladot.com/maggieunderhill