Fashion picks for the 2012 holiday season

by Brittany Anas · November 14, 2012

Remember when you were a kid and you had to offer a polite “thank you” when you got clothes as gifts, but really you were hoping for toys? That was back around the same time when you were also forced to take naps.

You’ve grown up and now new dresses are just as exciting as shiny new toys – especially this holiday season. Twinkling sequins are reappearing from last season and elegant fabrics like jacquard and brocade are making special holiday guest appearances on dresses and printed pants.

Holiday parties provide the perfect opportunity to tip-toe out of your style boundaries and try out a dress with ornate details or experiment with elegant accessories.

Party dresses this season are mixing rich, sophisticated winter textures with playful patterns and fabrics like polka dots and tulle.

Want to give it a try, but start subtle? The Carmindy dress is a quintessential holiday dress option from Anthropologie, with its cranberry hues and mixed textures. The Lily Lace dress from Madewell is another option and comes in “fireplace red” or black. Both are classic frocks that incorporate this season’s trends.

Craving something that will stand out more and confuse the flash settings on your camera? We know who you are and we like that you’re never afraid to grab the karaoke mic to belt out a Christmas carol.

Meet the Paillette Flutter Mini Dress, a bit bohemian with unexpected textures or the Sequined, Jacquard Dress that is festive with its blend of gold sequins, metallic threads and an ornate red skirt.

Holiday accessories are meant to shine.

Have fun with some of your accessories. Try out polka dot tights, statement necklaces, patterned headbands or chandelier earrings.

One way to refashion the little black dress in your closet to make it party-ready is to add a pearl collar necklace from Asos. This snowflake pendant from Kohl’s adds a sweet touch to a simple outfit. (Psst, the pendant will be among Kohl’s Black Friday deals, marked down from $100 to $27.49).