Women's Guide to Holiday Dressing

The true irony of the holidays is that amidst the chaos of cleaning, shopping, and decorating, we're all supposed to be feeling jubilant and relaxed--women especially. You're exhausted from shopping all day and wrapping all night, the bags under your eyes are bigger than Santa's pack, but you still need to come beaming into the living room in a cocktail dress and oven mitts, like the mum from Chex Mix commercials. The good news is, dressing the part of radiant, effortless hostess can help you get in that state of mind, provided you keep things simple. 

The Basics

As with most things holiday related, a little planning with your look will go a long way. Every woman should have in her wardrobe a flexible favourite: a little black dress, a great pair of tailored slacks, a shimmery skirt or beautiful shell that makes her look and feel great. If you haven't found (or hadn't time to look for) the perfect holiday outfit, rework what you already have with a few special additions. For example, those old standby black dress trousers  can look effortlessly pulled together and festive with a new top in a striking seasonal fabric, such as satin  or even brocade.  A simple sheath  can sparkle with expressive jewellery  or delicate layering, such as a pretty red cardigan  worn over the dress or even a fancy tee or blouse underneath. Since special finishing pieces are more fun to shop for than tailored basics, you'll get the fastest, funnest shopping experience if you know your closet and what you can work with. If you have time or money for a brand- spanking new outfit (or simply no other viable options), read on. 

Starting Fresh

Many women, in a New Year's state of mind, will be attracted to the concept of the elusive new look for the holidays. Maybe your crush is attending the office party too, or you just want to spite your relatives by looking fantastic. Either way, what's in your closet already simply will not do. Though it is very attractive to buy something over the top, consider your finances in the New Year and try to keep the four F's in mind: Fit, Focus, Flexibility and Fabulosity.

• Fit: The best way to look fantastic in any outfit at any time is to be body conscious while shopping for it, so be sure you're not puckering, sagging, or busting out anywhere.
• Focus: Once you're sure a dress fits, consider whether it's focusing on your best attributes. Eat a few too many Christmas cookies? Look for a dress that showcases your gorgeous legs or décolletage. Small in the chest? Try something backless or sleeveless to highlight your arms.
• Flexibility: This may be the perfect outfit for this one particular event this one particular time of year, but will you ever be able to wear it somewhere else? Again, do a mental run through of what you have in your closet at home and question whether any of your jumpers, tights, blazers, or accessories can affect the mutability of the garment in question.
• Fabulosity: Finally, how fabulous do you look? More importantly, how fabulous do you feel?

Keep in mind that if the first three F's are in order, you can always up the wow factor of an outfit with great accessories, so if you know you've found a great piece that lacks a certain something, hit a few other departments on your way out of the store for fabulous earrings,  a metallic belt,  anything to make your look special and your outlook annoyingly festive. 

Finishing Touches

So you're dressed. Congratulations, the hard part's over. But unfortunately, you've still got those puffy eyes and frizzy hair to deal with. Best plan of action in a pinch? Go with the flow. If your hair's curly, let it curl--just counteract frizz with a serum  and have a sparkly headband  on hand for emergencies. Strands a little flat? Again, a little serum and whip them back into a smooth ponytail or bun. You'll look polished, not lazy! As for makeup, do some damage control on the most offensive feature (try some cold spoons on those eyes and a little creamy concealer  with a yellow base) and put the emphasis on the one going strong. So that means if you've got bright eyes but chapped lips, you'll want to try a little neutral gloss  or balm  on the mouth, and lots of mascara  or shimmery eye shadow.  Finish your look with a confident smile and you'll make a beautiful entrance into any party. And if all else fails, bring in some Chex Mix. 

Holiday Staples

The classic little black dress  is always appropriate, but try mixing it up with some different fabrics, like wool crepe  or silk.   Black stockings  complete the look. Donna Karan  Nicole Miller  Rebecca Taylor	A v-neck  or crew neck  cashmere jumper  is a cosy treat on chilly winter nights.  If you're feeling particularly posh, try a sweater set  with a set of pearls.  Tse Cashmere  C3 Collection	Don't forget a great pair of dress slacks.   Black  or charcoal  go with anything, but winter white  is fabulous if you've got a dry-cleaning budget.  Pair with strappy sandals  and the afore-mentioned cashmere sweater set  for a winning look. Joseph  Lauren  Chadwick's	If you can't wear velvet  during the holidays, when can you wear it?  Though we wouldn't recommend draping yourself in the fabric, a blazer  or a smart pair of tuxedo trousers  are always appropriate.  If you'd rather stick to accessories, try a simple wrap  or an evening bag.   Finally if you want to pamper yourself (or your mum!), indulge in a pair of velvet slippers.   Trust us on this one. Ann Taylor  Dolce & Gabbana	There's no need to be outshone by a Christmas tree!  A bit of strategically-placed shimmer  and glitz will take you to a ten any day of the week.  Be sure not to overdo it though: if you're wearing !sparkling evening shoes,  save the gold lamé top  for another night. Stuart Weitzman  A.B.S.

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