The little black dress is the “it” item for the party season this year. If you don’t already have one in your wardrobe, now of all seasons (when black is big) is the time to purchase one.

Little black dresses have been a statement for decades, but this season several flirty new options are joining the conventional stylings.

• The bubble dress is especially flattering for the fuller-hipped figure. Go all the way and wear this dress with opaque tights for a svelte retro ‘80’s look.
• The kimono dress is exotic to the extreme and looks best in soft drapey fabrics. It’s a good style for pretty pear shaped bodies and can’t be beat as far as comfort is concerned.
• The balloon sleeve dress is in keeping with this season’s voluminous styles, and is more subtle than the bubble dress. It’s a warmer option than the sleeveless alternatives and will look just as fabulous over pants or jeans as an elegant tunic.
• The lace dress never fails to give off a vintage vibe. Finish off the look with a fake fur shrug or capelet and watch those heads turn.

Once you’ve got your little black dress – make it your own. Add the accessories you need to capture your personality and mood for the occasion.

Bubble (Saks Fifth Avenue), kimono (Nordstrom), balloon sleeve (Nordstrom) and Lace (ABS) dresses.

It’s that time if year again! What are we going to wear to the office Christmas party, a dressy dinner or the New Year’s celebration? I’m getting many questions along these lines on “Ask Angie”, so I thought I’d devote a few blog entries to the topic.

Your outfit choices for such occasions are always the same. Before I delve into specifics – you’ll need to select one of the following ensembles:

• Little black dress – there is nothing more fashionable and appropriate to wear at the moment then that little black dress. Black remains the strongest fashion colour this season and nothing is quite as festive, elegant or girly as a dress.
• Cocktail dress – if black is not for you; try something red, smoky grey, brown, blue or metallic. Iridescent fabrications add interest and depth, and tend to look better-end and more sophisticated. If you are uncomfortable wearing a dress that is flimsy, select a fully lined and structured style instead. You might not find a huge selection in colourful cocktail dresses at the moment with anything black being the order of the evening.
• Dressy suit – either a pants or skirt suit will do the trick. Pant suits capture this season’s fashion moment a little more than skirts (in keeping with the androgynous trend). Dressy means tuxedo style pants, satin piped lapels and velvet trim – something a little more then what you’d wear to work.
• Dressy separates – these are a particularly good choice if you have a few occasions to go to as you’ll be able to mix and match your items cost effectively. Dressy slacks or skirts teamed with shimmery or sequined tops and a formal trench coat or jacket will have you looking the part for any formal occasion.

Once you’ve chosen one of the ensembles above – the finishing touches are also always the same:

• Heels – you’ll ruin your outfit with flat shoes. You’ll need height to create that long lean line, even if it’s only with a one inch kitten heel.
• Small bag – no totes or slouchy hobos. Dainty clutches or glittery evening bags are best.
• Jewelry – choose one piece to wear with your outfit and make a statement with it.

This party season cheat sheet will hopefully give you a better idea of what to look for when you shop for an ensemble. You might already have the outfit and merely want to update the accessories. Enjoy your social function and make an entrance with what you wear!

Two fashion forward party ensembles from Max Studio.

The answer to this question depends entirely on your lifestyle and your preferences. Can you wear jeans to work? Do you like to wear jeans? Do you wear jeans every day?

• If you wear jeans every day you’ll need at least four pairs. Five if you don’t do laundry often. You can vary the lengths and washes as you wish, but ensure that you have options for flats, heels and smart casual dressing.
• If you can’t wear jeans to work but like to wear them outside of work, you’ll need to have at least two pairs. Both pairs preferably dark blue (for maximum versatility, the slimming effect and the fact that they will fade anyway), and at different lengths – one for flats and one for heels.
• If you seldom wear jeans you should invest in a single pair in a dark wash. Commit to either flats or heels and then buy them at the appropriate length.

If you have more than five pairs of jeans hanging in your closet – make sure that you actually wear all of them. If you don’t, ask yourself why not, and either have them altered or pass them along to somebody who will wear them.

While the right coat can increase your style quotient; the wrong one can do precisely the opposite. We need to be mindful of what works best for our body types.

Here are a few guidelines:

• Belted styles with soft self fabric ties are the best option for curvier figures. They enhance your shape and give you plenty of definition – both tied and untied. Single breasted styles are best for ladies with ample bosom, while double breasted styles are super for the less endowed.
• Trapeze styles are best on tall women. Petites tend to disappear in all that volume. Above the knee, more subtle A-line versions of this style are a better choice for shorter ladies.
• Classic single breasted princess seam coats are the ideal choice for well-endowed ladies. Avoid high buttoning double breasted styles and visible waist seams at all costs. A V-neck revere collar style with princess seams (seams that run from bust point to hem) will give you extra definition. Keeping your coat unbuttoned will accentuate that long lean line that you are looking for. This style is also another excellent option for curvier ladies.
• A-line Empire styles are perfect for pretty pear shapes. Large collars, puffed sleeves, double breasted styles, asymmetrical buttoning and oversized buttons are fun details to have on the top half of this type of coat.
• High buttoning, double breasted military styles are perfect for slight, less well-endowed women. Short pea coat styles or longer versions with cinched in belts will give you the shape that you are looking for.

While coat styles and body types may differ – there is one rule that always applies: keep your coat fitted snugly on the shoulders. This will automatically give you the tailoring and structure that you need for your most flattering look.

A belted style from Nordstrom. Classic single breasted and a-line asymmetrical styles from Macy’s. These styles happen to be maxi in length, which are not suited to petite heights of 5”3’ and below. Petites look best in coats that are no longer then knee length.