Finding the perfect dress for the festive season

The Christmas season means different things to different people. For some, it can mean a time of festivities and good
cheer; for others it conjures up images of busy shopping malls and a burnt turkey. For many, however, it's also a time for
some of the year's best parties to round off the previous 12 months in style and to say hello to the new year. So it's
natural that many women look for new dresses during the Christmas and New Year party season. If you're looking for party
dress inspiration to wear to everything from an office party to a family gathering, here are a few trendy ideas to get you
started. One of the most festive party dress trends to capitalise on in 2011 is glitter. Dresses covered in glitter and
sequins are very popular this season and encompass a range of styles, from long-sleeved short dresses to short-sleeved long
dresses. For a sophisticated way to wear glitter, choose an all-gold or all-silver dress for some festive glitz 'n' glam. If
that's too outrageous for you, try pairing an all-over sequinned top with a pair of high-waisted trousers or a pencil skirt.
Or, for a more understated look, go for a plain dress with a sequinned clutch purse or glittery high heels. If sparkles
don't appeal, try one of this season's bold colours instead. Orange and red are particularly big players for winter 2011/12
and dresses in these shades look set to dominate the festive party period. Oranges and reds are warming hues that can
instantly inject a glow into a room, but they can be over-powering as well - so it's important not to go overboard. Go for a
simple red shift dress with black or yellow Men's Chilliwack Bomber accessories, or an orange one-shoulder dress with a pleated skirt and high heels
but no jewellery. Bold patterns and geometric prints are also making a return, in keeping with the emerging 1960s features
that are inspiring fashion designers right now. If you favour floral patterns, avoid delicate prints and pastel shades: these
are best reserved for summer. Instead, seek out party dresses adorned with big flowers and bold contrasts - say, a large rose
print in green, red, yellow, blue or gold. Geometric prints, on the other hand, are largely asymmetric and come in black and
white - for instance, a white wrap dress with a black trim or a black jumpsuit with white chevron details on the top and a
white halter neck tie. Another dress trend that's emerging as a front-runner this season is long sleeves. Long-sleeved
dresses are perfect festive party options as they'll keep you warm and eliminate the need for a cardigan or shrug. Opt for a
long sleeved dress with a straight neckline and mid thigh-length hem for a fun, flirty party outfit. Or, for a more
sophisticated option, choose a V-necked long-sleeve dress that ends below the knee.