Happy December!! With just 23 days until the BIG DAY, it’s time to get this holiday party in gear!! I’m kicking off this first December post with a super cute embroidered red dress. Red is always fun and festive and you don’t have to wait until December to wear it! But it certainly does signify that the holidays are here!
Why red at Christmas?
Have you ever wondered why we wear red at Christmas? There are a number of explanations for red as the symbol of the holiday season.
First of all, there are a number of connections to Christianity, of course. An early use of red at Christmas were the apples on the paradise tree. They represented the fall of Adam in the plays. Red is also the color of Holly berries, which is said to represent the blood of Jesus when he died on the cross. Red is also the color of Bishop’s robes.
There is also the meaning of the word red itself. Red, the color of blood and fire, is associated with meanings of love, passion, desire, heat, longing, lust, sexuality, sensitivity, romance, joy, strength, leadership, courage, vigor, willpower, rage, anger, danger, malice, wrath, stress, action, vibrancy, radiance, and determination. Whew, how about that for a color’s significance?
Here’s another interesting explanation. I love this one! There is also the commercial aspect of the holiday. The legend goes that Santa’s suit is red because of a hugely successful advertising campaign for Coca-Cola in the early 1930s that featured a big Father Christmas wearing red robes with a white trim, the soft drink’s colors.
There is a historical context as well. The red and white actually derives from the colors of Saint Nicholas. Over time, the bishops’ red and white robes were replaced by a fur-trimmed suit. Historians argue that bishops’ robes appeared in many different colors but the red one came to be linked to Father Christmas during the 19th century.
And the list goes on…Regardless, we have come to recognize that red (and green, of course) is the signature color of Christmas!
And now, for the embroidered red dress…
The Embroidered Red Dress Outfit
The dress featured today is another one from Umgee. I styled their adorable faux fur sherpa coat in this post. I also mentioned in that post that my hair salon has a boutique, right? Yes, Salon Zinnia + Lifestyle Boutique is a full-service salon that I’ve been going to for years. And their boutique is stocked with all kinds of wonderful clothing and gift ideas. Can you say dangerous? Especially when I go there regularly to have my hair colored and styled!! I’ve picked up SO many of the stylish items I’ve shared in my blog!
The Christmas Tree at The Outlets at San Clemente
This dress is appealing initially due to the deep red hue of the dress. And the bit of boho style makes it fun! Which is clear by the title of the dress–boho bliss!
You can see the pretty embroidery on the bodice. And the full bishop sleeves add that extra detail that makes it feel special.
Because our weather was mild last week, I styled the embroidered red dress with white mules. I’d planned to wear OTK boots, like these, but white just seemed right. (And yes, you CAN wear white shoes in the winter.)
If you are worried about your white legs–like mine!–you could also style this type of dress with leggings. Try some faux leather leggings!
I’m sure you’re seeing all the beautiful white shoes, booties and boots trending this season, right? I think this dress would look so cute with white kitten heeled booties! Here is a pointy toe pair that is on sale. You can see my lace floral version of these booties in this post. I love the style and fit of these booties!
Red tassel earrings are so festive and just seemed like the right look with this dress.
A white cross-body bag completed my outfit (cute one here), and it would have looked great with almost any velvet clutch.
So, when you don your special red holiday dress, think of all the reasons why we’re sporting this color at Christmas. And be sure to add some fun–some white booties and tassel earrings to make a unique statement.
Happy holiday time!
Cute dress and great history lesson on the use of red during the holidays. Thanks for sharing on Fabulous Friday
Regan
http://nifty50andfabulous.com/2018/12/07/all-about-scarves-fabulous-friday-link-up/
Hi Regan,
I’m so glad to connect with you! I’ll head over to your site, too! Thanks for the nice comments.
xx Darlene
Didn’t know all that about red! Thanks for the lesson. You may have inspired me to get my red dress out of the closet!
Hi Nancy,
I know, right? Pretty interesting. You would look amazing in red, Nancy!
Have a lovely week,
xx Darlene