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.

With the help of three fashion experts, Oprah explored how women from ages 30 to 70 can dress stylishly, fashionably and age-appropriately. The panel of stylists included Stacy London (host of America’s “What Not To Wear”), Lloyd Boston (author of “Before You Put That On”) and Charla Krupp (author of “How Not To Look Old”).

Between the three experts and a whole slew makeovers, many of the points made resonated strongly with my personal beliefs on style and fashion:

• One mistake that women make is to shop by size rather than fit. Going up a size for the most flattering fit should be the main focus, and not the number on the size tag.
• Body type, age and lifestyle dictate which trends will work for you and which won’t – not every trend works for every person.
• Many women in America are hung up on comfort and wear clothes as if they are going to the gym (I believe comfort and style are important, but that sweats are for working out and lounging at home).
• Dressing well causes people to sit up and take notice.
• Handbags do not need to match shoes.
• Patent is great at any age but in smaller doses as you get older. Less is more as you age.
• You can wear cream and white through Autumn and Winter as long as the fabric of the garment is season-appropriate.
• If you wear clothing that is waist-conscious, you will always have a flattering silhouette.
• Women at any age can wear classic and sophisticated looks.
• A pair of good jeans can make you look 10 years younger.

The experts also made some points that can be true in some situations, but really depend on your body type:

• The older you are, the slimmer you should go on a wide-leg pant. Wide-leg pants are best with chunky heels and boots as opposed to thin-heeled stilettos.
• Pencil skirts are a great look for women in their 50’s and over because it gives the body a great shape.
• You should wear high neck blouses if you are feeling bad about your neck because it draws the eye upward to the face.

One other point: While the style makeovers were impressive for that TV moment, the crux to having style is maintaining it from day to day. Perhaps this topic will get covered another time. Do you agree with the fashion experts? If you didn’t see the show, there is a lot of coverage and extra material on Oprah’s website.

Semi-opaque tights are easy to find and most brands will do the trick. A fab pair of plain black opaque tights, on the other hand, are a little harder to find. Few brands seem to have the thickness and the perfectly matte look that I’m after. After much trial and error, I’ve narrowed it down to two options:

• Nordstrom Opaque Control Tops ($10)
• Spanx Tight-end Tights ($24)

I used to enjoy DKNY opaque tights, but this season they seem thinner than before. If you’re leg shy about wearing an above the knee skirt or dress, you’ll want opaque’s that are as substantial as a pair of skinny pants. And you’ll get even better coverage if you go up a size and wear a second pair.

Thick dark black opaque tights happen to be the trendy choice to pair with the new party dresses this season. It’s a theatrical look that’s not for everyone, but I fancy the idea of covering up and staying warm in a short party dress when it’s freezing outside.

Thick, silky, matte opaque’s paired perfectly with party dresses.