Christmas crackers

IT'S Christmas time, so why not throw together a casual outfit that matches the season? Men and women of all ages love to dress in green and red this time of year, especially at Christmas parties. Even if you're not planning to gather round a tree and sing carols, change things up. Give your usual look a lift by trying out some of these holiday fashion suggestions.

Party bag

Choose a party bag with simple lines and subtle details that can easily go with all dresses. You can choose ones with a short shoulder strap or loop to hang around your wrist. Carry a simple purse to match your dress is also a good idea.

Shawls and stoles

Shawls and stoles can add glamour to the simplest of dresses and can make your basic dress look rich and beautiful. Use the shawl or stole made of a fabric that matches your dress.

Velvet jacket

Rich velvet jackets in green, red or burgundy can make the plainest of dresses look formal.

Basic red dress

Basic red dress in satin, velvet or crepe. Dresses that go all the way below the knee are an all-time classic. The dress will look most flattering if you accessorize properly.

Embroidered or sparkling top

Embroidered, beaded or sparkling metallic-colored tops give you a festive look. Matching lipstick, a pair of black trousers or a straight skirt will give you a formal, yet cheerful look.

Earrings

Remember, the more you pull back or pull up your hair, the longer your earrings should be. Experiment with earring varieties such as drops, hoops and studs to see what looks best with your outfit.

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生词：
accessorize 装饰品，补充

dedicate 献(身)，致力

burgundy 紫红色

crepe 绉纱，绉绸

festive 庆祝的，喜庆的，欢乐的

flattering 讨人欢喜的

hoop 箍，铁环，戒指

lipstick 口红，唇膏

outfit 全套衣装

satin 缎子，缎纹

shawl 披肩，围巾

slingshot 弹弓

stole 女用披肩，长巾

stud 钮扣，饰纽

subtle 微妙的，精细的

unveil 使公诸于众，揭开，除去……的面纱

velvet 天鹅绒，柔软，光滑

Bonus points

throw together:匆匆拼凑

I threw together a supper of day-old pizza and chips before our meeting. 在我们的聚会前，我把一堆过期的批萨和炸薯条匆匆拼凑成了晚餐。

change things up: 做一些改变

Let's change things up today. Instead of beginning class with a discussion, lets end with a discussion. 让我们今天做些改变。我们将用讨论来结束今天的课程，而不是用讨论开始。

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