Women's Guide to Holiday Dressing

Each year you vow to be more organized when the holidays come around. This is your chance to get a jump on dressing for the holidays. Rather than showing up for events in your tired work clothes or in a frumpy candy cane sweater,  have a few stylish outfits ready this year. Plan ahead and start shopping now so your outfits will be the last item of concern this holiday season.

Top Picks

Here are the basics you should have in your holiday wardrobe:

1. Black cocktail dress -- Channel your inner Audrey Hepburn and opt for a simple and elegant black dress. 
2. Cashmere Sweater -- How about a red cashmere turtleneck  or a cream v-neck? 
3. Dressy Trousers -- Tuxedo pants  are a timeless addition to any wardrobe.
4. Something Velvet -- Flat velvet slippers,  an elegant velvet gown  or a festive velvet blazer  will do the trick.
5. Something shimmery -- Try bejeweled shoes,  a beaded handbag  and a sequined top. 

Now you know the five things you need for your wardrobe. We've put together some simple shopping tips to make your search easier. You may want to read our general shopping guides before whipping out your gold card: Style Resources for Women and Figure-Flattering Clothes for Women.

Must Have Items

Black Dress  What to look for: Classic shapes. Versatile fabric (wool crepe,  silk,  and rayon are seasonless). How to wear: For less dressy events, try sheer hosiery and low-key jewelry. To dress up, add black stockings,  dramatic jewelry and high heels. Brands to consider: Donna Karan  Nicole Miller  Rebecca Taylor	Cashmere Sweater  What to look for: V-necks  are sexy, Crew necks  more conservative, and sweater sets  ideal (sleeveless shell can be sexy, but when you add the cardigan the set becomes demure). A color that flatters your skin and hair. How to wear: Pair with dressy pants or a skirt. Pearls  look great with cashmere. Brands to consider: Autumn Cashmere  Tse Cashmere  C3 Collection	Dress Slacks   What to look for: Classic dress pant  should fit well and have some drape to the fabric. Wool and satin pants should be lined. Colors: black  and charcoal  are best; ivory  will work well in warm climates like Arizona, So. California and Florida. How to wear: For evening, add sparkle with sexy top and strappy sandals.  For more conservative events, pair with cashmere sweater set  and flats. Brands to consider: Joseph  Lauren  Chadwick's	Velvet  What to look for: 100% cotton velvet. Festive colors; jewel tones are great for the holidays. Quality construction and proper fit. How to wear: A velvet blazer  can be paired with tuxedo pants  for a dressy event or mixed with denim for a funky look. Velvet slippers  look great with jeans and a cashmere sweater.  Velvet wraps  and evening bags  can accessorize your black dress. Brands to consider: Ann Taylor  Dolce & Gabbana	Shimmer  What to look for: Less is more: Be careful not to add shimmer to something low cut and revealing. Opt for a timeless color like black, silver or gold. When it comes to evening shoes,  pick a pair that will leave your feet happy after hours of dancing. How to wear: One piece of shimmer per outfit! For example, pair a gold lame top  with solid black trousers. Brands to consider: Stuart Weitzman  A.B.S.

External Links

• About: Holiday guide lists top 5 tops to pair with jeans or black pants.
• ABC News: Puts together outfit ideas to help the fashion challenged survive the holidays.