It's Time to Party,
So Let's Get Dressed

It's the end of the year, also known as the beginning of party season, and she she me and I are in our element; after all pink and red are natural complements. The Holiday season (which officially started November 1st and runs till January 2nd) is our thing, and having planned, shopped and mentally outlined our outfits du fêtes for ten months we are extremely prepared. I consider myself somewhat of an expert on this time of year, having been a Holiday baby. I believe it's in my nature to love all things red, sparkly and cinnamon-scented.

The Office Fête. Wouldn't it be lovely if this party really was like it's depicted in the movies (think Love Actually) or like you see on the pages of W Magazine and other fashion mags? Alas, they're not. Most are casual after work cocktails so there's little need for a party dress. A pair of tailored trousers or pencil skirt with slim button-down is fine for such gathering. Add a festive touch with a sequin cami (under a cardigan please) and some whimsical jewelry.

His Office Fête/The Grown-up Cocktail Party. Still a professional gathering so not the time for the slinky dress. Instead, try a glamorous spin on your everyday work wear. You can't go wrong with tuxedo pants and a satin top. Metallic sandals allow you to showoff your Holiday pedi. A classic dress, like this one by Theory, is also festive and would be appropriate with something on your shoulders.

Holiday Tunes to Primp To:

1) Mariah Carey Merry Christmas

2) Christmas with the Rat Pack

3) Destiny's Child 8 Days of Christmas

4) Harry for the Holidays

5) Martinis and Mistletoe

Best Friend's Annual Holiday Party. Now is the time for the slinky, meet-me-under the mistletoe dress. This is your chance to dress for that movie/urban mega-company Holiday party. Over-the-top stilettos, fur capelet, dramatic jewelry, beaded bag, plunging neckline - anything goes. Have fun with it.

Dinner & Drinks with His Parents. Stow the bright colors and beads and go with something more demure, like this hammered silk dress by Trina Turk. You want ladylike, not lingerie. A delicate pair of pumps (I would ditch the embellished sandals) will finish your sophisticated look.

The Intimate Gift Exchange. Resist the overwhelming urge to overdress for this one. Faced with a full-blown party dress or its two-legged complement (the velvet pant suit), I would go with, um, neither. Think of the perfect date outfit - slim jeans, chic flats and the ubiquitous cropped jacket. You'll love your outfit so much that what's in the box won't matter; well, maybe just a little. Show up with the Christmas with the Rat Pack CD for a little 'era gone by' atmosphere.

Your Family Gathering. Since it's your family and you know your traditions, just a few things NOT to wear: 1) sweatpants (the gathered cuffs or whatever they are make me hyperventilate); 2) PJ's all day (even if they were a gift from Mom); 3) anything torn, ripped or tattered - it's a Holiday after all and family will be around; 4) corny Holiday-themed sweater ('yule' end up at the kiddie table). DO wear red; after all 'tis that time of year.

Ringing in the New Year. This is the party of the year and it deserves to be treated as such. Jeans and whatever won't cut it. You'll need a smashing dress and I am in love, love, love with this one from Banana Republic. (They really hit it on the nose with their collection this season.)

Black-eyed Peas, Pork, Collards et al. You'll really want to simplify this outfit as the night before's 20 bouts of Auld Lang Syne are sure to have sent your head ringing. That said, you do want to start the year off in fashion; why eat all that lucky food if not? What could be more simple (and more fashionably comfortable) than a cashmere sweater, your favorite cords and boots? Nothing I tell you.

Happy Holiday shopping and dressing!