By Laurie Montoya

It really is the most wonderful time of the year.

Unless you routinely attend weddings, galas and red carpet events, then December has got to be one of your favorite months if you enjoy getting all dressed up. There is simply no better excuse to don glamorous clothes than the dinners, cocktail parties and gatherings that take place during the holiday season.

And despite the naysayers, proper holiday attire is something you really have to purchase regularly - wearing the same dress at the annual office Christmas party or your neighbor’s open house year after year just doesn’t work. At the very least, you should update your holiday ensembles with new additions.

This fashion season has seen an emphasis on accessories so it stands to reason that some of the best holiday looks can be pulled together with minimal effort. If you are in the market for a new party outfit consider dresses and ensembles that tastefully represent some of the season’s popular trends:

Bows are big. Bows are little. Look for that little black dress or luxe silk blouse to be trimmed like a present. Adornment is no longer just about accessories. Jewelry is taking a second string position in a season rife with flowers, ribbons and bows. This look is all about femininity.

Menswear is mah-ve-lous. Perhaps you are drawn to the understated. If that’s the case you’ll want to go a more tailored route with dresses that are menswear inspired. A jewel-toned satin shirtdress, for example can be wonderfully subtle yet elegant. Dresses and blouses with pintucked detailing and belts lend a slightly masculine silhouette to some of this season’s chicest looks.

Watch our slideshow: Holiday Fashion

Gloves are glam. Gloves in all shades and sizes have been a big finishing statement this fall and the trend continues into the holiday season. Look for red and otherwise boldly colored gloves to add punch to an all-black ensemble or black gloves to lend an outfit a dangerous, edgy feel. All-in-all gloves can add a ’40s allure to your holiday attire.

It’s all about the shiny. This season we’ve seen a multitude of glossy purses, shoes and clothing. Since dressing for holiday parties has always been about the sheen, you can be sure to find clothes in the standard satins, silks and taffetas.

Tights are tony. This fall’s obsession with dark tights does not stop at party wear. Black tights worn with a silver sequined mini-dress for example, affords the look a tasteful modern aesthetic.

Black is good. Gray is great. While you will never go wrong in a chic black dress, it’s always fun to shake things up with color. If the holiday section of your closet is a sea of black, adding a pewter hued blouse or shimmery gray dress will be a good update that does not take you too far out of your comfort zone.

Whatever your taste – timeless, trendy or somewhere in between - rest assured that you will have plenty of choices. If a full blown outfit is not in the budget, try purchasing a blouse or dressy scarf to go with something you already have. Vintage clothing stores are great resources for a pair of gloves that will make your look both festive and current.

Photos: A shiny red satin Max Mara dress and gray bubble-hem dress by Saltaire show off some holiday styles for the season. Fashion at the Park at NorthPark Center, Fall 2007/Evans Caglage photos

Copyright © 2007 | Distributed by Noofangle Media

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