“Holiday Cocktail Dresses”Holiday season is fast approaching, which means it is time for holiday parties, office parties and charity events.  As all women know, this means the search for cocktail dresses is going to begin.  It is always difficult to find something that will be unique but still versatile, because if you are anything like me you have to find cocktail dresses that are not only appropriate for office functions, but still fun and sexy enough for friendly get togethers.

There are many options when it comes to holiday cocktail dresses.  One can purchase relatively inexpensive dresses from department stores and other mall stores, especially during big sales or markdown periods.  Other places to find cocktail dresses include specialty dress stores or bridal salons, which offer more customer service and a different selection than standard stores, but it all comes at a price.  Dresses from these stores generally will be more expensive, but again if you can catch a sale you can get a deal.  If you are really looking for a different outfit, though, this type of store will be the place to go.  However, you can also find higher end holiday cocktail dresses at some department stores, and these dresses will be well made and somewhat rarer due to their cost if you are willing to spend the money.

One of the best solutions for a versatile dress is a simple black wrap dress.  While they look plain on the hanger, if they are worn with dressy accessories they can look fantastic and classy.  Wear more conservative jewelry for those office functions, but wear more trendy and daring accessories for those friendly parties.  This type of dress can generally be found for a relatively inexpensive price, but they can be worn for years to come to just about any function you can think of.

If you want to be more daring, go for glitz and glamor.  Which is very in for winter 2007 and 2008 Holiday Parties. Shiny shimmery, or sequin dresses are very in for  holiday Cocktail dresses this season.

Some are available in strapless, spaghetti strap and even long sleeved styles, so you are surely going to be able to find something that suits both your needs and personality. Other cocktail dresses can be dressed  up with a silk or beaded top and great jewelry and you will fit right in.  There really are no rules when it comes to evening wear, so if you feel comfortable in an outfit and feel it reflects you, go for it!  It isn’t taboo any more to wear pants, either, if that more suits your style.

We are entering the winter season. Along with the colder weather and shorter days there are many social events. This is the time of the year when people have closed up their summer homes, returned from summer vacations and are getting together to share their summer experiences. Many of the events are formal occasions that require formal attire. I have always loved winter formal dresses. They seem more elegant than the summer fashions.

My husband and I were involved with a formal ball at our church this summer. It was a fund raising event and it was a great deal of fun. I had bought a new dress for the event. My husband could not understand why I could not wear the same dress for his company’s holiday ball. I told him it was a summer dress and that my winter formal dresses were out of style. I have not bought a formal for holiday parities for several years because the company had been doing more casual dinner parties in the past. This year they decided to have a holiday ball at a formal banquet center next to their office building.

I went shopping to look at the winter formal dresses that were available. I was disappointed at the few that were available. The majority of the dresses were in velvet, which I did not want. I mentioned to the clerk in one of the stores that the winter formal dresses seemed out dated to me. She agreed that the styles do not change a great deal from year to year. The embellishments on the dresses may alter, but the basic design remains the same. This gave me an idea. I went home and dug out the formal winter dresses that I have in my closet. One is black sleeveless with a jacket that has sequins. I put on the dress and realized that it still fit well. I took it along and went shopping again, this time to find a jacket or sweater to wear with the dress. One of the clerks suggested a shrug. They had one in the store with three quarter length sleeves. The shrug was black knit with fine threads of gold and silver running through it. It looked great with the dress. The shrug had a deep v-neck so I bought a gold and silver toned necklace and earrings to wear with the outfit.

At the holiday ball I had several women ask me where I had bought my gown. They were complaining about the lack of selection with the winter formal dresses. I am glad that I had bought such a basic dress years ago, because the different accessories did make it seem like a new out fit.

 ”Sequin Dresses”

This year for winter formal dresses I noticed a very popular trend . Sequin dresses are very popular for winter 2007 and 2008 and I believe that they will remain popular for prom dresses 2008 as well. If you plan on going to a winter formal, or a new years eve party this year than try the sequin dresses. There are many different styles to choose from. As I was doing my Christmas shopping I noticed the Sequin Dresses everywhere so I defintely think they are making a comeback.

The new sequin dresses are not your typical grandmother’s dresses. They are kept short , most often with open backs, and are very sexy yet classy looks, which can easily be worn for new years parties.  We are seeing many celebrities also wearing the sequin dresses so they are sure to be a hit. You can wear your sequin dresses in many different ways, sexy heels, black opague tights,  with a cinched belt,  and ribbon belts. Remember that when it comes to accessories and sequin dresses don’t forget your clutch purse and don’t over do it with jewelry. Keep it simple the sequin sparkles are already giving you shine.