By Jennifer Cunningham
With a little planning and a few helpful tips, most women can enjoy the holiday season with style and ease.

Some helpful holiday tips

1. Keep it simple
With so many things to worry about during the holidays (gifts, travel, parties — just to name a few), what woman has time to worry about what to wear? Don’t wait until the day before the “party of the season” to find a terrific outfit. Shop early to allow time for alterations. A great little black dress can be re-worn with different accessories each time for a fresh, new look.

2. A little goes a long way
Aren’t the holidays the perfect time of year to wear your bling? Absolutely, but don’t overdo it. I am all for layering several necklaces or one big bold piece, but be careful not to ruin the perfect outfit with too much shine. Don’t be as decorated as your Christmas tree! Also, metallic clothing is in this season, but don’t do that look from head to toe. A metallic shirt or handbag will give you the right amount of sparkle.

3. Find a balance
Underdressed? Overdressed? That is a concern for most of us as we are planning an outfit for a party. Whether dressing for a formal event or a business casual occasion, we can find a happy medium and not stand out in the crowd in a bad way! Find out the dress code in advance. Remember, a few key pieces can be dressed up or down through the use of accessories.

4. Skin is out!
There are, believe it or not, ways to show some skin and look classy while doing it. I’m not talking about a too-short mini-skirt or midriff baring top. Choosing elegant pieces that suggest showing skin are a much better way to go: a slim pencil skirt with a short slit up the back to show a little bit of leg or a shoulder-baring halter dress are fabulous.
5. Nothing to wear?
So you’ve received an invitation to a wonderful party, and the first thing you think of is that you don’t have anything to wear. The key to this situation is to keep a few key pieces in your wardrobe that can, at the last minute, be thrown on and look fabulous. Some suggestions to have on hand are a little black dress, a metallic shirt/shell, a pair of flat-front black pants, red and black turtlenecks, and a statement jacket. Remember to wear larger earrings to take up to 10 pounds off your appearance.