While celebrating the holidays this weekend, there are a few different great ways to look great no matter what you’re doing. I’ve broken down awesome looks and trends to keep in mind for different holiday dress codes:
1. Comfy — Just because you choose to lounge around over the holidays, doesn’t mean you should look like you’ve literally just rolled out of bed. It is possible to look chic while maintaining an important level 
of comfort for your chill weekend. This season, throw on a big comfy knit sweater with a pair of comfortable leggings or more closely fitting pants. To throw in some style points, wear with a pair of big thick socks. The key to wearing a big sweater is to ensure it flatters, and that the rest of your ensemble isn’t too ‘big’ as well, i.e. no sweatpants. The key to pulling this look off is to find harmony and balance between all the pieces of your ensemble. My favourite sweaters for this purpose are by Line Knitwear. Choose neutral tones and deep colours, keeping your look casual to keep within the dress code. Visit www.lineknitwear.com for more information. They’ve even made it easy for your by selecting their best merchandise for the holiday season and dedicating a tab on their website to Line Knitwear holiday wear!
2. Casual — Heading out with friends for a night at the little pub located near your parents house? Perhaps you just don’t want to schlep around the house in your pjs (though I am partial to spend most of Christmas day wearing a silk pajama set)… a great pair of jeans is an important part of anyone’s wardrobe, and is the staple piece of the casual-chic look this holiday season. The all-American blue jean, easily denotes ‘casual’ and therefore gives you the liberty to try out a most festive holiday top/blouse. My favourite skinny jeans in terms of comfort and style are by Marciano (above), for their breathability, versatility, stylability, and chic look. They’re also totally affordable! Also try denim in different colours, brights are absolutely in this holiday season.
I also suggest adding a little faux-fur to your casual look, this great trend gives a touch of glam that any holiday outfit needs!
3. Semi-Casual — This is the dress-code I tend to live my life in. My favourite pairing is a high-wasited skirt and great top/blouse. While black is a typical fall back, why not try sequin, leather or metallic this holiday season, or perhaps a maxi skirt? There are so many different great ways you can wear and pair a shirt/skirt combination to suit your personal style. Go for something glamorous and eye catching, or tone it down with something thats more casual but can easily transition into an evening out on the town! Here are some looks from some of the most stylish celebs that perfectly suit the semi-casual evening out with old friends over the holidays. Pictured (above, left to right): Mila Kunis, Olivia Palermo, Victoria Beckham, Blake Lively, Alexa Chung, Lauren Conrad, Rachel Bilson, Heidi Klum, Kourtney Kardashian, Christina Ricci, Olivia Wilde, and Kristin Cavallari.
You can also try a more casual dress to achieve the same results, check out some of my favourites from Urban Outfitters (above). If you feel like keeping your clothes a little laid back, try draping yourself in jewelry or get colourful with your beauty and letting the accessories and accents do the talking.
4. Semi-formal – My favourite spot for a fun holiday party dress is Betsey Johnson for fun, flirty frocks. While Betsy’s styles aren’t for everyone — more for those who care to take a fashion dare — French Connection is also a great one-stop shop for elegant holiday evening-wear. In terms of choosing the right holiday dress for your work party or family event, you need to keep in mind that it is always better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed. Also keep in mind fit and functionality of the dress, i.e. if you’re going to be running around all night, wear something you feel comfortable in that still adheres to the style standard of this dress code. Trends to keep in mind that will give you that hot holiday look: tulle, sequins, metallics, silk/satin, etc. Here are a few of my favourite picks from Betsy Johnson (below top) and French Connection (below bottom):
5. Formal – If you’re one of the lucky few who actually go to events over the holidays where the dress code is formal, you should take advantage of the fact that you get to ‘go glam’. The holiday season is the best time of year to find fabulous looks that will put the style spotlight on you at any event. Try a floor length look in a flowing chiffon, or try an eye-catching textured cocktail look with opaque tights. I recommend you try the dripping with diamonds look (or rhinestones if you’re like me and can’t afford the real thing) to give off the glitzy glam look. I’ve selected some of my favourite looks for this dress code from BCBG Max Azria (below left to right):
6. Bedtime – Maybe you’re not going anywhere and you just want to look good when you say goodnight! Try a silk pajama set (my personal fav), or something warm and fuzzy! One year my boyfriend got me the softest and warmest robe he could find with matching slippers, great gift (I am wearing as I type)! If you’re staying in with your lover and are feeling the Christmas magic, maybe wear a sexy Santa outfit when you put out the milk and cookies 
Girls, give your man a holiday treat/Guys, get your ladies size and head down to Victoria’s Secret or La Senza and have a stylist help you pick a sexy (or a cozy) gift for your sweetie this year!
Overall, there are a few trends that can be used throughout and are consistent to holiday fashion, those are: metallics, sequins, bright colours, prints (especially animal and floral), faux-fur, etc. Keep these in mind and don’t wind up wearing an ugly Christmas sweater every year like Bridget Jones at your parents’ party (though this does not include ugly-sweater themed holiday parties, which can be so fun!). The key to great holiday style is to keep the trends in mind while working them into your own look. And remember, a little holiday sparkle and glam is always a good idea.
*meg
LOVE the green animal print dress, and the flower long dresses with tulle are TO DIE FOR!