The American tradition of wearing holiday knitwear, pins and neckties seems less popular this season. There isn’t an abundance of these items in department stores, and I’ve seen fewer men and women wearing holiday sweaters and ties on the street and at Christmas functions.

Perhaps the look has taken a retail back seat because the sales weren’t strong last season. Perhaps the current economic climate has put a damper on the Christmas spirit. Or perhaps it’s a Seattle thing. Looking at CNN’s iReport on Christmas sweaters, the tradition appears to be alive and well in some places. Are people wearing holiday apparel and accessories in your neck of the woods?

A suit is not a wardrobe essential but in many instances it’s a useful item to have at your disposal. The following suit-friendly situations spring to mind:

• Formal interviews and presentations
• Reserved business settings
• Cocktail parties (a suit can look alluring if matched with the right pieces)
• Desk to dinner occasions
• Fancy nights out
• Theater and auctions
• Funerals

Think further than the traditional, black wool crepe pants suit paired with a white button down shirt and black pointy-toed pumps (unless that is precisely what the setting calls for). You have several alternatives, including skirt suits, interesting fabric textures, attractive style detailing and a colour that isn’t black.

If you don’t need to conform to a conservative dress code, take your suit look to the next level by dressing it up in cheeky ways:

• Wear it on its own with a pretty camisole or shimmery top
• Add a skinny belt to the natural waist for an eclectic vibe
• Throw in fishnets or textured hose for a bit of edge
• Go to town with funky accessories, shoes and handbags
• Create a fun androgynous look and watch those heads turn

Nowadays, suits are seldom a look or wardrobe item of choice. And if you’re required to wear one frequently (e.g. for work), you’ll probably gravitate towards a completely different look for other occasions. But I’m defending the suit. It can be a practical, easy and flop-proof option if you think outside the box with the ensemble. Especially as you get older, because it is such an elegant option. A woman in a fabulous suit looks killer.

The pictures below illustrate the point that suits can look far from boring and severe. The belts, the texture of the fabrics, the addition of feminine layering and the boldness of the accessories and shoes creates a completely different suit mood. I have a baby pinstripe black pants suit that I love. It comes out from time to time with a ruffle top, belt, tomato red pumps and zebra print clutch. I’d love to add an interesting skirt suit to my wardrobe as well. Maybe I’ll score one on sale in the next couple of weeks.

(1) A modern, minimalist monochromatic Calvin Klein-esque skirt suit belted to perfection with patent that adds just enough texture to the black-on-black ensemble. (2) A belted cream boucle skirt suit with hose and peep-toe pumps. (3) A romantically styled textured skirt suit with lacy camisole, stockings and of the moment booties. (4) A classic black skirt suit made of an unexpected black crinkle sateen, matched with over the top ankle strapped pumps. (5) A classic one-button pants suit in a bold grey gangster pinstripe matched with an alluring shawl collar top. (6) A traditional black pants suit comes to life with a bright shiny blouse, belt and chunky eye-catching necklace.

We’ll probably see loads of cost-conscious casual soirées this year and that’s no problem. We can look and be festive on any budget. The holiday season is here and it’s time to dress up!

A pair of sleek dark wash jeans, or black-black jeans can be the basis of a fabulous casual party outfit. All you need to add is a bit of party edge and here’s how:

• Embellished top: think sequins, beads, silk, organza, lurex, satin and shine, shine, shine. Sheer shimmery blouses, beaded knitwear, velvet jackets, lacy camisoles and just about any other type of dressy top will work with a killer pair of jeans.
• Dazzling accessory: You might like to keep the top fairly plain and add a fun statement accessory to the look instead. Like a sparkly scarf, glittery belt or gleaming brooch. Funky forum member Antje showcased this look perfectly when she paired a white button-down with a black jacket, waistcoat and oversized red floral brooch (here is the thread in the forum). She looked stylishly festive.
• Dressy shoes: Heeled pumps, strappy sandals, bejeweled flats, or a pair of fancy boots will do the trick. Anything shiny and metallic is good.
• Small, cheerful handbag: Clutches are a no-brainer, but a small, jovial bag of any description will work.

Rest assured, you have other options if jeans aren’t your thing. But glamming up jeans is flop proof and you’ve probably got most of the components in your closet already, making this outfit especially cost effective.

These pictures capture all the elements, but are not quite as dramatic as I would have liked. I recently purchased a sparkly formal shawl to accompany a ball gown. It doubles up as a scarf and I fully intend to pair it with jeans, a silky top, heels and a clutch for a stylish, but casual holiday look.

The space age trend started coming through last year and there’s no stopping it for 2008. Metallic trapeze jackets, biker styles, blazers and trenches are an ultra modern, fashion forward look that has just recently gone mainstream. Metallic jackets are not created equally and you’ll find that some are more overtly shiny than others. If you like the idea of wearing a silver or gold jacket that’s not that shiny, choose one in a natural fiber like cotton or linen. The effect of metallic fiber (lurex) woven together with natural fiber is more subtle, than metallic fiber woven together with non-organic fiber. I purchased a metallic linen jacket last season and it’s an indispensable neutral in my wardrobe for both daytime and evening.

A collection of subtle and very shiny metallic trapeze jackets, bikers, trenches and blazers. I like this look best with jeans or over a dress.

Unfortunately I cannot appreciate the elevation of these shoes, but platforms are the height of party fashion this season. They’ll look festive and mod with cocktail dresses, jeans, flirty skirts and satin skinnies (either bare-legged, or with hose). Pop in foot petals to prevent your feet from sliding and add an insole for cushioning comfort. Statement peds like these are sure to kick your outfit up a notch if you feel stable in 4-5 inch heels. They’re like sculptured works of art on your feet. I’ll admire them from a distance because I draw the line at 3 inches and “2 hours” for party shoes and that scenario needs to include a lot of sitting.

Pretty party platforms with either skinny or chunky soaring heel heights are a must if you like the look and your feet can stand it. It’s a skill that you can add to your resume if you can walk and dance the night away in these. I don’t know how Beyonce does it.

Some holiday events aren’t formal enough for a suit and tie, but smart casual won’t do either. The answer is something in between, where a fancy form of business casual never fails. Here’s what you need:

• Dress pants in wool blends are best. Stick to flat fronted styles with straight legs (these are generally most flattering). Stay away from casual khakis and cotton rich fabrications because it’s inappropriate to wear this look in Winter.
• Dress shirts should be fairly form fitting and preferably a little shiny. This way your look is a step up from everyday office wear. Wear them tucked into pants with an undergarment-T and dressy belt that matches your shoes. The informal untucked shirt look is not suitable in this setting.
• Smart shoes in high shine leathers are ideal. Keep them the same colour or darker than the pants and wear dress socks that match.
• Blazers are an optional extra, but a chic finish to the look. Plain or pinstriped wool , cashmere or velvet fabrications are great and remember that you can comfortably pair this look with jeans for smart casual occasions. Multi-purpose pieces in our wardrobes are fab.

Plain shirts and micro-geometric patterned shirts are dressier options than broad stripes, and darker colours both for shirts and dress pant look a little swankier than lighter hues. But a pair of black dress pants and white shirt remains a perfect semi formal combination, especially on a darker skin tone.

Suits and tuxes are inappropriate for casual holiday parties at home or at informal restaurants (unless there is a dress code stated on the invitation). Relaxed holiday gatherings are usually smart casual and this calls for a toned down, yet appropriate, holiday look.

Putting together smart casual attire for gents is easy once you have the components:

• Jeans – A perfectly fitting fab pair of quality dark wash jeans will take a bloke almost anywhere. Learning to dress smart denim up or down contributes significantly to one’s personal style, so it’s worth investing in a splendid pair. Make sure that the jeans aren’t too short (high water pants shorten the leg).
• Shirt – Finding a great shirt is not easy because shirt fits and lengths are inconsistent. A man’s shirt has to fit properly in order for him to look chic (men generally wear smarter shirts at least a size too big). A dressy shirt looks classy when it’s tailored but not too snug, so alter if you need to. And remember to do “the sit test” (a shirt should not pull open at the tummy when sitting). It’s acceptable and hip to leave smart shirts “untucked”, but they need to be short enough to look chic. An untucked shirt that’s too long and big looks sloppy.
• Shoes and belt – There is no limit on the dressiness of the shoe. Both lace-up and pull–on will work. Stay away from clumpy peds with thick rubber soles that are unrefined. Wear a matching belt and finish off the look with dark dressy socks.
• Blazer – This is an optional but handsome cherry on top. Think boarding school pinstripe blazers in grey, ink or black wool blends and make sure that the fit is perfect both in length and width. The shoulders should not drop and the button should close. Ask for professional assistance if you’re unsure.

A tailored finely knitted polo neck (turtle neck) is a great alternative to a shirt when it’s cold. This is the masculine version of the flop-proof outfit and will serve men well for almost any smart casual occasion.

The untucked shirts on these models are at the correct length. An undergarment T-shirt worn under a button down shirt is always a good idea.

Veteran American fashion designer Ralph Lauren brought out a few interesting Holiday looks for gents this season. Not quite my preconceived idea of the male American tradition, but a novel and unique look all the same. In fact, I can appreciate the retro 50’s trend with a Scandinavian twist. To my surprise, the models seem to get away with the look. On some fashion level these Holiday ensembles are ultra funky, preppy and tastefully humorous. Does anyone else share my view?

A dressy skirt and jacket combination makes for a super holiday outfit. It’s a versatile look that’s timeless, ageless and a lot warmer than a dress or a blouse ensemble. Your choice of skirt and jacket styles may vary, but it’s important to keep the fabrications of both items lavish and swish. The key is to look a step up from business formal.

Here are some things to consider when you plan this outfit:

• Skirts can be short, long, A-line, straight, matte, shiny, stiff, soft, neutral or bold. A long skirt is very formal and will take you to a black tie event, while a knee-length skirt can comfortably take you to any party occasion. Skirts made of jacquards, lace, silk taffeta, chiffon, drapy crepes and stretch sateen are ideal options.
• Jackets are best when they are short and fitted. They’ll work over any type of skirt and over a pair of dark jeans they will double up as a casual party look. Velvet, burnout and jacquard are my favourite fancy jacket fabrications this season, but sequins and sateen are also great. Have fun with voluminous sleeve detailing or signature Ralph Lauren ruffles for a truly romantic touch.
• Tops are optional underneath the jacket. Fancy camisoles that peek out always do the trick, but satin tanks and lacy knits do just as well.

Finish off the look with the golden rule: dressy heels and a small fab bag. It might be time consuming finding all the pieces of this ensemble, but when you do, you can split them up to dress them up or down with one of fashion’s best inventions: denim.

An assortment of black velvet jackets.

An assortment of party skirts. The intention is not for the look to be entirely black or for the jackets to match the skirts that they are positioned above (it just worked out that way with the pictures that I chose to support this post).

Fancy separates are the way to go if party frocks are not for you. The fancy wrap ensemble is classic, easy and instantly slimming. Unless you’re extremely well endowed, you can probably wear this look. Pair a fancy wrap blouse with a short or long skirt (A-line or straight), fancy heels and a petite posh bag and Bob’s your uncle. Matching the look with slacks will also work, but it’s not quite as smart. This style of blouse aches to be worn with a skirt because it’s dressier and more feminine that way.

This ensemble might need a little fine tuning. Here are some tips to help you on your way:

• Luxurious fabrication is essential. Wrap blouses are available in everyday cotton, which is fine for the office but won’t do for fancy fares. You’re after silk and taffeta to be party appropriate.
• Wear a shimmery camisole if the front V-neckline is too low.
• Alter the length of the ties if you prefer the look of a reef knot instead of a bow. A bow can look fussy while the vertical appeal of knotted ties is streamlined and draws the eye up and down. Most wrap blouse ties are long enough to accommodate bows, and end up hanging too far down your thigh if you leave them knotted without tying the bow. You’ll therefore need to have the length of the ties shortened so that the look stays balanced.

This party separate combination is particularly flattering if you have a little extra around the middle. A woven top that’s layered and ruched has wonderful camouflaging capabilities.

You can achieve the same affect with different styles of blouse. The pink blouse on the right doesn’t actually “wrap” like the red and brown blouses do (it buttons done the front instead), but the overall look of the outfit is much the same.