Style Files: December '09 Women

As temperatures dip to freezing, everyone is bundling up. Just because you're piling on the layers, though, doesn't mean you can't look sexy - the holidays are right around the corner, and this season, there are more different styles than ever to keep you looking hot through the holidays and into the new year! Below, the latest warm weather fashions for winter, as well as sexy party frocks to have you hitting the holiday parties and ringin' in the new year in style!

1) Dresses. Holidays are all about the parties...social gatherings, office parties, family get-togethers, and of course, New Year's Eve shindigs. Look your best in one of the season's hottest dresses; the plethora of different styles this season include frocks that are sequined, sparkled, studded, sheer and more - plenty of sexy styles that'll turn heads and have 'em doing double-takes ;)



Rebecca Taylor Metallic Party Dress, on sale $245 (regular $350) at shopbop.com



Mark + James Sequin Shift Dress, $495, at Neiman Marcus



Sequin Single Strap Dress, $24.80 at Forever 21



bebe Chiffon Bustier Dress, on sale $99 (regular $129) at bebe

2) Outerwear. This winter, several trends prevail in outerwear, which means more stylish choices for you to keep warm in - from knits to capes, to leather and fur, the choices abound, creating many different possible looks for the cold weather season.

a) Leather. This trend in outerwear is tough and sexy, and looks great paired with one of the season's hot sequined dresses or tops. Long or short, cropped or fitted, leather jackets give an extra edge to any outfit.



Nordstrom Truth & Pride Ribbed Inset Leather Jacket, $478, at Nordstrom



Arden B. Crinkle Leatherette (faux leather) Crop Jacket, $68, at Arden B.

b) Knitted coats. Who knew knits could be so fashionable? Knitted coats this season are both funky and stylish, with embellishments such as fur trim, multi-colored patterns, 3/4 length sleeves and flaring silhouettes. Wear yours layered over something short and sweet, or over multiple layers, as shown below on the Missoni runways - either way, it works perfectly from day to night.





Missoni Fall '09/Winter '10

c) Capes, capelets, and cloaks. One of the most elegant trends to come along in outerwear in a long time, capes, capelets and coaks add a stylish and dramatic flair to any outfit. Pair a cloak with a cocktail dress this holiday season to add that extra "Oomph!" to your outfit!



Elizabeth and James City Cape, on sale $486.50 (regular $695) at shopbop.com

d) Fur. Glamorous and elegant, fur is back this season just in time for the holidays. Worn over a short, sexy dress, a fur jacket or bolero gives off the perfect vibe of glamour and sex appeal. If you prefer not to wear the real thing, faux fur is just as nice, coming in waist-length jackets, long coats, and boleros. Give your fur coat even more of an update by belting it.



Fur outerwear on the runway at Richard Chai, Kenzo, and 3.1 Phillip Lim.



Arden B. Faux Fur Asymmetrical Button Jacket, on sale $68.60 (regular $98) at Arden B.



Mango Yeti Coat (faux fur), $279.90 at Mango

3) Patterned or colored tights. The perfect complement to the sexy holiday dresses mentioned above, tights for the Autumn '09/Winter '10 season come in a variety of different patterns and colors, and oftentimes even outshine the outfits they're worn with! Choose from bright colors, lace patterns, colorblocking, stripes, dots, plaids, checks, and so much more. Wear as a statement piece with your work or holiday party outfit.



Blake Lively on the set of Gossip Girl.




















Free People Spin Art Tights, $28 at freepeople.com




















La Fée Verte Colette tight, $40. For stores, visit lafeevertelingerie.com



Diamond Web Tights, $5.80 at Forever 21

4) Accessories. It wouldn't be the perfect holiday party outfit without the right accessories, so don't forget to add the finishing touches to your outfit with a pair of statement earrings, a bold necklace, and/or a matching clutch. The choices below will ensure that you stand out!



bebe Riveted Chainmail Drape Necklace, $59 at bebe

Express Twisted Chain Bauble Necklace, $39.50 at Express

The Limited Chainlink With Crystal Bracelet, $24.50 at The Limited

The Limited Embellished Asymmetrical Flap Bag, $39.50 at The Limited

5) Over-the-knee/thigh-high boots. Extremely sexy and totally eyecatching, over-the-knee boots are back this season, with another more daring incarnation taking the forefront - thigh-high boots. Worn with dresses, skirts, or skinny jeans, thigh-high boots demand to be noticed, and show just enough skin to tease and titillate.

Over-the-knee and thigh-high boots on various designer's Fall runways.



Steve Madden Mackenzie Black Suede Boot, $199.95 at stevemadden.com

Sources:

- millionlooks.com
- stylelist.com