Satin blazer and matching trouser, Alice + Olivia; Long-sleeved bodysuit, Gucci. Photos: Amy Jeanchaiyaphum Photography
Stylist offers wardrobe recommendations to exquisitely match the season.
You’re not alone if the holiday season ranks up there as a favorite time of year when it comes to style. Jessica Hilde agrees. The Wayzata-based, award-winning stylist, personal shopper and wardrobe consultant relishes the seasonal opportunities to dress up, and she wants others to look good too. “I am a big fan of women feeling and looking their best,” Hilde says, pointing to special items that are bedazzled or feature leather, satin, velvet or “… something that says: holiday season. Women look amazing this time of year when they bring out the bling, and in pictures, you always look better when the fabrics are shiny and pick up the light, like sequins,” she says.
But answering the age-old question, “What should I wear?” can be challenging during the holidays when expectations can run high. “My go-to for the holidays is a gorgeous sweater,” Hilde says. “Cashmere, wool or velvet just screams the holiday season. Pick something that has a subtle embellishment, on a collar or sleeve, or a sweater that is dusted with sparkles. You don’t have to overdo it—just a little something festive always looks great.”
Bomber fur jacket, The Frankie Shop; Patent leather pants, Alice + Olivia; Velvet and rhinestone heels, Tamara Mellon.
Once the sweater is on deck, what’s next? “I love pairing a simple elegant sweater with a well-fitted leather pant,” Hilde says, noting she styles women of all ages in leather. “If done right by fit, leather pants are always in.” She points to brands Frame, Khaite and 3.1 Phillip Lim. Her splurge leather pant goes to Lafayette 148. To complete the look, Hilde says, “Skip the ankle boots. They are out. Opt for something more elegant that elongates the leg. [Consider] a pointed-toe shoe in a velvet or satin finish to achieve a wow moment.”
Feather-cuffed top, Alice + Olivia; Metallic brocade skirt, Lafayette 148; 6.5-carat diamond amoeba gold plated sterling silver cocktail ring, Gretchen Ventura.
What’s an outfit without an exclamation point—or two? “What says holidays more than fabulous jewelry?” Hilde says, noting fashion is still going furious for dainty necklaces with diamonds, and she suggests stackable pieces or a statement piece over a simple white cotton blouse, paired with a leather trouser. “This is très chic and effortless,” she says.
Cranberry, plum and sage aren’t just ideal ingredients for a festive recipe. Hilde points to the deeply pigmented hues as the perfect holiday color palette.
“Most importantly, be that girl who is dressed up,” Hilde says. “The holiday season is about the art of dress, feeling sexy and feminine. Try to branch out of the casual lifestyle, and opt for pieces that make you shine.”
Raspberry blouse, A.L.C.; Patent leather skirt, A.L.C.
Winter Standbys
After the holidays are said and done, one can and should still look fabulous. Stylist Jessica Hilde appreciates a suit for work and everyday life. “If done in the right, tone on tone [matching jacket and pant], it can be not only flattering on any shape but slimming,” she says.
And one can’t ignore outerwear, especially this time of year. Don’t skimp. “Invest in something special you can bring out every year like a trench coat in cashmere,” Hilde says. “You will never regret this purchase, especially living in Minnesota. I love a coat that covers my derrière and is not only warm but chic and the perfect travel piece for winter.”
James rhinestone-embellished crepe blazer, A.L.C.; Blouse, Lafayette 148; Rhinestone tights, Zara; Skort, Amanda Uprichard; YSL Brooch, Yves Saint Laurent.
Art direction and styling, Jessica Hilde Style
Model, Jessica Hilde
Fashion assistant, Kathryn Gefre
Hair and makeup, Donna D Kelly
Photos, Amy Jeanchaiyaphum Photography
Jessica Hilde Style
Instagram: @jessicahilde_style
