A holiday party is the perfect occasion to step out of your everyday style and embrace something with a little more flair. Among the many details you can use to elevate an outfit, epaulettes stand out as a powerful and unique choice. Often associated with military uniforms, these shoulder ornaments are far more versatile than you might think. When styled correctly, they add a touch of structure, drama, and unexpected sophistication that will set you apart from the sea of sequin dresses and novelty sweaters.
This guide will walk you through the definitive, practical steps to styling epaulettes for a holiday party, moving beyond the obvious to deliver concrete, actionable advice. We’ll explore various garment types, epaulette styles, and accessories to create looks that are not only stylish but also balanced and confident.
The Foundation: Choosing Your Garment
The garment you choose is the canvas for your epaulettes. The goal is to select a piece that complements the structure and presence of the epaulettes, rather than competing with them.
1. The Structured Blazer or Jacket
This is the most natural and classic pairing. A blazer with defined shoulders provides the ideal framework.
- Actionable Advice: Opt for a blazer in a rich fabric like velvet, brocade, or a high-quality wool blend. A velvet blazer in deep jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, or burgundy instantly signals “holiday.”
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Concrete Example: For a formal evening party, pair a black velvet blazer with slim-fit tuxedo trousers. Attach gold-threaded, structured epaulettes with a fringe or tassel detail to the blazer’s shoulders. The gold will pop against the black velvet, creating a luxe, festive look. Keep the rest of the outfit simple to let the shoulders be the focal point.
2. The Sleek Sweater
Don’t limit yourself to outerwear. A well-chosen sweater can be a fantastic base.
- Actionable Advice: Choose a sweater made from a fine-gauge knit, such as merino wool or cashmere, that hangs smoothly over the body. Bulky knits will make the epaulettes look out of place and can create an unflattering silhouette.
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Concrete Example: For a cozier, yet chic holiday gathering, select a deep charcoal gray cashmere crewneck sweater. Use clip-on, gunmetal-toned epaulettes with intricate chain details. The metallic chains will add a festive sparkle without being overpowering. Pair this with tailored wool trousers and polished leather boots.
3. The Minimalist Dress
A simple dress can be transformed with the right epaulettes.
- Actionable Advice: The key here is simplicity. A sheath dress, an A-line dress, or a column dress in a solid, unembellished color is your best bet. The fabric should have some weight to it to hold the epaulettes gracefully.
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Concrete Example: Wear a crimson red, sleeveless crepe sheath dress. Attach two statement epaulettes featuring a series of silver, diamond-shaped embellishments. The stark contrast between the simple dress and the ornate epaulettes creates a sophisticated and modern look. Finish with simple stud earrings and metallic heels.
The Epaulettes Themselves: Style and Material
Epaulettes come in a vast range of styles, from subtle and structured to bold and theatrical. The choice dictates the overall tone of your outfit.
1. The Statement Epaulette
These are designed to be the main event. They are often large, heavily embellished, and feature intricate details.
- Actionable Advice: Use a statement epaulette when the rest of your outfit is extremely simple. Think of it as a piece of shoulder jewelry. Consider materials like rhinestones, beaded fringe, or elaborate embroidery.
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Concrete Example: You’ve chosen a classic white silk blouse and black high-waisted trousers. Instead of a necklace, add a pair of oversized, art deco-inspired epaulettes made of stacked silver beads and crystal accents. This look is clean, modern, and high-impact. The epaulettes act as a built-in accessory, so you can forgo other jewelry.
2. The Subtle, Structural Epaulette
These are all about adding shape and definition, not necessarily sparkle. They are often made of fabric, leather, or woven cords.
- Actionable Advice: This style works best when you want to add a subtle military-inspired edge to a more relaxed outfit. They can give an otherwise soft garment a more powerful silhouette.
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Concrete Example: Pair a camel-colored wool coat with a white turtleneck and dark denim. Attach two dark brown leather epaulettes with brass button details to the coat’s shoulders. This elevates the casual outfit, adding a layer of sophisticated detail without being overtly formal. It’s perfect for a daytime holiday brunch or a casual get-together.
3. The Tasseled Epaulette
These add movement and a playful, celebratory feel.
- Actionable Advice: Tasseled or fringed epaulettes are perfect for dynamic social settings where you want your outfit to have a sense of life and motion. They work well with clean lines and solid colors.
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Concrete Example: For a New Year’s Eve party, a fitted black jumpsuit with a V-neck is a great canvas. Attach gold-fringed epaulettes that cascade down the arms. The fringe will move as you dance and socialize, catching the light and adding a festive energy to your look.
The Balancing Act: Accessories and Details
Once you’ve chosen your main garment and epaulettes, the final step is to balance the look with the right accessories.
1. Necklaces and Earrings
The goal is to avoid overcrowding the shoulder and neck area.
- Actionable Advice: If your epaulettes are large or heavily embellished, keep necklines clear and wear minimal earrings, such as simple studs. If the epaulettes are more subtle, a delicate chain or small hoop earrings can work.
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Concrete Example: You’re wearing a black blazer with silver chain-link epaulettes. Instead of a necklace, wear a pair of small silver huggie earrings. This draws attention upwards without competing with the main feature of the outfit. Conversely, if your epaulettes are simple corded designs on a sweater, a longer, delicate pendant necklace can add a vertical line that elongates the torso.
2. Belts and Cinch Points
A belt can define the waist and provide a counterpoint to the broadness of the shoulders.
- Actionable Advice: A well-placed belt can create a more hourglass silhouette, balancing the visual weight of the epaulettes.
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Concrete Example: You’re wearing a long, flowy tunic dress with metallic, beaded epaulettes. Cinch the waist with a sleek leather belt in a complementary or contrasting color. This defines your shape and prevents the outfit from looking shapeless. For a more tailored look with a blazer, a slim, high-waisted belt can emphasize the waist and create a powerful V-shape.
3. Footwear and Handbags
These elements should support the overall tone of the outfit, not distract from it.
- Actionable Advice: Match the formality and material of your footwear and handbag to the rest of the ensemble. A formal outfit with ornate epaulettes calls for polished shoes and a structured clutch. A more casual outfit can handle boots and a crossbody bag.
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Concrete Example: You’ve paired a dark green velvet dress with gold-threaded epaulettes. Complete this look with a pair of sleek black stilettos and a small gold clutch. The repetition of the gold in the accessories ties the look together cohesively. For a simpler look with a wool sweater and subtle epaulettes, wear polished leather loafers and carry a structured tote.
Advanced Techniques and Pro Tips
1. Color Coordination and Contrast
Use color to make your epaulettes pop or blend in seamlessly.
- Actionable Advice: For a high-impact look, choose epaulettes that are in a contrasting color to your garment. For a more subtle, tonal look, match the epaulettes to the garment.
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Concrete Example: A crisp white blouse with jet-black epaulettes provides a striking, graphic contrast. A more understated approach would be to pair a navy blue wool blazer with navy blue corded epaulettes featuring small gold buttons. The buttons provide a subtle accent without a harsh contrast.
2. Fastening and Placement
The way you attach your epaulettes is critical for a professional finish.
- Actionable Advice: Most epaulettes come with a pin or clip backing. Always test the placement before committing. The ideal position is at the very edge of the shoulder seam, where the shoulder meets the arm. Ensure both are placed symmetrically.
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Concrete Example: Before you head out, put on your jacket and stand in front of a full-length mirror. Pin the epaulettes on, then move your arms around to ensure they are secure and don’t dig into your skin. A final check in natural light will reveal any glaring imperfections.
3. The Confidence Factor
Epaulettes are a statement piece. Wearing them requires a certain attitude.
- Actionable Advice: Stand up straight, pull your shoulders back, and own the look. The structure of the epaulettes will naturally encourage better posture, which in turn projects confidence.
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Concrete Example: Instead of thinking of them as a costume, view your epaulettes as a power accessory. They’re a symbol of strength and individuality. Your mindset will be the final, most important component of your outfit.
A Powerful Conclusion
Styling epaulettes for a holiday party is not about following a rigid set of rules, but about understanding how to use them as a tool for self-expression. By focusing on the right foundational garment, selecting epaulettes that align with your desired aesthetic, and strategically balancing your accessories, you can create a look that is not only festive and memorable but also uniquely yours. The key is in the details, the deliberate choices that transform a simple outfit into a statement. From the subtle power of a leather epaulette on a wool coat to the celebratory glamour of a fringed design on a silk dress, these shoulder ornaments offer a world of possibilities for elevating your holiday style.