Photo by ...love Maegan via Flickr

by guest author Mack Hamilton

Holiday party season is nearly upon us. With classic holiday options and new trends to try, it has never been easier to join the festivities in style. To snatch the best deals on the trendiest looks for winter, shop Black Friday. According to the National Retail Federation, a record 247 million shoppers visited popular stores like JC Penney on Thanksgiving weekend to take advantage of sales on clothing, accessories and other goodies. Keep a look out for holiday attire to ring in the New Year.

Fringe continues to be a go-to look after making multiple appearances on the spring 2013 runways. This edgy, boho embellishment has been added to everything from dresses and handbags, to jackets and necklaces. Go daytime casual with a fringe top paired with your most comfortable jeans, and accessorized with an adorned bangle bracelet.

Low Heel

Photo by Bess Georgette via Flickr

Low heels are both comfortable and practical, the perfect everyday footwear solution. Choose a stylish low heel measuring one to two inches. Opt for a sexy sling-back, sleek kitten heels in a brocade finish, or a classic nude pump. Wearing a low heel is also healthier for the body. According to the American Osteopathic Association, extended wearing of high heels can cause the toes to bend in unnatural positions and can even lead to irreversible damage to leg tendons. The AOA recommends flats or shoes with a heel of less than an inch-and-a-half.

Turtlenecks

Photo by fervent-adepte-de-la-mode via Flickr

Don’t overlook this winter staple just yet. The turtleneck look remains practical and warm for chilly weather. To pull off this look, opt for a fine-knit turtleneck and wear it under a jacket. Avoid chunky knits if you’re curvy to ward off unwanted bulk. Wear the turtleneck with a necklace worn over the roll.

Mini Bag

Photo by hanspetermeyer.ca via Flickr

While the new “it” bags may be barely big enough to carry your iPhone, that didn’t stop mini bags from becoming the next big thing. These small and stylish accessories are fun to carry for work, holiday parties, or just around town to carry your essentials. Cross-body bags, clutches and shrunken versions of popular full-size handbags force women to only carry what they really need.

Patent Coat

Photo by ...love Maegan via Flickr

Patent leather is not just for shoes. Glossy patent leather raincoats and knee-length belted jackets are both stylish and figure-flattering. If you decide to go with a patent jacket, opt for a more conservative outfit. Classic-fit jeans look good on almost everyone and work well with classic patent leather jackets. If leather is not your thing, anything with faux fur trim, metallic print or rich jewel tones will also be in-style this winter.

Tartan

Photo by Robert Sheie via Flickr

Tartan, plaid, checkered or whatever you like to call it is back in a big way. This pattern has been seen on a wide range of attire, from cozy jumpers to tailored skirts. Achieve the all-too-cool grunge look with a checkered or plaid shirt layered or tied around the waist. Keep warm with a blanket-like knitted wool or oversized coat in tartan. Even 

head-to-toe plaids

 have been spotted on runways. Don’t be afraid to experiment with print mixing, such as tartan mixed with leopard print. Enjoy the holidays in festive ensembles that reflect your personal style.

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