The Style Skinny

Holiday parties have flooded social calendars this merry month. Blackberry keys are being rapidly pressed by frostbitten fingers, to strategically schedule holiday soirees. Once you have squeezed in every engagement, you are relieved to no longer be treading on thin ice. Before your holiday spirit sets back in here's something that will send shivers down your spine; what are you going to wear? Being a style Grinch is a hard job but in the end I will have spread chic cheer and valuable advice. Here is a 'what to put-on party guide' that will help you remain within a dress code while making a subtle statement with North Star sparkle.

Let's start with the most fashion frustrating festivity, the good old company holiday party! As we mingle, our minds are caught in a blizzard of worry that we might drink too much or are over/under dressed.  Do not be a corporate clothing casuality, instead wear a dress that screams sexy sophistication. The dress should be impeccably tailored, in a heavier fabric, and super structured. Forget draping, silks, and ruffles as they can go great or terribly wrong. If your company is a bit more relaxed opt for a higher hemline on the Black Halo Jackie O dress shown above in blue. It was inspired by Roland Mouret's Galaxy Dress, worn by JLO, and looks as a amazing as a hot kiss feels under the mistleltoe. It seems as if it was specifically made for women to have the proper frock for a first date or a work function. Say your company is a bit more style stuffy, I suggest you select the below-the-knee hemline also offered in the Black Halo Jackie O style. Wear the dress in a color other than black, red, or green like the blue shown above. Putting on a typical color will make you fade into the background as you will be a celebration cliche.

Switching glam gears, there's the cozy house party and the cocktail party in a home. This is a lot trickier than decorating the tree. You will need to be prepared to make a style switch quick. Start out with considering how you were invited, evite or a mailed invitation? If casual seems to be the direction, try pairing a  a Top Shop Sequin Blazer, J Brand jeans, and heels a 'la Olivia. Bring a hair tie, flats, chandelier earrings, and red lipstick.  If the other guests are more dressed up smear on some ravishing red lipstick and throw on a piece of statement jewelry. The partygoers are more dressed down? Kick off your heels and slide into flats while pulling your hair into an informal pony. When a flirty,frilly mini and jeans are inappropriate, wear a dress with a more laid-back piece that you can later remove. Olivia Wilde has gifted you with an excellent example, wearing a leather jacket with a more glam garb. Lose the leather if the gathering is fancy or leave it on if it has a more mellow mood. Additionally, apply the dress up or down tricks I already mentioned.

Saving the best for last, we have the official cocktail party. They're ultra fun, fashionably fancy and do not cause as much clothing confusion. However, it does get style sticky without you even noticing, until you get there! Your dress is riding up, it's too tight, or your cleavage is no where near covered. Stick with a glitzy, flashy frock that is bold in fabric and conservative in cut. The way to go is show off your gams a bit and cover the rest with a long sleeve number similar to Sienna's pick. Tone down the tinsel town look by wearing your hair down and under styled, little to no jewelry, and natural makeup. On the other hand, you could go all out classic cocktail with a short, strapless girly mini like Natalie. Take a tip on styling the playful outfit by removing the belt and replacing it with a satin sash or ribbon. Also an unexpected clutch color will help kick off the night. Try an up-do to push the look more posh. Make sure you can sit down, bend over, and walk around without feeling uncomfortable. If the dress aced this test it's a winter wonderland winner!

The real key is to carry yourself with confidence. An outstanding outfit or a beauty blunder will not be noticed without it!