THE HOLIDAY SEASON PARTY GUIDE

Get your glitter heels on, slip into that embellished dress and get ready to rock around this Party Season!

Holiday parties are a lot of fun. They are a fantastic opportunity to get dressed up and enjoy the company of family, friends and co-workers. Before you head out to a party, check out these holiday fashion mistakes you can avoid.

Being underdressed

Parties can very from casual to black tie during the holiday season. Be sure you are dressed appropriately. Many women often underdress (or overdress) for holiday parties. Take a look at the invitation. If it's not spelled out for you (i.e. black tie, semi-formal, etc.) then take a hint from the venue and time of day. If you are still confused, don't be afraid to ask the hostess what to wear.

Over-accessorizing

If your dress is fancy, keep your jewelry and other accessories very simple. You don't need to layer tons of necklaces or have an armful of bangles. Even if you are wearing a basic black dress, pick one statement accessory piece and tone down the rest of your look.

Dressing uncomfortably

At holiday parties, you are going to be on your feet. Whether you are dancing the night away, standing for hours at a cocktail party, or walking from nightclub to nightclub, you need shoes that are comfortable enough to enjoy yourself. We aren't suggesting you put on your sneakers, just pick a pair of heels that aren't too high or too pointed. Also, make sure they fit. Small shoes aren't worth the blisters and pain -- no matter how cute they are. When trying on a dress, move around in it. Sit down, bend, twist and reach. You don't want have to spend the night, pulling down your hemline or worrying about buttons popping open. Your outfit should skim your body, not be skin-tight.

WHAT TO WEAR

All red hues are big for this season, and what better time than Christmas to wear a red dress? I would stay away from plain jersey stretch types and dresses with a lot of legs and cleavage and opt for classy styles as a red dress is already quite “out there”

As for accessories I think red and gold makes such a beautiful and classy color combo, and perfect for Christmas!

I’m a huge fan of sexy backs on dresses (or tops) from intricate designs to illusion backs, to beautiful beadworks and embroidery, to completely backless. I view it as the new and more sophisticated take on the cleavage.

Having the hair worn up is absolutely obligatory. If an open back dress is very plain I think a long necklace on the back can make a very decorative accessory. However, if the dress is already beaded or laced I think a pair of long earrings will give a hot look.

The LBD is always a winner, and Christmas is the perfect time to take it up a notch and add that little extra sparkle.

Baroque and brocade are one of the hottest trends this season. From shift to jacket style brocade dresses to be worn for work or party, your choice is of perfect elegance.

As for accessories I think nude or black heels works best depending on the main color of the dress and not too much jewelry as the dress itself has so much going on already. A nice pair of earrings would give just enough sparkle.

A fun take on the all over sequin dress is the sequined pattern dress. Somehow the pattern makes it more sophisticated I think. As with the other sequined dresses I think the accessories should be kept fairly simple as the dress has enough going on.

TIGHTS WITH A TWIST

Textured tights are a great way to bring interest to your style. Rather than plain black or nude hose, tights in the same color with texture add more interest.

Update your little black dress with metallic tights or spotted sheers to give it a new look. Many celebrities are using textured tights with prints or thicker textures to add contrast. Match the hue to your outfit, then have fun finding your perfect pattern or texture!

PARTY PUMPS

GLITTER

It wouldn't be the holidays without a little sparkle and heels are covered in it from heel to toe. Don't be afraid to get your heels shine in the dim party lighting. Wear a neutral color to complement your jewelry and any color dress!

BACK DETAILS

It's all about the heel! Forget front toe embellishments; wear a pump that decorates the heel for something a bit less expected!

GO ULTRAMODERN!

For an ultramodern edge, try an ankle boot, or booties. Even more popular — a lower cut called the "shootie."

SHEER PRINTS

Sheer is a hot trend so why not show a bit of pattern threw your heels. This is a delicate detail that will get your shoes admired. Wear with a dress that has other feminine details such as ruffles or bows to complete the look.

VOLUME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

PREP

After a shower prep your hair for volume with TIGI Bed Head Thickening Spray-Superstar. Spray throughout your hair before using any heated tool. This product will help lift and thicken hair of all types.

BLOW DRY

To set your hair with the biggest volume, dry your roots with your head upside down. This gives the same effect your stylist gets as they lift your hair off of head in a straight motion. Once roots are dry flip back over and style hair as usual.

VELCRO ROLLERS

Setting the top section of your hair with velcro rollers will let your hair cuticles cool down while held in a voluminous shape. Use rollers at least 2 inches wide to avoid giving hair unwanted curl. Let down before you're out the door and you'll have volume that will last all night!

NEVER ENOUGH SPARKLE

FULL GLITTER

Many nail polish brands have come out with new polish that are full glitter. Try OPI's newest collection Burlesque for great color options. Colors like Bring on the Bling and Extra-Va-Vaganza are just two out of the six-color collection that work beautifully for the holidays with gold and coppery orange. Both these colors are closest to neutral and won't be too loud or too childishly glittery.

GLITTER REMOVAL

Removing glitter after you've gotten your wear out of it can be challenging. OPI's Expert Touch polish remover is tough on glitter without drying your nails like other harsh removers. Soak a cotton ball with remover and hold on your nail for a number of seconds before beginning to rub nail polish over. This will keep any nail damage from removal to a minimum!

WHAT'S HOT FOR NAILS THIS SEASON

BURGUNDY

Though deep purple nail colors are still on trend, we prefer burgundy with a touch of sparkle.  This new, limited edition color is an opaque metallic burgundy that is perfect for the holidays but you'll love it all year round. This entire collection is absolutely gorgeous.

CAMEL

Camel-colored fashions are hot right now and so is camel nail polish. This color can range from a yellow-ish shade to a more nude hue. 

GRAY

Grays are big this season. You can find gray polish with blue undertones, olive undertones or brown undertones. 

TRUE RED

Get into the holiday spirit with true red nails. Red is a fun shade that adds a pop of color to whatever you are wearing. Match your red polish with your lipstick for a matchy-matchy look that can't be beat.

STYLE ALL DAY

SEQUINED TOTE

A sequin tote is the perfect way to carry your everyday essentials with a bit of glamour at night.

COCKTAIL RINGS

Cocktail rings are a fun accessory you can wear during the day that won't be too flashy against your business attire (assuming you limit yourself to just one). After hours, add a couple more and you're all set for the night.

EMBELLISHED FLATS

Wearing heels all day and night can get exhausting. No one will blame you for switching out those pumps for an embellished flat. You can enjoy your night -- pain free (and still expect compliments on your adorable shoes).

CROSS-BODY BAG

A cross body bag with a detachable strap is the easiest way to take your look from day to night. Wear the bag across the body during your daily errands then detach the strap and tuck it into your "new" nighttime clutch.

COMING UP SOON...

EXCITING DRESSES FROM GOLMAAL'S COLLECTION, HOLIDAY MUST HAVES THAT ARE PERFECT FOR THE PARTY SEASON!!