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It’s officially the month to eat, drink, and be merry, and I’ve already received numerous requests for information and recommendations on appropriate and inspired Holiday dressing. Between the brunches and bashes and parties of cocktail and costume, knowing what to wear where alleviates some of the pressure of this season.

SPARKLE- More than any other time of year, clothing for this season sparkles. Sequins, paillettes, and beads adorn items top and bottom and otherwise flash-adverse women pull these pieces out of hibernation. I love a good sparkle piece for the holidays but only when it’s paired appropriately. If you’re wearing a sparkle top (like my pick for the season, this Tibi tank), dress it down with denim rather than a black skirt or dress pants, a look that has been done to death. Add a blazer or tuxedo jacket over and a killer heel and clutch bag.

FORMAL- If your event is formal enough to require a dress, you are probably feeling the pressure right now. Many of my clients purchased their Holiday dresses months ago, aware that mission-driven shopping seldomly yields anything inspiring. The good news: You have just under a month to find a great cocktail dress amid a sea of sales. My picks for pricey (incredible in emerald), moderate (gorgeous in gold), inspirational (green with envy) and affordable (royal in blue) can be your starting or finishing point, but the better news may already hang in your closet. Take your LBD (little black or dark blue dress), add attitude and punch with Wolford’s modern and bold shapewear and old becomes new.

AFTERTHOUGHTS- Black is anything but basic with a strong shoe, a cocktail ring is the most important accessory for this season, and a vintage fur jacket provides the finishing touch to all of the above.