Dressing for the Holidays

Since it's that time of year again, let's get to it. What to wear to all of the holiday parties you're invited to? First and foremost, you do NOT have to dress in red or green for Christmas!!! Do not wear Christmas themed sweaters or earrings!! Leave those to the kids. You can look plenty festive in something in a jewel tone (think deep teal, peacock blue, plum, garnet) or in metallics. I also love an animal print thrown in. There are lots of trends this fall and winter season that can be mixed and matched for various looks. Trends that I love right now are leather, lace, pointy-toe pumps (without the platforms we've been sporting for the last few years), plus pointy-toe pumps with ankle cuffs. So sexy and so slimming to the ankle. 
Sometimes the hardest thing is deciphering how dressy an event is. The easiest ways to figure this out are to think about what time of day the event is (and what day of the week even) where it is-in someone's home, a restaurant/bar, who will be there-coworkers, family, friends. If you're going out to a restaurant in the city on a Saturday night, you really can't be too dressed up. If you're going to a family member's house on a Thursday, chances are  you won't be wearing a cocktail dress. There are ways to be very comfortable without looking like you made no effort. A current trend and something I love are slouchy pants. In the right fabric, they can be amazingly cute, comfy, and very dressy. They are also quite forgiving. I have a pair in a black satin that feel like I'm out in my PJ's. Another thing to consider is what you'll be doing. Will you be doing tons of walking or dancing? Chasing after your kids? Decorating a tree? No one wants to see your panty lines, the control portion of your pantyhose, your bra, or God forbid, the top of your underwear. When you check yourself in the mirror at home before you leave, check every angle, crouch down, etc. Make sure there is plenty of light so that if your blouse is entirely see through, you can put a cute cami underneath. If you can't handle high heels for hours on end, go with a lower or even thicker heel that are easier to walk in. There are booties (which are easier to wear since they give you some ankle support) out there that are quite dressy, and they look great with flouncy skirts and pantyhose or tights if you want a little more coverage. If you truly can't or won't do heels, or if you can't walk in them, don't wear them!! There are tons of ballet flats and smoking slippers that are in velvet, patent, and satiny materials. Just make sure not to pair them with wide leg pants or anything else that can overwhelm them. I like flat shoes best with skinny pants or shorter (above the knee) skirts or dresses.
Regardless of your event, remember to dress for your body. Flaunt what you like and camouflage what you don't. Flaunt one thing at a time, though, please. If you're wearing a shirt that flaunts your cleavage, keep your skirts knee length; conversely, if you're wearing a cute mini, cover your girls well. I like mixing and matching feminine and masculine peices-a floaty dress with a structured blazer or even a leather motorcycle jacket. 
Regardless of where you go, what you do, and what you wear, remember, smile, relax, enjoy yourself!!! Your outfit and you will always look better.