Holiday Style For All Occasions

THE COCKTAIL PARTY
Spend a lot: If the holidays had a red carpet event, the cocktail party would be it. Consider this your opportunity to pull out all the stops and let yourself shine...literally. This season, designers lit up the runways with shimmering metallics and sparkling sequins, making a sexy sequin frock your number one must-have this year. Combine the bold "look at me" feel of the sequin trend with the laid-back vibe of the new Boho with this gorgeous silver sequin dress by Haute Hippie. $750, available at select Holt Renfrew locations across Canada, www.holtrenfrew.com.

THE COCKTAIL PARTY
Spend a little: If you love this season's luxe sequin look but could do without the luxe price tag, don't despair, there are plenty of inexpensive options that will have you shining just as brightly. In fact, clocking at well under $100, this sexy black number will not only guarantee all eyes are on you, it'll leave enough cash in your wallet for some matching jewelry and accessories to finish off the ensemble. $79.99, available at Winners locations across Canada.

THE OFFICE PARTY
Spend a lot: The challenge when dressing for the holiday office party is mastering the delicate balance between those two seemingly unrelated words: "office" and "party." The key is to wear pieces that can easily take you from day to evening, no matter what the dress code. Play up the festive mood (not to mention the metallics trend) by wearing a silky silver top like this one underneath a blazer or cardigan during the day-just remove the topper after work and you're ready to party. $92, available at Banana Republic locations across Canada.

THE OFFICE PARTY
Spend a little: If just a little shine is all your company can handle, even during the holidays, you can still dress up your regular office attire for the annual party with just a touch of holiday sparkle. Wear a beautiful broach or pendant or trade in your plain old cardigan for a bedazzled (but not too bedazzled) version, such as this tastefully beaded cardigan by cheap chic retailer, Old Navy. $36.50, available at Old Navy locations across Canada.

THE FAMILY DINNER
Spend a lot: The big family dinner is a holiday staple, and though it may not be a formal cocktail party, not even your family wants to see you in sweats at the dinner table. No one expects you to wear the latest Dior but it would be nice to bring a sense of occasion to the evening. A great way to add new elegance to a simple black dress or even just a pair of jeans and a nice top is to accessorize with key pieces of beautiful jewelry, such as this stunning crystal mesh bangle by Swarovski. $420, www.swarovski.com.

THE FAMILY DINNER
Spend a little: The right piece of jewelry can take an outfit from drab to fab. Though pricey crystals and diamonds have become a holiday tradition, you don't have to spend a lot of money to add wow factor to your look. Nor do you have to wear a lot of jewelry to make a statement (leave the over-ornamentation to the Christmas tree); instead focus on finding a single beautiful piece like this elegant multi-strand knot necklace from Winners. $24.99, available at Winners locations across Canada.

CHRISTMAS AT THE CABIN
Spend a lot: If your idea of a holiday party is less cocktails in the dining hall, more eggnog by the fireplace, you'll want to skip the sexy sequin dress and go for a decidedly more cozy look. This year is all about big chunky knits that you can really snuggle into. We've found a sweater that's not only chic and stylish, it's downright patriotic. Show off your Canadian pride at the cabin this season with this lovingly hand-knit cowichan sweater, part of HBC's Olympic collection for the upcoming winter games in Vancouver. $350, available at The Bay locations across Canada.

CHRISTMAS AT THE CABIN
Spend a little: Love the cowichan sweater from the Olympic collection but can't justify the price tag? Well now you can show your Canadian pride and support our athletes at a fraction of the price, thanks to the budget conscious fashion geniuses at HBC. They have also released an almost identical machine-knit version of the hand-knit original. $100, available at The Bay locations across Canada.