From corduroy to bone broth: Luxe beauty trends for the holidays

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As we approach the end of a year marked by loosening of pandemic restrictions, the idea of a real holiday celebration with friends and family seems possible.

Whether it is the first time they have seen the extended family in three years, or the first holiday in a new relationship, people want to look and feel their best.

We asked high-end beauty experts what the luxe beauty and fashion trends are for men and women this holiday season and for the coming year.

Suzanne Colmer, personal stylist and founder of Toronto-based Your Shop Girl

Any trends for the holiday season, with personal style, clothing, and accessories?

“Fitting into your clothes is so 2020. With the change in so many of our shapes over the last few years and the shift in work, many of my clients are looking for a complete overhaul in their style going into the New Year.

Suits and loungewear are easy, it is everything else in the middle that is more difficult. And that is precisely where many workplaces, even traditionally conservative ones, are headed. Plus, with such a dramatic shift in styles and shapes of clothing, for both men and women during the pandemic, many clients are worried that the majority of their closet is simply stuck in the past.

Judging by clients’ requests for outfits for the holidays this year, I would predict that we are going to see a ton of fun and glamorous dresses and jumpsuits this year. It is going to be the first year in many that we are going to be gathering with friends and extended family and attending multiple parties and people are finally ready to play dress up.”

Any trends for men this holiday season?

“It isn’t often that we see the men’s and women’s trends overlap, but this winter (and into next spring and summer) there is a beautiful blur of masculine and feminine styles that are dominating trends.

From loud and boxy suits and wide-leg jeans, to crop tops and cowboy boots, the men’s trends are mirroring much of what we are seeing on the women’s runways, as well.

While traditionally women have monopolized all the sequins and glitter around the holiday season, this year we may see more men join in all the fun. With the rise in high-shine pieces, from metallic lamé suits to sparkling sequin shirts, men will finally be able to have a designated part of their closet (like so many of my female clients have enjoyed for most of their lives) dubbed their ‘New Year’s’ or ‘Las Vegas’ section.”

What is the client for whom money is no object seeking this holiday season?

“Trips. So many of my clients have already booked me to pack their carry-ons for trips this holiday season. Among many other things, the pandemic made us realize how much we enjoy being comfy; so much so that we wore out many of our favourite loungewear pieces. So, this holiday season I think we will see a resurgence in traditional gifts but with a luxury twist. Ostrich feather night gowns or bright designer bath robes and shearling mule slippers. We are ready to part with old pieces, but we want to replace them with curated items that feel really special.”

Ellis Tagoe, personal stylist to ultra-high-net-worth men and founder of Brixton Bespoke

Any trends you’re seeing for well-to-do clients for the holiday season in terms of hair, beauty, wellness, and clothing?

“Texture, texture and more texture. This fall/winter will see the resurgence of the ‘Paddington’ look. By this, I mean corduroy. Let me be clear in saying that this is not the cords you wore in Grade 8. This is a full suit ensemble with a tailored fit and a touch of stretch paired with a slim fitting turtleneck.

The double-breasted suit is still going strong but must be complimented with patch pockets and a peak lapel.

For dinner parties, a velvet blazer with wool pants will be seen from the winding streets of the Bridle Path straight to the lakeshore of downtown Oakville.

For the daring and fashion forward? The three-button suit is a must, but they will keep the length of the blazer shorter than usual in order to maintain a modern flair.

For the understated man, there will always be a two-piece mohair fabric suit. This exudes confidence, the fabric speaks for itself, but he will add some flair with a quirky coloured pocket square that still keeps them guessing.

Women are opting for the two-piece as well, but they will move towards a very loose fit in order to keep the elegance of the formal occasion they are attending. Keep your eyes peeled on the flood of winter white dresses, slacks and blazers as well.

For a laidback situation, the choice is moving towards the banker’s stripe button-up shirt with a solid pair of single-pleat wool slacks paired with loafers in ebony or oxblood shiny leather with a fume finish.

What’s old is new again when it comes to hairstyles; with shows like Peaky Blinders and Downton Abbey on the top-watched list, there’s no wonder that the ‘Vintage Undercut’ is being considered as the haircut of choice (shaving the hair into two undercut levels, then lifting the hair a little bit over the forehead and shortening the hair along the sides). Others may opt for the ‘classic wavy’ (part the hair slightly off-center, keeping the left side straight and the right side wavy, with Brilliantine to soften it up.

When it comes to cologne, there are so many options that it can get overwhelming. Just remember that fragrance is really about personal choice and some I mention may not be your style or personality, but I guess that’s just the fun of experimenting, isn’t it? Top choices you’ll be smelling on men will include Dior Sauvage Parfum or Elixer, Gucci Pour Homme eau de parfum, Mr. Burberry Eau de Parfum, Joe Malone Oud & Bergamot, and Creed Green Irish Tweed.”

Morgan Roy, founder of Morgan Roy Beauty, celebrity hair and beauty expert, and private-studio stylist at Civello, Rosedale

What trends are you seeing?

“Clients are getting regular haircuts, so they have a just-cut, just-styled look. These hair services are weekly blowdries, haircuts every four weeks and three-week hair colour appointments.

Ultra-high-net-worth clients are also preferring to do their appointments at home with professionals coming to them, or in private studios, like mine at Civello.

There is also a shift towards clients wanting a personal style, as opposed to a trending haircut.

We’re seeing a huge beauty and makeup shift to hydration – less makeup and more focus on moisturizing creams. Bone broth beauty is also a major thing this year – it has been reported to nourish the skin and fight inflammation. Ripe Nutrition is a Canadian, female-founded leader in bone broth beauty right now.

This holiday some clients are purchasing high-end advent calendars, which open daily windows to products by luxe brands such as La Mer, Dr Barbara Sturm, Dior, and more.

I’m also hearing raves about Canadian jewellery designer Jenny Bird’s holiday gift boxes, which include many exclusive new pieces and surprise beauty products.”

Responses have been lightly edited for clarity and length.

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