Party Perfect

No one wants to be the girl wearing denim at a party full of nothing but cocktail gowns. Likewise, there's nothing glamorous about donning a formal gown when the host arrives in a pencil skirt. To ensure you don't underdress or overdress this holiday season, we've broken down each party dress code. Now, as the invitations pile up, you have one less thing to worry about. Joanne Stoner, founder and CEO of eDressMe.com, offers suggestions on dress lengths, fabrics and styles for every holiday party out there.

FANCY FORMALITIES (PICTURED ON PAGE 9)

You can't overdress when the invitation calls for formal attire. From head-to-toe, every element of your formal look should carry a tone that simply wouldn't fly anywhere else. Pull out all the stops here, beginning with the gown. "Make it a long gown with a little train dragging behind you," Stoner said. "It makes it slightly dressier with a touch of glam." Plus, a gown with a train works exclusively in a formal setting. It tells the host you put as much consideration into dressing for her soiree as she did planning it.

Extra touches: Dust off the fur stole, slide on the opera-length gloves and slip into jewel-encrusted sandals. If in doubt, ask yourself if the item in question appears suitable to step out of a limousine in.

TIE ONE ON

To distinguish the difference between formal and black tie dress codes, simply think of the Oscars vs. the Golden Globes. The latter is actually just the former after a stiff martini. That said, don't get too carried away; it's still just a tier above cocktail dress. "Short dresses are more appropriate now (for black tie), but the most accepted is still a long gown," Stoner said. To shake things up, try a metallic gown or a festive color such as Christmas red, emerald green or winter white.

Extra touches: Drop earrings and a solid gold or silver cuff add a bit of flair, but maintain the black tie tone. Deck your look with metallic shoes for a touch of festivity.

COCKTAILS, ANYONE?

Feel free to let your personal style shine bright when you see this invitation. "This category is really wide open," Stoner said. "You can do a sexy dress, a party dress, just make sure it's short." Stoner advises against even tea-length dresses, noting recent trends have the hem hitting the knees and just above them. For a real of-the-moment look, opt for sequins. Whether on a strapless, sleeveless, mini or trapeze silhouette, sequins will pack just the right punch.

Extra touches: A mid-size clutch tucked under your arm and larger-than-life cocktail ring will let you and your gin and tonic work the room in style.

CODE CASUAL

When you see the word casual on an invite, keep in mind you're still attending a holiday party. "A lot of looks will work, but the main thing to opt for is something that still looks special," Stoner said. The dress specialist recommends a jersey knit dress with a graphic print or a long tunic with leggings underneath. Interesting sleeves -- trumpet, bell, leg o' mutton -- and scoop necklines charm under the mistletoe.

Extra touches: Wedge boots and a chain necklace say casual but not too casual. A scarf you can wear indoors will keep you cozy and look chic.

Contact fashion reporter Xazmin Garza at xgarza@reviewjournal.com or (702) 383-0477.

where's the party?

If an invitation doesn't specify a dress code, no worries. Simply refer to the location of the party and accompanying details for attire guidelines. Nancy Rosu, local stylist and designer of the Balichi line of clothing, offers a head-to-toe look for three party destinations.

• White elephant party at a friend of a friend's house: You want to stay casual but still make a great first impression on all of the new people you will meet. Try a Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress with some Gucci heels. Add some great bangles and long necklaces to complete your look or to transition this look from office to party.

• Holiday jam, starts at 10 p.m. at Tao: You will feel most comfortable in something you can dance in. Try tall Jimmy Choo boots and a dress that has a shorter hem and lower cut neckline than you would normally wear -- perhaps Just Cavalli. Don't forget your metallic clutch and lots of diamonds to make your outfit look more festive.

• Company party, ballroom of the Four Seasons: You will leave a lasting impression on your colleagues with a long gown and a more formal heel. Try a long Carmen Marc Valvo gown and your strappy Christian Louboutin heels. Sprinkle on some dangling earrings, a great bracelet and a sparkly cocktail ring (or two) and you are set. Don't forget your Judith Leiber clutch.

ho ho horrible

1. Leave the holiday decorated sweatshirts with your Aunt Shirley. Do not wear them no matter how cute you think they are. If you must wear something with a holiday decoration on it, let it be your panties so no one else has to see them (please do not show them to anyone).

2. Do not wear any jewelry inspired from the "Mrs. Claus North Pole" collection. If you see your reflection in the mirror and it includes a couple of snowmen dangling from your ear lobes, you need an intervention.

3. Lastly, regardless of how tempted you are or who else may be doing it, please do not don the reindeer antlers or Santa hat ... regardless of what you think or what others tell you, you are not cute.