7 Tuxedo-Inspired Holiday Outfits for Women

Photo: Chris Craymer

Tux Redux #1: Take a Shine to Glittery Pants

Tired of the same old cocktail dress? Try a tux! Rossum, who plays sassy Fiona Gallagher on Showtime's Shameless, takes the classic men's staple and makes it hers for the holidays. "It's a softer, more contemporary version of the Katharine Hepburn look," she says. Here, that means sequined pants (Alice + Olivia by Stacey Bendet, $396 at Shopbop.com), a white button-down (New York & Company, $40), and a blazer with attached vest (Tory Burch, $495). "I love sparkle; I really do," says Rossum. "And I love big hair. I should be from Texas."

Earrings, Forevermark. Ring, Miriam Salat. Pin, Sophia 203, available at shoplatitude.com.

How to Wear It: Tips from O creative director Adam Glassman:

• Forget the old rules—you absolutely can wear pants to a black-tie event.

• Pair softer pieces with structured ones—palazzo pants with a fitted blazer, for instance. A loose top and bottom will just look sloppy.

• Balance masculine looks with feminine details: Try a soft blouse, bustier, or—if the buttons are high enough—nothing at all under a jacket. You don't want to look like you've borrowed your husband's tux.

Photo: Chris Craymer

Tux Redux #2: Experiment with Peplums and Pink

A gray tuxedo jacket (Black Halo, $440) gets a curvy update in a waist-cinching peplum style; hot pink pants (Talbots, $119) add a jolt of festive color. "The outfit is business on top, party on the bottom," says Rossum. "I was a little hesitant because bright pants are not very forgiving, but they worked out great."

Shirt, Pink Tartan, $225. Earrings, Hearts On Fire. Bow tie, Thomas Pink. Ring, AccessoryArtists.

Photo: Chris Craymer

Tux Redux #3: Accessorize with a Bow Tie

"This dress (Jason Wu, $3,350) is as delicious as a cream puff," says Glassman. "And the rhinestone bow tie (Carole Tanenbaum Vintage Collection) is a fun nod to the tux. The point is, you can take as much or as little from the classic tuxedo as you want." Rossum loved not only this look ("It's so pretty and youthful") but the props as well: The actress, who follows a gluten-free diet, took home the flourless macarons after the shoot.
Adam Says: "When wearing tuxedo-inspired looks, you really want to play up your hair and makeup: Try Rita Hayworth hair, a smoky eye, or a red lip."

Earrings, Hearts On Fire. Stockings, Falke. Shoes, L.K.Bennett. Cakes, Sweet Lady Jane. Cookies and tarts, Big Sugar Bakeshop. Macarons, Lette.

Photo: Chris Craymer

Tux Redux #4: Go Under Cover in a Cape

No one wants to wear a parka with an evening dress, but a shawl just won't cut it in winter. Before you go the puffy route, consider a cape with tuxedo lapels (DKNY.com for stores, $495): It's warm and appropriate, especially when worn over an elegant gown (Lotusgrace, $525).

Adam Says: "Feminine diamanté jewelry complements menswear-inspired looks—and doesn't cost a fortune."

Earrings, Chico's. Rings, Loft and Send the Trend.

Photo: Chris Craymer

Tux Redux #5: Try a Jewel Tone

Black and white aren't your only options when it comes to tuxedo dressing. "Jewel tones work with every hair color and skin tone," says Glassman. Try multiple shades in the same color family; they don't need to match exactly. Here, a velvet burgundy blazer (Lauren by Ralph Lauren, $199) pairs beautifully with a pink shirt (Tibi, $425) and plum pants (Alice + Olivia by Stacey Bendet, $253).

Adam Says: "I love a velvet jacket. Throw it over jeans and a tee or a chambray shirt and pencil skirt."

Necklace, House of Lavande. Ring, Dara Ettinger. Belt, Ann Taylor.

Photo: Chris Craymer

Tux Redux #6: Feel Free to Embellish

Here's one detail we didn't steal from the guys: Feathered cuffs add a whimsical touch to a ponte jacket (Chico's, $189) worn over a curve-hugging, sequined dress (Tracy Reese, $225). "You always get noticed when you wear a red dress, especially a sexy, fitted one like this," says Rossum. "The jacket smartens it up and gives you a little coverage, but the feathers keep it fun."

Adam Says: "The feathered cuffs are detachable! Take them off for an easy daytime look; put them on to glam up at night."

Earrings, Carole Tanenbaum Vintage Collection. Belt, Sonia Rykiel. Paper chains, Paper Source.

Photo: Chris Craymer

Tux Redux #7: Go Head-to-Toe White

Men might have a harder time pulling it off, but for women a white tux is glamorous and chic. The latest interpretation of Yves Saint Laurent's iconic "Le Smoking" (satin jacket and pants, Yves Saint Laurent, $2,490 and $1,490)—"is the epitome of cool," says Rossum. "It says, 'I'm confident in my body, I don't need to wear sequins to be sexy—I'm gonna wear a white YSL power tuxedo and look awesome.'"

Adam Says: "Wary of going full-on white? Try a silver or gold heel."

Silk georgette tank, Cushnie et Ochs, $695. Necklace, H.Stern. Ring, Laila Rowe. Shoes, L'Wren Scott.

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