Holiday fashion and beauty tips from R&B queen Jully Black

With nearly 20 years of professional musical experience under her belt, Canadian R&B queen Jully Black is a force to be reckoned with. While the Juno award-winning triple threat (singer/songwriter/performer) is best known for her killer voice – she also has a killer sense of style. Recently, the 37-year-old singer kicked off the holiday season by performing at the unveiling of Yorkdale’s Swarovski Crystal Wonderland. We caught up with her to ask her some of our burning holiday style questions.

Yahoo Canada: What are your favourite holiday trends?

Jully Black: Oh my goodness, there are so many! You’ve got to love lace. Sheer, a fringe…It’s funny, I dug in the crates today and found dresses that were bought by my stylist Peter Papapetrou, he’s been styling me for 12 years. And we noticed there’s a theme – every time there’s something during the holiday season, beyond colour, it was lace or muted metallic or sheer or a fringe. That’s what I love about it, because certain dresses – I call them my “dresses you can eat in” – you have to love those forgiving details!

YC: During the holiday season, lots of ladies go straight from work to a holiday party. How can you take your look from day to night?

JB: You’ve gotta have the right pumps! Other than that, a blazer and lots of glitter. Even if you keep your work blazer on, if you’re coming from corporate, a good pair of shoes can spice things up. For me I’ll have a simple skinny jean and I always have a great pair of shoes. Makeup wise, play up your lips with gloss and make sure your brows are flawless.

YC: Every year, without fail, there’s that co-worker at the office holiday party who is wearing an overly festive reindeer sweater. What pieces help add a holiday-esque touch without going overboard?

JB: Cardigans, simple cashmere sweaters, sweater dresses even. I love a sweater dress. Stuff like that that you can still wear after the holidays as well. And scarves.

YC: What about when it comes to accessories? What is the best way to add some festive glam to your outfit?

JB: I love Swarovski crystals! They’re affordable bling, and keep their shine. My favourite is the Angelic studs or a nice ring. Something with glitter!

YC: What’s your favourite hairstyle for the holidays?

JB: Well, my hair’s big! Big hair, don’t care! But I love a nice bun.

YC: What’s at the top of your holiday wishlist this year?

JB: An extremely huge family vacation with all my nieces, nephews, cousins – all the extended family. Everybody needs a break!