T'is the season when everyone gets to dress up for holiday parties.  I'm definitely of the opinion that looking glam always makes the holidays so much merrier!  The catch is that it is not always easy to decode what to wear.  Invitations can give you a hint, but sometimes you're just plain stumped.

Take these sticky social situations:

• a Texas hostess asks her guests to wear "high black tie."  (Is there a "low black tie"?)
• a New York event calls for "international" dress code. (Is there a "domestic" code?)
• a company summer party that requested "dressy resort casual". (Is there a an "informal dressy resort casual?")

It all gets so confusing so fast.  In an attempt to help you crack the holiday dress up code I've created some very simple tips.  These will clear up your tough decision of what to wear - and what not to wear -  this time of year. Remember, the worst fashion flub  you can commit is to show up at the celebration over dressed.   And who wants to risk getting the fashion police called into a holiday party.  When in doubt, it is always best to under dress.  Go for the favorite Little Black Dress in your closet.  You can be confident you will still be dressed appropriately! White Tie:  You can't get any dressier! This the ultimate in formal attire. You'll want to wear a long formal dress.  Despite its name, you don't have to wear a white gown. You can go with any color that flatters your hair and complexion. Your look should be elegant and classy. Less is best.  If your evening gown has a fancy neckline, skip the necklace and stick with earrings and a bracelet.  For a finishing touch, add opera length evening gloves, and if you're comfortable, throw on a fur coat!  Look for the men to be in white bow tie and tuxedo jacket with tails. Black Tie:  A formal affair! Just a notch below white tie, a black tie event is still formal but less upscale than it's White Tie cousin.  You can count on seeing a mix of dress styles.  Some women will opt for long formal gowns.  Others dressy cocktail dresses.  Either are acceptable!  True formal events, weddings, opening night at the opera, a state or military balls, don't come that often.  But when they do, you don't just want to dress correctly you want to be glamorous!  It's sure to make celebration more fun !  If the invite reads, "Black Tie Optional", you're totally appropriate wearing a cocktail dress with evening accessories that dazzle. Cocktail:  Toast your look! Make this simple.  The little black dress was born to wear to a cocktail party. You can never - ever - go wrong.  Or go the other end of the color spectrum.  Invest a  Little Red Dress.  This color is provocative and screams holiday.  Pair it with silver accessories, rather than gold - too Christmas?  Or dress it down for an edgier look with black booties and black tights.  (This is a great look to take you from day to dinner if you don't have time to change before the party!) Dressy Casual:  Fun and fancy! Here's where the rules get a little looser.  Pants, skirts and even jeans.  Make sure if you go the denim route the pair you wear is clean and pressed.  Dark denim looks dressier than a light denim, especially if it almost passes for black.   Pair your dark pants, skirts or jeans with a dressy top in a bold color for a real pop.  Play with tops in feminine fabrics like lace for a pretty, soft look.  Stick with a V-neck top if you want to draw attention away from big hips.  Add a great pair of boots, polished of course, to complete the holiday look. Still worried what to wear to the company holiday party.  Can't decide whether to be naughty or nice?  Read my holiday dress up tips. You'll be sure to impress the boss and friends!