Tips for Winter Parties
By Chung Ah-young
Staff Reporter
How to Shine at Gatherings
The season of parties is here. Partygoers now have many excuses ― such as yearend, New Year and Christmas celebrations ― to dress to the nines.
Recently, more and more young Koreans are enjoying the party culture. Some people will gather at formal parties, while others will attend casual parties with close friends.
But even if you are a fashionista or a trendsetter, it might not be easy to choose the right party look.
What will you wear? How can you dress like a celebrity? Many women covet actresses who shine at film festivals with glittering high-end dresses.
But many cannot afford to buy expensive dress for most occasions. Here are some tips to help you look fancier at a reasonable price.
The Internet-based shopping mall, Lotte.Com (www.lotte.com) has launched a premium brand mall, ``Rootl'' (www.rootl.com) for the party look; collections include bags, dresses, shoes and accessories.
But if you want luxurious items to adorn you for just one-time only, some online luxury rental shops for parties are available through Lux (www.luxme.co.kr) and Onparty.Com (www.onparty.com) with prices ranging between 30,000 to 100,000 won.
Kim Young-hee, a manager of Rootl, said the mall recently launched a dress with a deep V-shaped neck line, as worn by actress Kim Hye-soo in the recent film award ceremony; and a tube-shaped dress, worn by actress Kim Tae-hee. These dresses cost 30,000-50,000 won. ``Such dresses, almost identical to the celebrities' dresses, are available at cheaper prices. Women wearing these dresses will be the star of the party,'' Kim said.
Kim recommended that highlighting your good points, rather than hiding the weak, is the best way to become a party queen.
Club or Casual Party
Under the showy lights of a club or casual parties, shiny or sparkling pieces are a good choice, whereas a bold and showy look is good for informal parties.
Spangles are one of the hottest items cosseted by party girls. Well-fitting one-piece dresses decorated with spangles will go well at the party. Wearing a black or white coat is recommended.
If sparkling pieces are not your style, animal prints are the in-thing. Animal-print tops will make you look confident and sexy, even if they're matched simply with jeans.
Hot pants are also one of the most beloved items for a club party look. Hot pants matched with leggings and boots will make you the head-turner of the party.
Business or Social Party
If you are invited to a business or formal party, wear a one-piece dress rather than the formal two-piece you would normally wear to work.
A fitted dress of pearly tweed fabric, with a neckline decorated with black stone beads, is good to show off your elegance at the refined party.
A velvet halter neck dress is sexier and more elegant. It is also a good idea to wear a red dress instead of the traditional black dress, if you want to be the spotlight of the party. If you do wear black, make sure to accent the outfit with colorful accessories.
Party looks are not only about skirts. Shiny satin pants are a quick way to glam up your wardrobe.
Formal black pants look boring, but the shine of satin pants will make you look glamorous. Satin pants can be well matched with a blouse or top.
For accessories, nothing matches the party mood better than a clutch bag. When choosing the right bag for a formal party, it is always better to pick a metallic material rather than a spangled bag. Choosing a bag that contrasts in color with your wardrobe is also a good way to stand out.
``I think a growing number of young Koreans are actively indulging in the party culture, and parties don't have to be fancy. Snacks and drinks prepared by a party host and lots of good friends make the best party,'' Park Soo-mi, a 29-year-old office worker, said.
``For the upcoming year-end party, I will wear smoky makeup and a one-piece dress adorned with spangles with minimal accessories,'' she said.
How to Wear
-Wear a red dress instead of the traditional black dress.
-Winter party colors vary; red, gold, and silver.
-Choose a dress with a few shimmering or sparkling adornments.
-If you want to keep the basic outfit simple, use accessories to brighten it up.
-If you are worried about your legs, don't be afraid of wearing pants for a dressy evening.
-Keep in mind that the fuller the cut of the leg and the softer the drape, the dressier the pants will be.
-Accessorize with a sparkling ring, bracelet, earrings or necklace. But wear only one piece at a time.
How to do your Makeup
Most women wear makeup everyday, but when you are invited to a party, the makeup should be special. Your makeup should make you stand out and be the center of attention. But basic treatment for the
skin before applying makeup is essential.
For party makeup, a sexy image is mostly sought after. For glossy and shiny makeup, use liquid foundation with moisture.
For a smoky look, use layers of beige and gray tones plus black liner to get the smoky look.
Start with a medium beige or a bright color on the lid, then work a darker brown into the crease. Layer some soft gray over the brown to achieve a color replicating that of a real shadow.
To make your eyes appear larger, apply silver eye shadow from the rim of the eye to the inner corner.
For gold makeup, use gold eye shadow and red lipstick. Apply the gold eye shadow only on the eyelids and lightly touch the tip of the eyes with the red lipstick and blend to make a gradation. Underline eye rims using the gold eye shadow and apply mascara.
The Face Shop's Baked Triple Color (8,800 won) is a baked eye shadow that has less powder and is cohesive to the skin. It contains three colors, shiny pearls with silver gray, pinkish purple and golden brown.
Bobbi Brown has launched a holiday limited edition, ``Pink Quartz Shimmer Brick'' (60,000 won) with pink, rose, beige and gold.
Laneige's Snow Palette (32,000 won) contains five colors with brilliant pearls, which can be used as eye shadows and blushers.
However, makeup is not everything.
Many partygoers tend to wear sleeveless
items. To make that look work, it is recommended that slimming products are used on the legs and arms beforehand.
Pearly powders can be applied on the collarbone, chest, arms and other exposed parts of the body.
Guerlain's Sublime Radiant Powder for Face and Body (95,000 won) is a pearl spray designed to be applied on the face and the body.