By Stacia Kindler

The holiday season is upon us, and as you might have guessed, stores are packed with glitzy garments for every holiday-crazed socialite. However, a foolproof ensemble might be easier said than done, as you scramble to fit shopping for yourself into your busier-than-ever schedule. The key is to keep calm and keep in mind a few of these rules.

Do: Play with texture
Dressing for the holidays is all about texture! Luxurious fabrics such as velvet, fur, tweed and heavy knits are a must for a chic, yet cozy, holiday look. Paired with other tactile holiday-friendly fabrics, such as all-over lace or sequin pieces and silks, texture is a foolproof recipe for a holiday look that is sure to please. Whether paired with a common fabric or mixed and matched together, glorious texture is one thing that will get us through the bitter temperatures.

Don’t: Overdo it
A lot of stores start to look a little crafty around this time of year ~ don’t fall for it. Too much of anything might start to look a little overdone, especially garments decorated with embellishments such as loose glitter and rhinestones. If you must get your hands on a sparkle-crazy item, do it with accessories. A belt, bag or shoes should be just enough to get the shiny holiday message across without blending in with the decor.

Do: Break the LBD mold
The little black dress is without question an item every woman should have in her wardrobe. For the sake of holiday cheer, however, opt for reds or nudes for your holiday attire to really make your outfit pop with a lighthearted holiday change of pace.

Don’t: Underestimate party pants
Most girls are on the hunt for the perfect holiday dress this time of year and can easily get stressed when slimmer pickings don’t fulfill their high hopes. So if the dresses in your favorite stores aren’t doing it for you this holiday season, turn to the next biggest trend. Constructed of rich brocade and jacquard fabrics or embellished with shiny prints or lace, trousers are trendier and more perfect than ever for your holiday soiree. Pair them with a simple tunic and blazer for a great holiday outfit.

Do: Winter whites
White is unsurprisingly the go-to color this winter and a super-festive way to stand out among the black suits. Avoid looking costumey with modern shapes and trendy pieces, such as a classic sheath paired with a modern moto jacket. Just be sure to keep your colors crisp at the dinner table.

Don’t: Show too much skin
Intentionally or not, it happens every year ~ avoid being “that girl” by keeping it classy and choosing pieces with the right fit and tailoring and pairing them with the appropriate accessories. A mini dress will do fine paired with the right tights, but pump the breaks when it comes to a too-low neckline. After all, the holidays are a time for fun with family and friends, so don’t get caught looking like you’re ready for spring break.

Do: Use hair accessories
A great and simple way to stay festive without overdoing it over the holidays are statement hair accessories. Headbands, especially, are becoming more embellished than ever with something for everyone. Whether worn flat across the forehead or classically, a statement headpiece is a no-fuss way to spice it up for a last-minute get-together.