These Boots Were Made for Walking Through Party Season

Holiday season is nearly upon us. Bring on the whirlwind of vivid prints, sparkling sequins, and all-around festive cocktail attire! As for the footnote: In an unlikely turn of events, we're welcoming the reimagined ankle boot into the merry mix. Sure, it's not the first time boots have worked the party circuit—we've had our share of sky- and thigh-high boots creeping up on the catwalk as of late—but this season's quirky, eclectic iterations with unrivaled aesthetics are more than ready to hit the dance floor while making a modern evening statement.

Balenciaga's space-age silver booties, which come pointed and peaked mid-shin, perfectly offset a proper off-the-shoulder velvet dress, while Manolo Blahnik's silk and satin stilettos draw the eye downward with a hint of Swarovski crystal buckle and a seductive high arch, giving one's legs a little lift (and incidentally, the illusion of cocktail stirrers). With so many choices out there—from over-the-knee white knockouts to over-the-top adorned ankle booties—it's never been easier, chicer, or, ahem, more comfortable to get in the festive footwear spirit.

Above, shop the top seven boots and party dress pairings for storming into the New Year in style.

How a Lady Gaga–Approved Performance Artist Dresses for Art Basel

Millie Brown's artwork is not distinguished by subtlety. The British-born provocateur began her career at 17 as a "vomit artist," chugging bottles of colored milk and then throwing them up onstage in Berlin. In 2014, she reprised the act, vomiting on Lady Gaga's chest for a performance during SXSW. Later that year, she transformed herself into a human installation titled Suspended by Optimism, in which she hung from giant balloons for four hours during Art Basel in Miami. Another puke-free performance had her lying on a bed of flowers and subsisting on a botanical diet (only water and sun) for seven days.

This year, the performance artist attended Miami's Art Basel as more of a spectator. "I decided to skip performing and go to support my friends, see the artists I love and meet the ones I haven't yet met," says Brown. "The highlight for me was the celestial drone performance art piece created by Studio Drift—300 drones fit with alternating lights lit up the sky in a choreographed dance-like formation above the ocean and amongst the stars as we were serenaded by delicate classical music."

And while she was off-duty, Brown still stood out from the crowd with a personal fashion sense that's just as outré as her performances. During the fair, Brown opted for some out-there glitz, including a glittering mesh dress by Mark Fast for a meet-up with model Slick Woods. Her other looks were by turns pared back (a distressed gown by Olya Kosterina) and architectural (flared bustier by designer Aliona Kononova). In terms of accessories, Brown was typically bold, showing off a fistful of ring bling.

Here, take a look at Brown's Art Basel fashion diary.

Kate Upton Wore 3 Different Dresses at Her Epic Tuscan Wedding

In November, model Kate Upton wed Houston Astros pitcher Justin Verlander in the hills of Tuscany. She had the pitch-perfect wedding wardrobe to match. "I had such a great time creating the fashion story for my wedding weekend!" Upton told Vogue. The bride drew inspiration from the location, which made Valentino a natural fit from the start. For the rehearsal dinner, the couple requested that all of the guests wear red; Upton chose a tiered lace gown by the Italian fashion house, while Verlander sported a custom-made tuxedo jacket in the same shade. "They are the best at creating delicate, beautiful lace and details, and their Italian heritage kept the fashion and feel authentic to our venue," Upton said of Valentino. "The design process was extremely collaborative, so I was able to really include my personal style and create my dream dress."

For Upton, that meant a Chantilly lace wedding gown with crisscross detail at the bust and rather demure full sleeves. The dress was woven with a sense of traditional elegance that matched the picturesque setting. The bride's accessories were just as tailored to the occasion. "My elderly grandmother was unable to attend the wedding due to the travel distance, so I was honored she let me borrow her sapphire ring," Upton said. "It became my something old, borrowed, and blue." From there, she chose glitter-flecked Manolo Blahniks for her walk down the aisle and a dramatic cathedral veil to complete the look. The old-world accoutrement has seen a resurgence among celebrity brides like Pippa Middleton and Kim Kardashian West as of late, and Upton's sweeping Chantilly lace version was nothing short of stunning.

The bride took a turn toward the unexpected for the reception, though, changing into a custom minidress that she created with Christy Rilling Studio. Strung with iridescent pearls, covered in glass bead embroidery, and boasting a plunging back, the end look wasn't just a departure from the previous gown, it was a total curveball. "My design process for the reception wedding dress was the opposite feel of the romantic ceremony dress," Upton said. "I wanted a dress that I could have fun in, but that still brought the glamour."

How a Prom Dress Designer in New York Fashion Week Shows

When it comes to finding the fresh new faces of the season, you can always count on the Marc Jacobs and Alexander Wangs of the New York Fashion Week. But there's one designer who seems to have a knack for tapping girls just before they hit it out of the ballpark, and it's not the household name you might expect. Sherri Hill is a Texas-based fashion designer who happens to be New York Fashion Week's resident queen of pageant gowns and prom dresses. And, in her a six years of showing here she has quietly helped launch the runway careers of now mega-models like Kendall Jenner, Hailey Baldwin, Grace Elizabeth and Delilah Belle Hamlin. It is Hill's showroom, after all, that acts as a centerpiece for a 2011 episode of Keeping Up With the Kardashians, where Kim Kardashian and Jenner take Manhattan to determine if Jenner's modeling dreams are worth pursuing (turns out, they were). Jenner, who made her first appearance this week at Tom Ford on Wednesday night, would go on to walk in Hill's debut show at New York Fashion Week, which also marked her own runway debut. Two years later, she walked the runway again, this time alongside little sister Kylie, a fashion week ubiquitor in her own right these days. Ahead of her Spring 2018 show, which Hill describes as "fun, fresh, and feminine," the designer talks about casting some very famous faces, what she looks for in a model, and the importance of a pretty front row.

How big of a part does casting play into your shows?

Casting is the key. You need girls who exude confidence and can feel the clothes. You can tell by the way she moves if she loves it or doesn't love it, and that is very importing.

What makes a girl stand out to you when she walks into the casting?

There is that confidence, and she makes you feel like she wants to be there. We're not interested in girls that look bored or miserable.

You've cast all of these girls who have gone on to be major models, including Kendall Jenner, Hailey Baldwin, and Grace Elizabeth. When they walk in, can you tell that they are going to be stars?

Yes, to a certain extent, but then there are other girls that also are powerful. I think a lot of the success for the girls that you mentioned is that they are not just pretty, but they are bright and they have a work ethic. That says a lot about them. I doubt that any of them are ever late for a casting or show. They have their act together.

How did you cast both Kendall and Kylie in your 2013 show?

It was kind of by accident. My daughter was in L.A. and somehow she met Kim [Kardashian] or something—I don't really know, to tell you the truth, but we ended up hiring Kendall for a shoot and Kylie came along for fun. It was Kendall's first shoot ever and she was nervous, but they were delightful. Just such nice girls.

Do you have any memories from the first time you worked with them?

Our first show was actually at Trump Tower in the foyer of the building, which seems so strange to me now. We didn't have real dressing rooms or real anything, so it was not necessarily a typical venue, but the girls handled it like troopers. I appreciate that, especially looking back at it now.

And most recently, you've cast Delilah Belle Hamlin, whose career has really taken off.

Oh, she's great. And you can tell—now that we have seen a few of these girls that have gone on and gotten bigger and bigger, you can tell that Delilah is going to be successful. She's so easy to work with, very personable, and very professional, but still fun. Those are the people that you want to help and want to work with.

What are other indicators that a girl will be big? Is there anyone you have your eye on right now?

We are still in the early stages of casting, but there are a few girls that we have our eye on. There's so much room out there now with social media and the opportunities out there, so I think there are a lot of girls that will be very successful.

Do you look at a model's social footprint when casting?

Once in awhile, but it is not our main focus for casting. We really just look for the girl that fits the look.

Your front row is also often filled with up-and-comers like Bella Thorne. How big of a factor is that into your show planning?

I think it is just fun. There is really not a specific purpose or thought to it. Of course you like to have a pretty front row.

Tips for Evening Dresses

The key lies in wearing one that makes a personal statement and at the same time has a contemporary appeal. Some women may prefer something classic and others may just blindly copy celebrity fashion, irrespective of whether it flatters their body or not. What should you keep in mind when selecting an evening dress?

Choose a dress that flatters you

Take a moment and decide what your best feature is in your body. Your best feature may be your long, shapely legs, or a narrow waist. When you choose an evening dress, focus on what the dress highlights. A dress that is a few inches above the knee can be worn to highlight your shapely legs. If you select a dress with low necklines, then you wear a dress to highlight your bust. So pick a dress that draws attention to one feature.

Accessorize your dress

Your costume is not complete without accessories. It does not mean you have to wear all your accessories. Depending on the dress you choose, you need to accessorize. If you have selected a costume, decide if it will look good with dangling earrings or bangle bracelets. Will gold or silver jewelry look good? Which shoes and handbags are best for the dress?

Dress up or dress down

These dresses are ideal for formal and semi-formal occasions. You can pair your evening costume with other garments like a casual blazer or a cardigan. This is called dressing down. If it is a formal occasion, do not pair a large handbag with your evening costume. The more formal the event, the smaller should the handbag be. You can also use a clutch.

Evening dress length

The length of your costume is an important factor. If you are a petite woman, then you should wear shorter dresses to make you look taller. If you are on the taller side, then choose a dress that is neither too long nor short.

Demystifying Holiday Party Dress Codes

For many, the words "You're Invited" prompt two reactions, especially during the holiday season: excitement and anxiety.

Sure, parties promise good food and good times with friends and family, but confusing attire requirements are often at play as well.

To ease your fears and guarantee you're never inappropriately dressed, Wardrobe Therapy is helping to breaking down the most common holiday party dress codes.

Black Tie
What It Means: Formal. Floor-length gowns and tuxedos. Think old world glamour.
Women: Beautiful gowns in silk and organza.
Outfit Inspiration: Such a great price point for a fabulous dress. Add a chiffon wrap if you prefer to be covered!
Men: Tuxedo or a dark suit with a black bow tie.
Outfit Inspiration: We love this classic one-button Brooks Brothers tuxedo in navy, not black. Of course, if you do custom, call 1812 Society and get one made that's absolutely cut for you.

Black Tie Optional
What It Means: Long gowns and tuxedos are not necessary. Carefully consider the host/hostess and where the event is taking place when choosing what to wear.
Women: If you want to wear a long gown, great! Put it on. If not, short dresses are fine, too.
Outfit Inspiration: This floral print dress is ideal for the woman who wants to be super fem, but covered! A classic black pointed-toe pump can make this look super fresh.
Men: Don't go out and buy a tuxedo. A dark suit with a dynamic tie is perfect.
Outfit Inspiration: We love a classic three-piece suit, and the monochromatic tie feels just right.

Holiday or Party Chic
What It Means: Don't take this literally! No Christmas ties or sweaters are needed.
Women: A short dress paired with bold jewelry. You can't go wrong with an LBD (little black dress).
Outfit Inspiration: We love this Nanette Lepore dress paired with this DKNY blazer and booties. So fab.
Men: Sportcoat with dress pants. Definitely add a tie or bow tie. A dark suit with a bold bow tie is also acceptable. In some instances, even dark denim can be worn instead of a dress pant.
Outfit Inspiration: We love this whole look from Banana Republic.

Casual Chic
What It Means: You can wear denim— just dress it up!
Women: Try a sequin top with skinny dark denim, add a blazer, and definitely wear heels!
Outfit Inspiration: We love this top and denim combination from Zara. Just add a fur chubby, like this faux fur one from Abercrombie. (Yes, we can't believe it either.)
Men: No tie. Do a great button down shirt with dark denim. Add a v-neck sweater or a blazer for an extra layer. Pull out your best oxford shoes.
Outfit Inspiration: We love this camel blazer from J.Crew paired with a sweater and denim. So handsome.

How to Shop For Your Once in a Lifetime Wedding Dress

He proposed, you said yes. The wedding planning is in full gear and its time to shop for your wedding dress. Your wedding dress is the most memorable and expensive dress you will ever purchase. Here is some practical advice to make your shopping trip fun and let you know what to expect.

Make an appointment to try on wedding dresses. Some bridal salons don't require them, but an appointment will guarantee you the individual attention of a bridal consultant and space in the dressing room.

Time your shopping trip to your best advantage. If you shop on a weekday afternoon, you will get the most attention and you will not be competing with a lot of other brides like you would on weekends. You also get more time to shop.

You will get the best deals if you shop in November and December when the bridal salons are slow and new merchandise is arriving. There will be more sales and more incentives to buy because they need to clear out stock to make room for new stock that is arriving. Wedding dresses arrive in cycles, with the late fall and early winter being the time the manufactures ship out new merchandise.

Don't shop too early, if your wedding is two years away and you are not prepared to buy, stay home and surf the net for ideas. The styles will change and your idea of your dream dress may change, along with your weight and wedding plan. The style may also be discontinued by the manufacturer.

Don't shop too late. Wedding dresses should be ordered 9 months to a year in advance. The manufacturers take 16 to 20 weeks to fashion your dress because of all the hand work that is done on the dress. You also need to allow transportation time and time to have alterations done. If you shop at the last minute, you will risk major disappointment. You will either have to buy off the rack or pay the manufacturer extra for rushing your dress.

Shop prepared. This should not even have to be mentioned., Wear underwear on your shopping trip. Wear clean underwear and be freshly showered or risk major embarrassment. Some salons will send you home to shower or come back with underwear and who can blame them? You are trying on expensive white dresses! And if you don't wear underwear, you'll be standing in the dressing room buck naked. If you are uncomfortable, you consultant will be doubly uncomfortable.

Bring along a strapless bra if you have one and a pair of heels to get a feel for how the gown will look on you.

Don't shop with a posse. Shop with someone you trust, your mom, your sister, your best friend. Don't shop with your entire wedding party. Too many people means a lot of confusion for you and your consultant. Too many opinions will make you crazy. Are they giving you their true opinion, or picking out a dress they would wear to their own wedding? Invite your friends to see your choice after you've made your choice. They'll be more interested after you've chosen your dress. Sure, a huge shopping trip sounds like fun, but you'll totally regret it when you leave exhausted, confused and aggravated.

Don't try to cram too many shopping appointments in one day. Trying on wedding dresses is exhausting. You'll be standing up in heels for a long time. Some of the dresses are very heavy. Pretty soon you'll be suffering from white blur, a wedding term that means that all the dresses are starting to look alike. Limit your appointments to no more than two a day and take time in between to grab something to eat and drink. The only way you can be on top of your dress shopping game is to be fueled up, hydrated and relaxed. Its going to be a long day!

Shop with an open mind and a good attitude. You have a dress etched into your mind. You are closing yourself to dresses that may be more flattering on your figure, cost less money and be THE dress. Be open and receptive to different necklines, body styles and fabrics. You may leave with the dress still etched in your mind, but you may just find THE dress if you stop telling yourself that you are picky. By constantly reinforcing your pickiness, you'll make yourself and your shopping companion crazy. Bridal consultants are trained and experienced in finding dresses that make the most of your figure and hide the parts that need to be hidden. Stop whining and listen, you'll be amazed at how fabulous you can look if you just open your mind and adjust your attitude.

What to expect when shopping for your wedding dress. Expect to be warmly welcomed into the bridal salon and meet your consultant. Your dress consultant will ask you some questions about your wedding. They'll ask you about the type of wedding, the formality of the wedding and your wedding dress budget. They aren't being nosy. They need to help you choose a dress from a mind boggling selection of dress styles. You can't try everything on in the store, its physically impossible. They also need an idea of your dress budget, so you don't fall in love with a dress that is out of your price range. If you want to see dresses under a thousand dollars or under five hundred dollars, tell them honestly to avoid a lot of disappointment on your part.

You will be shown styles, feel free to say no to anything you don't like. Be honest, you will not like everything and it will help your consultant pull more dresses that are in line with what looks best on you and you like.

Picking a Cocktail Dress For a Social Event

A blue and white envelope just arrived in your mailbox. Inside is an invitation to your friend's house warming party next week. She is going to have wine, cheese, hor dours, and entertainment. It's going to be a dazzling event and you know you should dress up, but you have no idea what to wear.

Deciding what to wear to any social event can be overwhelming, especially when you have party favors, decorating, and baking to worry about--in addition to your day-to-day work. Fortunately, an attractive cocktail dress is suitable for many occasions.

If you are looking for versatility, the little black dress is a classic. It's attractive, simple, and stylish. You can wear it to almost any evening occasion, and you can personalize it with high heels, jewelry, and a handbag. And the little black dress can be quite attractive--just think about Julia Roberts in "Pretty Woman," wear she wears a black cocktail dress with lace trim.

When you are shopping in search of the perfect little black dress, pay attention to the small details (below):

What to Look for in a Little Black Dress:
- Length. The dress should hit at the thinnest part of your leg above the knee.
- Cut. Make sure the dress flatters your body type. The dress should accentuate a woman's curves and waist, but never ever be too tight.
- Fabric. Jersey fabric is comfortable and stretchy, but it may not hold its shape. Invest in a dress with a soft, flattering fabric such as silk or satin.

If you prefer new, trendy styles, try an updated version of the little black dress with a modern touch.

The Little, Black Dress with a Modern Touch:
- Sleeve length: Try a sexy strapless dress. Or, try a dress with long sleeves for the winter-time.
- Tights: Wear patterned tights. Or, wear opaque tights, which are very trendy right now. Note: Opaque tights may dress down an outfit.
- V-shape: Try on dresses with a plunging V in the front to accentuate your attributes. Also, V-shaped backs can be very sexy and sophisticated.
- Lace: A black dress with lace can be very attractive and elegant. If the dress is very detailed, keep your accessories limited and wear classic makeup (red lipstick, mascara, and eye-liner).

Cocktail Dresses:
If you want to avoid black altogether, try on cocktail dresses! Cocktail dresses can be silver, plumb, gold, cream, etcetera. Wearing a stylish, colorful evening dress will make you more memorable, and it is much more festive than black. For the wintertime, try on dresses that are dark red, dark blue, ruby, gold, purple, or emerald green.

Choosing a Cocktail Dress:
To choose a unique, sexy cocktail dress, get an idea of what kinds of dresses exist. A simple online search works well. Consider dresses with lace, patterns, sequins, and satin. One-sleeved dresses and metallic are also popular, so don't shy away from them, Also, look for rich fabrics such as velvet and silk.

If you are unsure what kinds of social events and special occasions call for a cocktail dress, use the suggested guidelines below:

Occasions where a cocktail dress is recommended:
- Cruise ships
- Work-related parties (make sure the dress is knee-length and not too short)
- Semi-formal
- New Years
- Anniversary parties
- Holiday parties
- Charity events
- Dinner at an expensive restaurant

Occasions where a cocktail dress may be worn:
- Prom (cocktail dress designers make great, flirty 2009 prom dresses)
- Class reunions
- Evening weddings
- Dinner parties (ask the host in advance)
- Evenings out (to the theater, the ballet, or the Opera. Note: different parts of the

United States are more formal or more casual than others)

Events where a cocktail dresses is not recommended:
- Business dinners (know your company's culture)
- Job interviews
- White Tie events
- Quinceanera events (cocktail dresses are different than Quinceanera dresses)
Now you can take a breath, relax, and look forward to your next social event. Once you have the basic black dress and one stylish cocktail dress, you will be set to party all night long.