Worried about what to wear this holiday season. So many invitations and not enough outfits? Don't let your wardrobe be another thing to add to the holiday stress. Here are some great guidelines to follow and trends to be on the lookout for this holiday season.

Whenever you are invited to a holiday event, whether your company party or your best friend's soiree, make sure to aways look for the suggested dress on the invitation. If one is not mentioned then make sure to note the time and location of the event. All of these clues will help you decide the proper dress for the event. If you are still unsure of what to do then always opt for a dressier look. It's always better to be over dressed then under dressed. For a gentleman, wear a nice slack and button down and if needed throw a sportcoat in the car with you. If a jacket is not necessary it can easily be removed but at least you have it with you. And for the ladies, go for a nice skirt or dress and pair either with a tall or short boot. That way you are still on the dressy side but the boot will tone down the look.

This season gray is in the air. Now to be fair gray has been in the air for a while now but continues to be strong. One of the wonderful things about grey is that it is a wonderful substitute for black. Black is wonderful, don't get me wrong it's my favorite but we have all done and seen the black slacks and black dress. So this season break out of the black mold and step into gray. Now if you you have been doing gray for a few seasons and would like to step up your holiday attire this year go for a wonderful shade of midnight blue or navy. Navy is a wonderful and fresh take on a dark shade for fall and winter and works for men and women alike. And don't be afraid boys and girls to mix those navys with black; they make a wonderful pairing. Another way to maximize your colors this season is to add some wonderful warm earth tones like camel, chocolate, and carmel. These colors work wonders with black, navy, or gray (yes all three!). If you want to be on trend and look absolutely fresh and new then mix these wonderful staple colors together. Another way to go is to add some wonderful red into the
holiday mix. I know, i know, red is so ground breaking for the holiday
season. But hear me out, red is a very hot color and trend right now. And mixing the red back with the camels, navys, and grays is fresh and new. It works very well and will add the extra special pop! And I know that men (and some women) don't love a bright red hue. If you are one of those people opt for an amazing shade of red like cranberry, merlot, or burgundy. All are wonderfully rich shades for fall and winter and blend very well with the above mentioned neutrals. If you are still against doing red then try a beautiful shade of evergreen. This is a color we haven't seen in a while but is making a nice statement this season. It reads holiday nicely and works well with the neutrals that have been mentioned. And whatever ever you do don't forget your metallics! Once again I know you are thinking "metallics who would have ever thought of wearing those on New Years Eve" and I know you are right but I have to mention it. Believe it or not there are those out there who fear the bright and shiny wonders of sequins, beads,
shiny fabrics, and lurex. But be brave this season and adorn yourself like tinsel (in a tasteful way of course)! And gentlemen I'm not just telling the ladies to be bold. You may not desire an Elton John inspired suite jacket but you can have a little fun as well by wearing fabrics that have nice sheen to them or a jacket that has a subtle lurex pinstripe. And don't forget the wonderful fabric of velvet this winter. Velvets are rich and marvelous and right on trend this season. Weather a velvet dress or velvet blazer it should be in your wardrobe and on your holiday calendar this season. And for the ladies, other embellishments like fringe, feathers, and fur are all the rage so leave that plain black dress in the closet and go for bold choices this season!

Now that colors and details have been covered let's discuss silhouettes and key pieces. If attending a more casual party where jeans are appropriate always go for a darker wash or even black or grey denim. Women can pair their jeans back with a wonderfully embellished top. If you wish to tone down the sequin top pair a chinky knit or blazer with the look. If you want a break from the denim go for a great skinny pant or go for opposition and try a trouser pant. If going for a skinnier bottom make sure to add volume on top and apply the exact opposite rule if wearing a flowy pant then go for a structured piece on top like a vest or blazer. For men, pair your dark denim with a button down and vest or a great blazer in a rich navy, gray or velvet. When dressing for a more festive event women should go for a dress or skirt over a pant. For a skirt wear a more structured high-waisted sleek piece with a silky blouse that you can tuck in or opt for a flouncy knee length skirt that adds volume. If you prefer dresses again you are safe to go with a trim sleek look for a fuller free look. Either way think about color, fabric and embellishments when picking your dress. And if you don't want to go buy a new outfit for every event you have this season (because who has the time or money for that)then look at what you have in your closet and how you can update the look. Think of adding a belt to a skirt and top or even a dress.
Also mix and match your separates by taking a great blazer from one outfit and pairing it with a dress. Wraps and scarves are also great items to add color and volume to a look. Men, think of mixing your patterns and prints. This is a great way (for men and women) to make a fresh look. Take your pinstripes, plaids, paisleys, houndstooth and whatever else you have and pair them together. Now be smart with this trend! Don't throw on everything all at once and look like a boho nightmare. Take your pinstripe pant, and plaid shirt, and put a on solid velvet blazer. Or take a stripe button down shirt and pair it with a non-matching but coordinating striped tie and a textured suite or sportcoat. This is a wonderful look you just don't want to overdo it.

Wether you wear jeans and a top or a blazer or dress think not only about your color and fabric options but your print selection. Prints are wonderful this season; bold and fresh and really fun! Pair a large printed bottom with a small printed top. Or pair a printed bottom with an embellished top. As is usually the case animal print is a hot, hot trend. This season there are some wonderful variations and updates to the animal trend. Opt for an animal print in red, black and grey or a snake print verses a classic cheetah print. If you want to update a simple black dress add a great animal belt OR shoe. If prints are not your thing look for pieces that have updated silhouettes like a one shoulder, or add volume with ruffles, or add texture with lace.

Now for the finishing touches, when thinking of accessory options think out of the box this season. Just because you are wearing a cocktail dress does not mean you have to pair it with nude stockings and a cocktail shoe. Once again it's about legs this season so tights of all colors and textures should be part of your closet. To dress down a cocktail look wear the dress with an opaque tight. Boots are everywhere in all shapes and sizes. Boots are a great option to also tone down a cocktail dress or just give it a chic look. You can go ankle boot, knee high boot, thigh high boot; there are no limits! And gentlemen boots are an amazing option for you as well. Instead of the usual loafer you pull out for parties think of adding a great boot. And men when I say boot I'm not thinking of a cowboy boot. I'm thinking of a trendy, chic, but masculine boot. Wether with a suit or jeans the proper
boot can pull off this look flawlessly. And ladies, if you are not one to add sparkle to your outfit then think about adding it in the way of your accessories. Pair your look with an embellished bag or shoe and get your tinsel that way. And through your accessories is another way for you to add color to your ensemble. That black dress can become amazing just by adding a red stiletto. When thinking about jewelry, layer your pieces. Wear multiple necklaces or stack bracelets. Go for earrings that have personality and leave the diamond studs at home. And gentlemen opt for a french cuff shirt so you can wear an amazing pair of cuff links....you need your tinsel too!

Guys, I have tried my best to include you in each part of this article but for just a brief moment I need to talk just to the ladies.
Ok girls, whatever you do, do not forget about your foundations. It doesn't matter how killer that dress is if you have unflattering things happening under the dress they will be seen over the dress. So don't forget your Spanx, your Wocoal bodysuit, your DKNY slip or your Commando tights. They are essential to your wardrobe!

In wrapping up this article it's important to mention how you should wrap your look. There are so many wonderful ways to go when polishing off your outfit. If it's a warmer evening or if you want to cover up your arms opt for a bolero. It's a wonderful trend that can be done with anything from jeans to a cocktail dress. Think of adding a satin sleek long jacket or a coat with sequins to your wardrobe this season. They are wonderful for getting dressed for after 5:00 events and can dress down or up. Again don't forget to think about color. Maybe a fabulous gray coat or a midnight blue option. Even a red jacket would be amazing. And this article wouldn't be complete unless I mentioned fur. Wether you are in for the real mccoy or are an animal lover you can have this look. Saks has some wonderful real and faux fur options. And if you are afraid this trend will break the bank think again. In the trend department at Saks you will find real fur starting at around $350 and faux fur starting around $150. And these days fur can go day or night; jeans or sequins.

All of these fantastic trends are great for this fall winter and holiday
season. Whatever you do don't get overwhelmed. Allow this article and the accompanied photos to serve as your guide. You don't have to take part in all the trends mentioned; just go with what works for you and can work best with what you already have. It's always fun to add new pieces each season but think about what's in your closet already so you can add clothes that compliment your existing wardrobe. All of the items photoed can be found at Saks Galleria. They have amazing items this season (as always) and will accommodate your needs like no one else can.

Even though the thermometer may read well into the 90's and fall seems so out of reach, don’t worry, it is really just around the corner and it is all about the polished, sophisticated, and sleek look. But don’t forget to show the guys who’s boss by adding some edgy pieces that bring out the tough side. Fall is about layering up for those cool days, and nights. What better way than to spice up your wardrobe then with the new and hottest looks?!

• Don’t be afraid to mismatch and really go bold this season! Try pairing a rich floral pattern skirt with a soft and subtle polka dot or stripped print blouse. Even use very different textures such as a silk, crepe, tweed, and wool fabrics. You do want them to fall within the same tonal family to insure they complement each other without the worry of a fashion faux pas. Even try adding a snake skin belt and a pair of pointed-toe heels!

• Keep things clean, simple, but yet sophisticated. Take your favorite boyfriend fit tee with that fantastic, embellished shoulder and pair it with a pair of slouch pants and add in that fall ‘must have’ pair of nude heels and you have a really great refined and casual look that can go wherever you do. Don’t forget to grab a sleek bag and even add bling with some unique bangles.

• Play with all the fabulously colored cardigans, jackets, and maybe even that scarf vest you have been eyeing. One way is to pair one of these items with leggings and a superb pair of over the knee riding boots (even better if they have some type of hardware on them, which gives that tough biker chic look). Try a printed scarf. This not only adds warmth, but it complements the look without adding in too much. Another way to spice up the cardigan, vest, or jacket is to put it with a fitted, colored, cargo pant with lots of detail and an awesome funky pair of wedges, a strappy pair of heels, or that great pair of booty heels. By adding lots of chunky and blingy accessories you really have a statement look for fall!

• Try something that you may think is really out there! That might possibly be wearing a pair of socks with a skirt and heels. Yes I know, that sounds really school girl, but it doesn’t have to be if done right. Stay away from the wild prints and crazy ruffles. Use solid colors. Maybe that means using the same color as the heels you choose. Or if you are feeling adventurous, try pulling out one of the colors within the skirt you’re wearing and make the socks pop with that color. This makes the heels magically turn into a pair of booties that no one else has but you!

• Go matching without it being “matchy matchy.” What this means is…here we go matching denim with DENIM! I know you have been hearing all this talk about denim on denim. You don’t have to make it look down on the farm. No! Just make sure you are using different washes and weights of fabrics. What does this mean? I’ll tell you. Take a light washed and light weight denim blouse, pair it with dark washed pair of skinny jeans, a denim vest and don’t forget an amazing pair of towering high heels and you have a truly fashionable version of denim on denim.

• Going out on the town at night? Of course you are! When headed out the door for a night out and you go to grab that fur shawl, nice little sweater, etc, DON’T! But instead opt for an edgy leatherjacket, save the fabulous furs for your jeans, and throw that over your nice cocktail attire. This gives both the evening wear and the jacket a fresh new look. You would be surprised how flattering it can be all together.

Ladies just don’t forget that adding embellishments, bling, lace, sequins, and hardware detailing really adds to your overall look. Make sure you are including those along with the perfect chic bag, shoes, scarves, and jewelry! And with all that in mind, have fun shopping and creating the perfect new fall looks for this year!