“Vampire Diaries” Star Kat Graham Shares Her Holiday Style Tips And Traditions

Photo Credit: Vivien Killea/Getty Images for Swarovski

Kat Graham has the market covered on style. The actress, model, singer and dancer flits in between Los Angeles, her birthplace of Switzerland and family residence of Atlanta like a very stylish butterfly, able to transform herself perfectly and prettily in each new environment. That said, we thought the Vampire Diaries star, would be the perfect person to give us some advice on holiday styling. We caught up with Graham, who stars in the upcoming Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles live-action series (as reporter April O’Neil) at Swarovski‘s holiday collection celebration at The Grove to discuss what every girl needs this holiday season (hint: #brillianceforall is a thing), her style icons and the best gift she’s ever received.

Photo Credit: Vivien Killea/Getty Images for Swarovski

What are your key rules to holiday dressing?
I always go for the glam – an ultra-glam look can actually be more versatile than most people realize, which is one of the reasons why I love partnering with Swarovski, there are so many ways to style their holiday collection. A statement earring or necklace will always look amazing with a fancy dress, but there’s nothing like pairing them with a more low-key look to make you really stand out. Swarovski’s Angelic necklace and bracelet are some of my favorites from their holiday collection because they’re the perfect amount of sparkle to get you from work to a cocktail party, with little effort involved.

How hard is it to change up your style when you fly between L.A. and home (Atlanta)?
I travel a lot during the holiday season. A couple years ago I was in Switzerland, last year I was in Los Angeles, this year I’ll be spending it at my home in the south. Adding a touch of sparkle is a must wherever I go – whether I’m going for a dramatic look, or something more subtle and layered. I will never leave the house without accessorizing, especially during the holidays. I always love to travel in style. You will never see me in sweats at the airport. My airport style is pretty consistent. If anything, I will layer my look with a winter coat because of the vast weather difference between the West Coast and East Coast at this time of year.

How would you describe your style?
I would say my style is vintage, edgy chic. While mostly 90s inspired, I’ve been playing a lot with the 70s era while promoting my new album, Love Music Funk Magic.

Who is your style icon and why?
I have a couple style icons. From Grace Jones to Rupaul, Isabella Blow to Bat Gio. Current artists like Solange and Erykah Badu always inspire me as well.

What are a few of your go-to brands?
Swarovski, Foster Grant shades, L’Oréal, Gaulthier, Levis Re-done, and Puma.

What is the best gift you’ve ever received?
This is going to sound crazy to anyone other than a Virgo, but I’ll have to say my organizer. It’s the best gift anyone has given me.

What are your personal holiday family traditions?
I absolutely love to cook. If I wasn’t able to make a living as an actor or making music, I’d be a chef. I love cooking for my friends and my family around the holidays.

Was there ever a point in time that you only received “Vampire Diaries”-related items, or did you friends and family stay away from that?
No, that would be something that fans would’ve bought me while I was working on the show. I’m expecting to get Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle gifts next from them. My family gets me very day-to-day, practical gifts.

What is the greatest luxury in life and why?
Luxury to me is a gift you give yourself. The greatest gift in life is what you give to others, what you add to someone’s life, and what you give to the world.

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