Just over four years ago I moved to America and this is when I first saw holiday knitwear in the ladies area of a department store. And when I say “holiday knitwear”, I mean that quite literally: Bright red, green, blue and gold pullovers and cardigans with snowmen, reindeer, Christmas trees and candy canes appliquéd all over.

I started my buying career in the infants and toddlers department of a chain store, where playful holiday knitwear is adorable. But the thought of adults wearing these items is quite foreign to me. Is this a holiday tradition here in the United States? I’d love to know the story behind this unique fashion statement.

Cate Blanchett is one of my favourite actresses and in my book sports the best celebrity style. She pulls off her daring, edgy and dramatic haute couture taste with the greatest of ease and always manages to look elegant, statuesque and ultra-glam. But her outfit at the premiere of “Elizabeth – The Golden Age” gets my thumbs down. It’s such a shame that her dress looked like a neon road traffic beacon instead of a tasteful, voluminous designer piece. Cate is pregnant with her third child and perhaps she wasn’t feeling quite her best this time around, hence the fashion faux pas. But we’re all allowed our off days so we won’t hold it against you Cate. You still rank at the top of my celebrity style list because your record of impeccable style and your fabulous face go a long way.

I often see fabulous patterned or checked skirts in wardrobes that are left unworn because matching them up with the right top is difficult. There is no need to re-invent the wheel when it comes to picking out a top to match this type of skirt (either casual or smart). All you need is a simple hipbone length fitted knit top or piece of knitwear while your skirt does all the talking.

• Keep the neckline V or scooped if you like to elongate your look, or if you have a busty chest.
• Keep your neckline high or cowl if you’re long necked or small-chested.
• Look for side seam and center front ruching details if you have a little extra around the middle and remember that form fitting knitwear is less clingy than form fitting jersey knit.

It is possible to match these skirts with tops, collared shirts and blouses with extra style and colour detail, but this gets much more complicated. So stick to the flop-proof knit top and you won’t go wrong. Finish off the look with a waist-cinching belt (skinny or wide), one piece of statement jewelry and fab shoes or boots. It’s always a good idea to buy a top along with a patterned skirt if you don’t already have one. This way you’ll be sure to wear your skirt!

Ann Taylor and the Loft often have a good selection of plain knit tops and knitwear that are ideal for skirts, so be sure to look there if you’re looking for that ultra simple skirt top.

Holiday parties at home or at informal festive restaurants are usually smart casual in setting and this calls for a more toned down yet appropriate holiday look (unless a particular dress code is specified on the invitation). You have lots of options when it comes to what to wear.

Here are some ideas:

• A-line day dresses with knee high boots are one of my favourite ensembles and any age group can wear the look. I was having lunch at Seattle’s flagship Nordstrom Grill last week and saw two elderly ladies, both clad in dresses, coats, knee high boots and rather theatrical hats. They looked fabulous and were the perfect example of looking great at every age.
• Sparkly tops always go down well and your pick from shiny girly blouses, shimmery knitted tops and sequined cardigans are all great. Match these tops up with dark wash denims, trouser jeans, a denim skirt or a pair of fab slacks. Be sure to add a smart shoe or boot (heeled or flat), carry a small handbag and leave those gigantic totes to rest for the night.
• A festive skirt with a plain top is a super and versatile option. A button down shirt, simple knitted top or piece of knitwear usually works best with any skirt. Finish the look off with a tailored cropped denim jacket, a pair of heels or boots and a cute clutch bag.

Hose or bare legs are equally appropriate and knee high boots are an excellent way of giving your look more coverage if you’re a little leg shy, or instant drama if that’s what you’re after. Enjoy the festive occasion and relax into the evening with both style and comfort.

A roomy fancy skirt and simple top, or easy A-line jersey dress with fabulous knee-high boots gets my vote as the best casual holiday party looks this year (I’m going to rest my jeans on these occasions). These Stuart Weitzman boots were shown on Oprah’s style and beauty show last week and left quite the impression.