Babs Bibb maxi gown at ShopBop.com (click to shop!)
by Sinta Jimenez
I have been attending winter galas since I was a little girl due to my parents’ involvement in various professional and alumni organizations which have annual New Year’s Eve and Christmas celebrations. Later, when I grew up and worked in finance, I attended my own slew of galas in the frigid cold of winter. Just because it’s January doesn’t mean high society can’t party – in fact, it’s their favorite time to! If you’re ever invited to attend, obligated to attend, or whole-heartedly choose to attend a formal winter gala, don’t let the cold weather inhibit your style by following these tips!
Eliza J. Faux Fur Stole at Nordstrom.
- Faux or real, a fur stole is a great way to keep you toasty in a large ballroom that may take the whole evening to warm up. A fur stole lends an old-world elegance to your ensemble as well.
- Consider a white or cream dress with lace accents. Heat-keeping lace makes sure that your light colored dress is strictly snowy, not a seasonal mistake.
- If the gala is marking a certain holiday such as Christmas, keep some tasteful seasonal accessories in mind. A bold hunter green satin dress with gold heels and a tartan bow in your hair would make you pretty as a present.
- A mid-knee to maxi-length gown is perfect to keep you warmer in the cold while at the same time keeping in step with the formality called for in a winter gala.
Sergio Rossi crystal shoes at Barney’s
- If you wear open-toed heels make sure the detailing is winter appropriate. Don’t let your shoes scream July while the chestnuts are toasting!
- Formal gloves — keep your Isotoners and cutesy Urban Outfitters retro-style mittens at home. Leather driving gloves, cashmere, or elbow gloves only!
- A fur stole
- Some sparkle be it in quality diamonds jewelry, sequins on your shoes, or a glittery purse. Galas call for formality AND festivity; this is the time, if there was one, to go all out.
Shoshanna lace dress at ShopBop.com
Tibi lace dress at ShopBop.com
Marchesa Notte at ShopBop.com
Tibi gold dress at ShopBop.com
About Sinta
Sinta Jimenez’s previous incarnations: rolling stone, financial analyst, law student, herbal specialist, waitress, model, wild child, ballet dancer, student, surfer, world traveller. Current incarnation: mother, lotus amidst fierce flames. From birth to death: artist, writer, poet. A lifelong student of the arts, she received her Masters in Fine Arts from Otis College of Art and Design in 2010. Born in Manila, she was raised and lives in DC. Check out her fabulous blog Hail to the Chic.
Photo taken in Los Angeles. Read Sinta’s posts.
