Haute for the Holidays: Trends in Dog Attire

Whether we’re entertaining, event hopping, or simply stepping out, holiday is a time to shine. This year’s fashion trends for the season let us and our furry friends do just that. From sexy lace to rich velvets, from brocades and floral prints to deep solid hues, and of course sparkle and shine galore…there’s no shortage of the fabulous in what’s trending for holiday 2014. Here are three of my top picks for a festive, fashionable Fifi or Fido.

Ooh La La…The Lady in Red!

Nothing says holiday glamour like red brocade. This dazzling floral brocade stunner is an instant head turner, featuring Swarovski crystal embellishments and a marabou boa skirt trim.

Yes, it’s a harness dress; yes, it has a D ring for easy leash attachment and velcro closures at the neck and chest. But, we love it because it sizzles and shines. Suddenly, your little diva becomes a full-fledged sexy lady! Design by Nina’s Couture Closet. Available on BitchNewYork.com.

Moto Chic

Very stylish and on-trend, this matching dress and harness vest are statement pieces. For the ladies, the dress features tiny, fringed pieces of yarn, incorporated into the fabric of the bodice, giving it a nice texture. The skirt is also a standout, with layers of circles and tulle, fit for your little princess. A majestic butterfly pattern, created with several hundred rhinestones and faux onyx, gives this dress that holiday dazzle. The full effect is truly sublime; a fashion-lover’s fantasy.

Little boys are not to be outdone! This unisex black and silver faux croc vest is rock star cool. Hundreds of rhinestones and faux onyx adorn the back in the butterfly pattern, and it’s fully trimmed in Swarovski crystals. Designs by Yvette Ruta. www.yvetteruta.com

Enchanting Night

If you’re taking your furry babies to an elegant affair, navy in all its shades, is the new go-to color for fall. Designer Linda Higgins has given it it’s just due, with these magnificent matching pieces that will draw ooo’s and ah’s from the most seasoned fashion eye. The Lille dress and its complimenting Dusty vest feature the finest silk organza done in layers, then gathered and crafted into roses. A midnight dupioni bodice is detailed with an embroidered pattern, adding an interesting detail. And, the black velvet collar, organza waist ribbon and dazzling crystal brooch…need I say more?! Your babies will be the belle and baron of the ball in these shimmery dreams. Available at DogDressesbyLindaHiggins.com.

Extra Tip

Matching or complimenting human-canine fashion is becoming more and more popular. If you have that favorite holiday dress you just must wear this season, you can find a matching ribbon or a piece of matching or complimenting fabric to incorporate into a doggy design that brings it all together, so you look like two peas in a stylish pod.

Summary

The holidays are an exciting time. I love the excuse to dress up. When we include our pets, it becomes a great opportunity to bond. And, while we love for them to look beautiful, we want them to be safe and comfortable, too. Make sure whatever you choose to adorn your best friends with, there are no loose pieces that could be hazardous if swallowed and no long trains that impede proper movement. Think a dog’s version of our 6″ stilettos…ouch! 🙂 And, it’s recommended to keep an eye on your dog when wearing clothes, just in case they might require our help.

Dressed and feeling fabulous in your respective holiday gear, go out into the festive night and have a jolly good time!

Do you have a favorite holiday outfit for your dog? Tell us about it in the Comments.

About the author:

Jody Miller-Young is a pet fashion expert, designer, writer and radio host. She’s the publisher of BarkandSwagger.com, an everything dog fashion and more site. Her two pups – Sophie and Jasper – are her muses and provide endless topics for her stories, which range from fashion to shelter pets to experts in the field. She has her own radio show on pet fashion, called Bark & Swagger, on Pet Life Radio, and is a contributing editor of Hamptons Pet, the luxury lifestyle quarterly magazine, celebrating the charmed lives of pets living on the East End.

For more information, please visit her site at www.barkandswagger.com.