As Seen on the Better Show: The Perfect Holiday Attire for Any Occassion

Have a lot of holiday parties on your social calendar but don t know what to wear? InStyle s Senior Market Editor and Digital Correspondent Dana Avidan-Cohn has figured it all out for you. Today, she stopped by Hallmark Channel s Better Show to help pick the best polished holiday looks for every kind of party, whether it s a casual get-together or a fancy New Year s Eve bash.
According to Avidan-Cohn, the play of textures plus anything that shouts glitz and glamor  are big this year, so key pieces you should look for include status jackets, fur stoles, feather-hemmed dresses, and shiny blouses. Scroll down to get more of Avidan-Cohn s top tips on how to dress for your holiday parties and we promise, you ll be sure to ring in 2014 (or the end of this year!) in style.

For Elegant Events
It s all about the play of textures and touches of sparkle, from the bag and shoes to accessories, Avidan-Cohn says. A status jacket and a plush top adds interest and warmth, but you can also add a DIY effect by wearing a faux fur stole over a fitted boucle jacket, which instantly amps up the luxe factor.  Avidan-Cohn also advises that a full skirt is perfect for any elegant holiday party. It s very right now and it has a retro shape and length that feels very ladylike, she explains.
For Casual Get-Togethers
For a holiday party that isn t fancy, Avidan-Cohn suggests adding a little shine to your look to make it festive. Mixing a shiny top, like Juicy Couture s gold lame tuxedo blouse, with a pair of distressed jeans can perfectly transition the look from casual to chic. Mixing a classic coat, pointy-toe pumps, and a sparkly gem-stone clutch to your look also marries uptown polish with downtown attitude, says Avidan-Cohn.
For Ringing In the New Year
New Year s Eve is an evening where it’s definitely okay to layer on the glitz, Avidan-Cohn says. This BCBG Max Azria feather-hem dress is the ultimate New Year’s Eve look it’s swingy and feathery! You can add a gold clutch, luxe red velvet pumps, and a bracelet on the arm to round out the look. Avidan-Cohn also suggests throwing on a white tuxedo blazer to help keep you warm. Black and white are a great graphic color pairing, she points out, plus you can remove it once the party gets heated!
A Party With No Dress-Code
If you have no idea what the dress code is, Avidan-Cohn s trick is to go high-low. She suggests going big with your shoes and a statement necklace, but keeping the rest of your outfit simple.  Also, anything jewel-toned, embellished with feather accents, shine, or faux fur is a go-to in Avidan-Cohn s book.

Plus, shop 14 holiday dresses all under $100!

Dresses Under $100
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• 4 Ways To Transform Your Holiday Look
• 8 Unexpected Holiday Pairings