From Cynthia Nellis,
Your Guide to Women's Fashion.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!

Between Nutcracker performances, baking cookies, school plays and doing holiday cards, there's no time to plan how great you're going to look during the holidays.

Don't worry: we've got that part covered for you.

Find the dress you need, learn how to look a little sexier this season, even discover which retail store has the most amazing holiday shopping experience.

What to Wear for the Holidays

• Holiday Hostess Wear
  You've planned the menu, the guest list and the decorations. But do you have any idea what to wear? We'll help you decide early so that your outfit is the last thing on your mind the day of the holiday celebration.
• 5 Holiday Fashion Mistakes
  Are you dressed up shinier than a Christmas tree? The problem may be that your holiday wardrobe may be a bit heavy on the glitz. Learn how to avoid common holiday fashion mistakes and look your prettiest this year.
• 10 Ways to Sex Up Your Look
  Get sexy without looking sleazy. It's easier than you think! Choose unexpected touches, glam essentials and sensuous fabrics. Perfect tips for holiday parties, romantic evenings or any time you want to get in touch with your inner goddess.

How to Dress Up for the Holidays

• Get Party Perfect in 5 Days
  Get ready for a fabulous special occasion with our free, 5-day class. You'll learn how to decide what to wear, how to shop for a dress and more.
• Dressing for Special Occasions
  Answers to all of your questions, including what's appropriate for weddings, exactly what "Black Tie" means, when to wear a tux and more.
• Survive the Holidays in Style
  If the thought of shopping, wrapping, cooking and looking fabulous at parties makes you cringe, you may need help getting through the holidays in style. We've got 8 ideas to help you survive the holidays in style.
• Formal Hairstyle Photo Gallery
  Get inspired by gorgeous runway hair pictures and find the updo, ponytail or trendy look that will work for with your formal dress.
• 10 Foolproof Formal Dresses
  Which formal dress will look best for your special occasion? Browse through 10 styles -- including a halter dress -- that work for most body types now.
• Little Black Dress
  The LBD will take you to most holiday functions with style and ease. Find our top picks here.
• Top Formal Dress Picks
  When the occasion calls for all-out glamour, go with a gorgeous formal dress. Our favorites include halters, satins, even a retro look. Start shopping now!
• 10 Party 'Musts'
  Stock up on party basics and you'll always be ready for a last-minute special occasion. Stick with basics -- the little black dress, a perfect evening clutch -- and you'll get mileage out of these festive pieces for years to come. Find our Top 10 party essentials here!
• Formal Dresses Under $100
  Get a great designer look for your special occasion, for less than $100.
• What to Wear with Your Formal Dress
  You've found the perfect formal dress for your special occasion. Now it's time to add earrings, bracelets, shoes and necklaces to complete the look. Get inspiration with our step-by-step photo gallery of formal accessories.

Holiday Shopping Help

• Gift Guide
  Find great fashion gifts for every woman on your list.
• How to Shop in a Hurry
  Navigate the aisles in a flash with these insider tips to shopping for apparel in a hurry.
• No Time to Shop? 6 Alternatives
  No time to shop? Whether you're a busy exec or a tired-out mom, you can learn how to shop faster (and smarter) to pull together a great look in less time.