Katy Perry at the 9th Annual UNICEF Snowflake Ball
For the 9th annual UNICEF Snowflake Ball in New York, chanteuse du jour Katy Perry stepped out in a big way. Instead of the ’90s throwbacks that she’s been spotted in as of late (vintage Moschino, new Fausto Puglisi, etc.) she opted for a jaw dropping red gown courtesy Naeem Khan. The dress was simple enough, just a simple variation on a slip dress, but Perry threw on an ornate brocade cape — just like it was shown on the runway. She wasn’t there to steal the spotlight, however, because it was going to be shined on her anyway: not only was Perry performing that night, she was being named as the newest UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
We love Katy’s riff on Renaissance opulence, and following in the footsteps of Gwyneth, we see capes gaining even more traction on the red carpet in seasons to come. If you’re daring enough to toss one on, we think that they’re a dramatic way to celebrate at any holiday party, as long as you keep things simple with the dress itself or keep your accessories to a minimum, the way that Perry did. So skip out on your usual LBD and give your holiday sweaters a break, we’re going all-out glam.
ASOS Cape Dress
For a more wearable version of Katy’s Naeem Khan caped couture, you can grab the ASOS Cape Dress ($63.52), which will give you a more wearable way to pull off a cape. The dress might seem simple at first, but take a closer look and you’ll see that the straightforward sheath silhouette gets some added spice thanks to reverse pleats along the back of the dress and a dramatic cape. While it might not be as elaborate as Perry’s UNICEF outfit, it’s definitely something you can wear to a holiday party and trust us when we say you’ll still grab plenty of attention even though the dress is without embellishment, brocade or crushed velvet. Plus, we’ve got killer baroque-inspired accessories below that’ll ensure you catch the spotlight no matter where you’re headed.
Available at ASOS.
Holiday Opulence
1. Since the ASOS dress is a solid color, we’re giving accessories the spotlight. One of the year’s biggest trends was the ear cuff, and the BCBG Floral Stone Ear Cuff ($38) is a dainty yet daring version that we can see working whether you wear your hair up or keep it down. It’s substantial enough to draw attention to your face so we’re skipping the statement necklace, too.
2. Katy’s Naeem Khan dress blends old world opulence with modern lines, just like the Danielle Nicole Scarlett Clutch ($65, at Piperlime). It’s a little bit Deco, a little bit ’90s and completely au courant.
3. Our Renaissance throwback comes by way of the Kendra Scott Roni Cuff ($150, at Bloomingdale’s), a big bold filigree piece that’ll serve you well at cocktail parties and at work. Put it on your wrist over a thin sweater for a glam take on statement jewelry during the day and wear it alone at night to really let it shine.
4. Another way you can add ornate detailing to an outfit is to look for things that have rich texture, such as the Menbur Strass Pump ($169.95, at Nordstrom). It is a subtle nod to the brocade embroidery of the Khan gown that Katy Perry wore and it’ll work with any of the party dresses you’ve already got hanging in your closet.
5. And we had to give you one homage to Katy herself, right? Her Killer Queen by Katy Perry ($39-59, at Sephora) fragrance is a big, bold scent that’s sure make a big impact. Inspired by a jewel you’d find on a royal scepter, the scent blends velvety red florals and juicy red berries for a rich, deep scent.
Images courtesy Vogue, ASOS, Piperlime, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s and Sephora
