The short sequined dress is a strong new party look. “New” is relative because I remember a similar disco look in the 70’s and the use of all-over stretch sequin fabrication in the ‘80’s. It was then that I owned a garish shocking pink stretch sequin boob-tube (or tube top as they are called in America) and skin tight stretch sequin miniskirts and dresses were all the rage. Bring back any memories of your own?

Thankfully, 70’s and 80’s fashion that repeats itself is normally better the second time around, and this season is no different. Sequined frocks are now A-line and roomy, but still as sparkly as ever. Styles are either sequined from side seam to side seam, or partially sequin-embellished. I personally prefer the latter because a spot of sparkle goes a long way. Sequins from head to knee remind me of fish scales and can look a little cheap if the quality is not up to scratch. On the other hand, I have seen expensive, fully sequin-embellished dresses look magnificent. The sequins are normally a little smaller, a little closer together and not quite as plastic looking.

The right sequin dress paired with the correct accessories can look fab. Wear one of these to any bash and you’re sure to be noticed.

Short fully sequined dresses can be matched with opaque tights, sheer hose or no hose at all. You’ll find that most of the necklines of these dresses are quite high in order to compensate for their shorter length.

Short dresses with partial sequin-embellishment. Jewelry and handbags worn with sequined dresses should be kept plain because a shiny frock is a huge statement all on its own.

Today is Thanksgiving Day in the United States and here at youlookfab it is becoming a tradition to reflect on the things we enjoyed over the past year. This year I was thankful for the following trends:

• We saw an Autumn and Winter season full of colourful clothing that was not bohemian inspired.
• Dresses continued to be a fashion focus.
• Flats are just as fab as heels.
• Tunics and longer length knitted tops are all the rage.
• Skinny, straight, bootcut and wide-leg pants are equally trendy.
• Rises are rising.
• There is an abundance of wool-free warm handle knitwear available (I’m allergic to wool).
• The A-line silhouette is forever fashionable and generally flattering.

But most of all, I’m thankful for my youlookfab friends. It gives me great pleasure to work with my clients and occasionally help them to experience a wonderful “fashion moment” (when that foreign and unfamiliar item of clothing or footwear suddenly makes perfect sense). I’m grateful for the trust they put in me when it comes to their personal style. And then there is you – the youlookfab.com reader. I’m constantly impressed with the thoughtful comments you write on this blog. They really add to the value of our site, and they inspire me to continue.

Thank you youlookfab supporters and Happy Thanksgiving!

Black Tie holiday events call for formal attire. Men wear black suits or tuxes; while women have a choice between short cocktail frocks, long dresses or dressy skirt separates (fancy slack ensembles won’t do). Finishing off the look with heels, one piece of statement jewelry (either earrings or a necklace) and a small evening bag is a safe way to go.

If the new party look isn’t for you, then sticking to a modern classic ensemble is just as fab. Here are some ways to pack a little more punch and drama into a classic Black Tie occasion outfit:

• Add metallic, red or colorful shoes and handbag to a little black dress.
• Opt for a dress in a colour or metal instead of black.
• Wear a long chunky necklace instead of a short pendant or strand of pearls.
• Sport sheer shiny hose with peep toed shoes. Subtle sparkly styles will also work.
• Wear a translucent stiff wrap that fastens or “pulls through” in front instead of the pashmina kind that hangs loosely around the shoulders. This gives your outfit more structure and definition.
• Add a faux fur shrug and opera length gloves.

Browse the dress category if you’re unsure about the best dress style for your body type. A fit-and-flare style (fitted on top and A-line in silhouette) is universally flattering and comfortable and therefore an ideal option. You’re after an outfit with a bit of sheen, so bypass matte jersey dresses because they’re not sufficiently luxurious for a swanky event.

A midnight blue, empire-cut cocktail dress, a front-fastening wrap, and a men’s black and ink blue silk tie with a white shirt.

A long fit-and-flare black gown, shiny yellow clutch and delicious red satin peep- toe pumps that are probably impossible on the dancefloor.

The dropped waist coat is not a mainstream item, but it’s certainly making a fashion statement. It was particularly popular in London stores a few months ago and I’m seeing more of this silhouette here in the US. The style is sweet but hard to wear. You’ll need to be slender, tall and small hipped to pull this one off. It’s instantly widening and leg-shortening on most body types, especially if there is gathering on the hip seam. I say no to this style if you’re not a gazelle-like rectangle or an inverted triangle.