Black Tie holiday events call for formal attire. Men wear black suits or tuxes; while women have a choice between short cocktail frocks, long dresses or dressy skirt separates (fancy slack ensembles won’t do). Finishing off the look with heels, one piece of statement jewelry (either earrings or a necklace) and a small evening bag is a safe way to go.

If the new party look isn’t for you, then sticking to a modern classic ensemble is just as fab. Here are some ways to pack a little more punch and drama into a classic Black Tie occasion outfit:

• Add metallic, red or colorful shoes and handbag to a little black dress.
• Opt for a dress in a colour or metal instead of black.
• Wear a long chunky necklace instead of a short pendant or strand of pearls.
• Sport sheer shiny hose with peep toed shoes. Subtle sparkly styles will also work.
• Wear a translucent stiff wrap that fastens or “pulls through” in front instead of the pashmina kind that hangs loosely around the shoulders. This gives your outfit more structure and definition.
• Add a faux fur shrug and opera length gloves.

Browse the dress category if you’re unsure about the best dress style for your body type. A fit-and-flare style (fitted on top and A-line in silhouette) is universally flattering and comfortable and therefore an ideal option. You’re after an outfit with a bit of sheen, so bypass matte jersey dresses because they’re not sufficiently luxurious for a swanky event.

A midnight blue, empire-cut cocktail dress, a front-fastening wrap, and a men’s black and ink blue silk tie with a white shirt.

A long fit-and-flare black gown, shiny yellow clutch and delicious red satin peep- toe pumps that are probably impossible on the dancefloor.

Holiday parties at home or at informal festive restaurants are usually smart casual in setting and this calls for a more toned down yet appropriate holiday look (unless a particular dress code is specified on the invitation). You have lots of options when it comes to what to wear.

Here are some ideas:

• A-line day dresses with knee high boots are one of my favourite ensembles and any age group can wear the look. I was having lunch at Seattle’s flagship Nordstrom Grill last week and saw two elderly ladies, both clad in dresses, coats, knee high boots and rather theatrical hats. They looked fabulous and were the perfect example of looking great at every age.
• Sparkly tops always go down well and your pick from shiny girly blouses, shimmery knitted tops and sequined cardigans are all great. Match these tops up with dark wash denims, trouser jeans, a denim skirt or a pair of fab slacks. Be sure to add a smart shoe or boot (heeled or flat), carry a small handbag and leave those gigantic totes to rest for the night.
• A festive skirt with a plain top is a super and versatile option. A button down shirt, simple knitted top or piece of knitwear usually works best with any skirt. Finish the look off with a tailored cropped denim jacket, a pair of heels or boots and a cute clutch bag.

Hose or bare legs are equally appropriate and knee high boots are an excellent way of giving your look more coverage if you’re a little leg shy, or instant drama if that’s what you’re after. Enjoy the festive occasion and relax into the evening with both style and comfort.

A roomy fancy skirt and simple top, or easy A-line jersey dress with fabulous knee-high boots gets my vote as the best casual holiday party looks this year (I’m going to rest my jeans on these occasions). These Stuart Weitzman boots were shown on Oprah’s style and beauty show last week and left quite the impression.

Semi-opaque tights are easy to find and most brands will do the trick. A fab pair of plain black opaque tights, on the other hand, are a little harder to find. Few brands seem to have the thickness and the perfectly matte look that I’m after. After much trial and error, I’ve narrowed it down to two options:

• Nordstrom Opaque Control Tops ($10)
• Spanx Tight-end Tights ($24)

I used to enjoy DKNY opaque tights, but this season they seem thinner than before. If you’re leg shy about wearing an above the knee skirt or dress, you’ll want opaque’s that are as substantial as a pair of skinny pants. And you’ll get even better coverage if you go up a size and wear a second pair.

Thick dark black opaque tights happen to be the trendy choice to pair with the new party dresses this season. It’s a theatrical look that’s not for everyone, but I fancy the idea of covering up and staying warm in a short party dress when it’s freezing outside.

Thick, silky, matte opaque’s paired perfectly with party dresses.

The holidays are upon us and this calls for partywear. As much as I’d like to see a greater assortment of swanky skirts and tops in stores (because separates are often better for some body types), the party look this season is once again frock focused. Stores are full of party dress options that are a little more daring and interesting than the average little black dress.

If you’re looking for a new party look that’s “of this fashion moment”, you might be inspired by a few of the shorter dress styles that are in vogue:

• Belted bubbles are a nice mixture of volume and tailoring. It’s certainly a new spin on the shirt dress and a lot more flattering than you’d expect.
• Shift Dresses are loose tunics with just enough shape and drape. This style gets my vote for most fabulous party dress this year. Wear it in a pukka ‘60’s psychedelic pattern and the drama doubles.
• Sequined Sheaths are disco chic and fun. There’s nothing like a bit of sparkle to bring in the New Year.
• Trapeze dresses with or without sleeves are voluminous and shapeless around the tummy area and therefore extra comfy for eating and dancing. I like that the roomy style of this dress leaves a little to the imagination.

I’ve been getting a bit bored with the sleeveless and strapless dress trend recently, so it’s refreshing to see dresses with sleeve detail. It’s especially practical for Winter occasions. While I continue to be a fan of forever fashionable holiday party choices like LBD’s, vintage inspired ensembles and fancy tuxedos, it’s exciting to try a new look and take a risk once in a while.

Belted bubble dress

Shift dress

Shift dress

Sequined sheath

Sleeveless trapeze dress

Trapeze dress

These styles reigned supreme in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s and their retro glory is worth celebrating.

Shoe clips are an interesting way to give plain looking shoes a mini-makeover. Department stores don’t seem to stock this type of shoe jewelry anymore, but I have seen them at consignment stores and at online sites like Aliza Darik and Absolutely Audrey. At between $20 and $46 for a pair (plus the cost of shipping), shoe clips aren’t cheap. But it’s less than you would pay for a glitzy pair of shoes and you have the added advantage of switching them between different pairs of peds. They might be the perfect addition to your holiday ensemble or even a pretty Christmas present.

All body types can look fab in the right dress. It’s a question of knowing which style is best for you. With Spring’s dress explosion and mid-season sales upon us, it’s an excellent time to buy frocks. Pretty pear body types look wonderful in A-line or what I call “fit-and-flare” dresses (fitted at the top and flared at the bottom). The key is to define the waist and torso and add a bit of volume at the bottom.

Emphasize the upper body:

• Look for necklines with detail that draws attention to your shoulders, face, neck and décolletage. V-necks, halter necks, square necks, shirt necks, sweetheart necks and strapless styles can work wonders. 
• Look for bodices with details such as pleating, ruching, embellishments, embroideries and horizontal trim designs that draw the eye upwards.
• Empire cuts with straight seams (a high-waisted seam that sits directly below the bust line) are good because they accentuate your bosom, emphasize the smallest part of your body and give you the room that you need to smooth over your hip and thigh area. Empire cuts with gathered seams might make you look and feel pregnant.
• Printed wrap dresses with A-line skirt constructions tend to create a visual balance between your upper and lower body. Ones that are in heavy matte jerseys will have enough drape to smooth over your curves flawlessly while their belting detail helps define your waist.

Smoothing over the hips, thighs and bottom area:

• Look for styles that create volume on the bottom in order to deemphasize the hip area (everything A-line). The volume can either be soft and flowing, or structured and architectural. Shirtwaister dresses and strapless styles are good choices.
• Look for vertical seaming through panel and princess lines.
• Keep the length at the knee and add “a leg-lengthening and slimming heel” (even if it’s  just a kitten heel, because height slims down curves). Sometimes, shoes with ankle straps can cut short the longer line that you are trying to create, which makes sling-backs, peep-toe pumps and long boots better options.

Steer clear of sheath styles with pencil skirt bottoms and bias-cuts. They’ll cling to your body and spotlight the areas that you wish to camouflage.

Have fun experimenting. You might be pleasantly surprised because there is nothing quite as pretty and feminine as the perfect dress. Here are some ideal A-line dress silhouettes for pear shaped body types (Nordstrom and Dillards).

Halter and knot detail, ruched and embellished strapless bodice, vertical panel detailing.

 Straight empire cut, empire cut with vertical seaming, pleated wrap bodice.

It’s at the Grammys where you’ll see celebrities (and their stylists) have plenty of fun with fashion. Creative and quirky musicians try not to take themselves too seriously as they break red carpet fashion rules in their edgy and daring outfits. Artistic license, a sense of humour and lots of skin make this award show the over-the-top fashion event that it is.

Ladies raised their metallic hemlines while gents sported tuxedos with bling and sneakers. Poufy pony tails, tattoos, body piercings, braces, punk hairstyles and far too much make-up are perfectly acceptable at the Grammys. With an explosion of funky individuality, long elegant dresses seemed tame and boring by comparison. But those are the ones that made my favourites list:

• LeAnne Rimes in a Grecian chocolate brown Monique Luillier was graceful and goddess-like.
• Carrie Underwood was a pretty barbie doll picture in her romantic metallic dress and cascading blonde curls
• Shakira tamed her wild locks in her flawless classic red strapless Carolina Herrera
• Jennifer Hudson embraced her curves and showed just enough skin in her simple red halter-neck dress
• Christina Ricci was striking in her diagonal vintage creation

Few seemed to pull off the mini dress stylishly, but my vote goes to Ciara in her short jewel-encrusted  baby-doll halter dress. And just for fun, Imogene Heap and OK Go get my vote for most outrageous.

Elegance amongst the flair and daring that separates the Grammys from other award ceremonies this season.

While white dresses were the favourite at the Golden Globes, nude, red, black and gold were popular choices at the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards last night.  Long or short, ruffled or sleek, Grecian or vintage, black or metallic, all seemed to have their place on the red carpet. I enjoyed the variety and had my favourites.

• Anne Hathaway’s gown was a sculptured work of art. Her long black tiered, rosette-inspired Marchesa dress was perhaps a little over the top for the SAG awards (one wonders what could top this at the Oscars) but an exquisite garment to behold none the less.
• Cate Blanchett is the new supermodel of the stars (watch out fellow Australian Nicole Kidman). Long and lean in liquid gold and 5-inch gold platforms, Cate’s style is never conventional but always glamorous. The back of this dress was also a geometric masterpiece.
• Reese Witherspoon was petite and perfect in a slate crystal-encrusted strappy sheath.
• Eva Longoria was pretty in an asymmetrical, Grecian inspired grey gown.
• Helen Mirren sported the latest fashion colours in an elegant, alluring and age-appropriate midnight blue dress carrying a bright yellow clutch.
• Becky Newton was in the best red dress on the red carpet. The clean and uncomplicated lines of her strapless a-line gown were fabulous.

What were your favourites?

My red carpet favourites, as seen on People.

I like to watch the fashion on the red carpet during the award ceremony season. This is the best time for stylists and designers to shine. Every year there seems to be a trend and so far “the white dress” was a popular choice at this year’s Golden Globes. While only one of the white dresses was amongst my personal favourites – it was nice to see a contrast to the overwhelming number of black dresses that have dominated the party scene over the holiday season.

I had expected to see lots of jewel-toned dresses (with the imminent explosion of colour for Spring 2007), but they were few and far between. Instead, shiny metals, svelte black numbers and neutral shades were in abundance.

My favourite dresses this year:

• Emily Blunt – in white and silver
• Naomi Watts – in periwinkle blue and metallic embroidery 
• Cate Blanchett – in black lace 
• Eva Longoria – in Grecian navy blue 
• Angelina Jolie – in smoky grey 
• Jennifer Lopez – in black and gold
• Reese Witherspoon – in acidic yellow
• Beyoncé – in glitzy gold
• Meryl Streep – in Grecian nude

Choosing the best dresses is subjective and personal. Stylists will differ enormously on this topic and so will your friends. I’d love to hear your list if you happened to watch the show.

See what the E! online fashion police have to say about Golden Globes fashion.

Sometimes we need to attend a fancy do straight from work, with no time to go home and change before the event. Going from “desk to dinner” can be done stylishly with a few instant nighttime touches to your business casual or smart casual daytime outfit. Just add the following items: 

• Dressy heels – strappy sandals, jeweled sling backs or colouful platforms are shoes that you wouldn’t necessarily wear to work, but that you could change into just before the function.
• Fancy clutch – it’s imperative to carry a dainty bag to an evening event. Clutches are still my favourite option, but any fancy little handbag that matches your outfit will work.
• Some bling – a beautiful bracelet, necklace or earrings are just the thing to take your outfit into nighttime standards.

The above items are particularly easy to add to a worksuit or separates. By changing your shoes and your bag, and adding a piece of show stopping jewelry, you’ll have successfully modified your work outfit.

Sparkly drop earrings, a cuff bracelet and shiny heels (Nordstrom) are an instant dressy touch.