Holiday fashion etiquette can be tricky, especially in Southern California where the weather dictates the style. While Southern California style is rarely too dressy, holiday dinners and New Year’s Eve celebrations offer the perfect opportunity to exude sophistication and leave the flip-flops at home. Two local fashion experts offer their advice to residents on how to pull off a more sophisticated look for the holidays — whether meeting a boyfriend’s parents for the first time or a girlfriend’s family. “Never try and overdress yourself,” said Mark Nussbaum, owner of Raw, a clothing company at 940 Garnet Ave. “If you do, you’ll ruin it, like a girl who puts on too much make-up.” While flip-flops are part of everyday fashion at the beach, Nussbaum instructs people to choose other footwear for special occasions — such as boots or heels. “San Diego is an anomaly. It really is not a dressy city, period,” Nussbaum said. He insists, though, that looking sophisticated is not difficult to do with just a few little pieces. Jeans can be worn to most social occasions in Southern California, especially holiday soirees, as long as the denim is darker in color, he said. With 30 years in the fashion world and 16 years in business on Garnet Avenue, Nussbaum said he carries only quality brands at Raw such as Ben Sherman shirts for men and Hudson denim for women. “We sell popular brands such as Frankie B,” Nussbaum said. Premium jeans are considered to be part of the lifestyle in Pacific Beach. Nussbaum suggested that one can dress nicely without conforming to simply one style. Dark denim can be easily dressed-up, especially if worn with a nice woven shirt from 7 Diamonds or Ben Sherman. “Denim is considered to be both casual and dressy,” Nussbaum said. For women, dark jeans can be worn with a top that has some sparkle or shine to it — with a pair of boots and some fancier accessories. Dresses are best for New Year’s Eve or holiday parties, said Lauren Yates, buyer and manager of Chillers Showroom, 4667 Cass St. Relaxed silk dresses with boots or flats are big this year, Yates said. Chillers is also selling many men’s zip-up sweaters, which are great for holiday attire. For men, dark jeans and a button-up shirt can look sharp, but zip-up hoodies should not be worn, Yates said. Fun and flirty is the fall style for women. Military looks are popular right now for both and women. Military style can add structure and clean lines, which cleans up anyone’s look. Yates suggested that in Southern California, it is acceptable for men and women to be more casual for daytime celebrations. Men can wear plaid, flannel, button-up shirts with dark denim. Women can wear shorter dresses with leggings and flats. Men and women can easily transform these outfits to evening wear with a few simple adjustments. Men can forego the plaid for a nice cotton button-up shirt. Women can wear the same dress and wear high boots instead of flats with leggings.
