Holiday Dress Code: What Works for 2007 Office and Casual Parties

'Tis the season for parties. They can be a pain, despite their fun. The agony comes from wondering what to wear. After all what works for a night out with friends doesn't necessarily work for the office gala. What you wear may cause raised eyebrows from your co-workers. While what works for cocktails with your boss may not cut it at that holiday family brunch. Your best bet is having a wardrobe that can be mixed and matched along with it being elegant and stylish.

A lot of women think it's OK for the world to see their wild side. Yes it is fun t o put on party duds and look like a Hooters waitress gone wild. However do you really want friends, family and office buddies gossiping about you until the summer solstice? As much as you want to show those expensive Paper and Denim jeans - DON'T ! Keep them relegated to holiday shopping. Opt for a good pair of black slacks instead. These work well with sparkly metallic turtlenecks and sequined tops (more on those later). If you feel that a straight leg pant is too conservative then splurge on the versatile wide legged ones. This is the style that was popularized by Katie Holmes during her mommy and me Berlin photo shoot. They look great on everyone, hiding bulges and bumps along with making stubbly legs appear longer. For any pants think about wool crepe that is warm and can hold up to spills and stains. You can also buy wool or even polyester/rayon blends . Both will just look just as good as the more expensive fabrics and are easier to clean. If you feel black pants are too severe then go for winter white or champagne color Just remember to wear lined ones or wear granny panties underneath. Light colored slacks have a tendency to show off your bottom and not in a good way . You don't want anyone to be shocked accidentally at that heinie tattoo you got on Halloween. Unfortunately, these colors will show any stain so be careful with the red wine, coffee or tea.

What not to wear? Black leather jeans. ICK! Unless you're in the arts or the S&M industry , restrain from wearing these. They're OK for at home parties whether at your place or friends. (Or for private get togethers where you're playing Dominique the Dominatrix meets Naughty Santa) If you do insist on wearing them , then pair the jeans with a plain cashmere sweater (or any soft acrylic blend) to class them up a bit . Regular jeans are fine for family gatherings, especially if paired with a nice twin set and flats They should be relaxed yet tailored and definitely not too tight. Leggings are even acceptable if you wear them with this season's must have the tunic sweater. Make sure you're wearing the right size. Too big and you'll look like a kid wearing baggy tights; too small and you'll risk a split gorging on the holiday cookies.

Bottom line is for comfort and style stick with pants. They're comfortable to wear while i looking elegant. Best of all they can go with heels or flats effortlessly.

If you do insist on wearing a skirt opt for a knee length one. Long ones will make you look dowdy and unfashionable. Minis will make you look unprofessional - and well, let's face it - slutty. Micro minis are fine for holiday clubbing but not for shimmying in front of your manager (or his wife for that matter) Choose either a knee grazing pencil or A-line style. A good wool crepe works the best. It can go with a shell , a blouse or a sweater. You can wear it to midnight services or for dinner at the boss's house. Another skirt trend this season is the lace overlay. This is simply a classic A-line skirt consisting of a silk or satin acetate underskirt with a lace outer one. J.C. Penney's Worthington Collection carries these and pairs them with a sparkly short sleeve knit turtlenecks in black, gold or silver. This is one of the most versatile looks seen so far. It works not only for an office party but holiday cocktails with friends. It can even go for a special evening out with family. It also is the perfect dress to impress outfit.

What tops off a good pair of pants or skirt? An elegant yet eye catching top. Again be as judicious and prudent with this as you are with your outfit's bottom half. Yes it is party season, Yes, you want that newly available Brad Pitt look alike from accounting to notice you. No you're not wearing a top that will make you look like a National Geographic cover girl. Instead of a plunging camisole try a rounded neck silk shell in either black or a rich jewel color. Ann Taylor and Casual Corner have the fitted variety and they 're just as sexy looking as a barely there cami. You can also buy then with a jeweled neckline. for an eye catching, enticing look. Sequined tanks are making a big comeback. Again, the backbone of the American closet, J.C. Penney's has some great ones both in black and in pewter (plus they're on sale right now). Worn with palazzo pants they bring a casual type of glamour to any party. Be careful of how you move around in jeweled or sequined tops. Gems or beads can loosen if they get snagged on anything pointy or rough edged. Another top alternative is the turtleneck. This holiday season make it your best friend. A good cashmere or lambs wool kind is perfect for holiday luncheons or at brunch at a coworker's home. You can dress it up with long necklaces, pearl ropes, or mod pendants. Even at family functions, a pastel or winter white turtleneck , jeans and flats say casual but tasteful. They're the perfect top to wear at holiday teas or brunches with friends. Pair them with wool skirts and boots for a sophisticated yet comfortable look.

Another staple is the tuxedo shirt. It's sets off a pair of slim pegged leg trousers and blazer. You can wear this outfit to midnight services one week and a New Year's celebration the next. A variation on this is the ruffled shirt. Usually it's in a white but can also be seen in a variety of colors. Chadwick's has their version in winter white, mint or pink This is the look that works best with wool slacks, and patent leather ballet flats. When wearing either the tuxedo or ruffled blouse,, keep jewelry at a bare minimum. Don't go for big chandelier earrings that will compete with the overall look. Opt for diamond or cubic zirconium studs and maybe a tennis bracelet.

If you have to get "gowned" up this season channel Audrey Hepburn as opposed to Pam Anderson. You always have to think tasteful, No side slits, no plunging to the belly button neckline and if you have to have rhinestones - keep them as a tiny decorative spray. Opt for a sleek strapless in basic black. If you feel that's too stark, then look to rich dark colors such as cranberry , cocoa or emerald. You can find them at every store from Lord and Taylor right down to Target. A much better idea is buying a versatile tea length that grazes the ankles. You can wear this again for winter weddings and even for a Valentine's Day dinner out. Don't opt for the flashy mini dress unless you're going to do some serious clubbing. There are plenty of tasteful LBD's out there from strapless to sheath styles that you can wear to a variety of events this December and January. Invest in one that will make you look good as well as being comfortable.

This is the season for dressing up Remember to do it with taste and elegance. Be the fashion icon everyone looks up to this holiday season