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ASOS Finery for the Party Season

I love dressing up for parties, but that doesn't mean I'm not hit with "black tie anxiety" or "semi-formalwear jitters" when it comes to dressing up. With a few fancy dresses in your repertoire, you're going to feel stronger and more powerful than ever--and be able to just possibly "Rock Around the Clock." My top dress-finding tips await! Steal yourself a deal to wear during January and February, because I can think of a party or two I've been to that hits after the holiday season. . . for some reason, they can be a lot more trying after we've dressed up for event upon event. Let's make this easy on ourselves, shall we? Abstract Check Tulip Dress

1. Suit Your Personality: Don't buy a dress, even if it's on sale, if you know that it's going to be a stretch to wear it. Weird plaids, funny prints, and strange little patterns that don't strike you should be put back or zipped [ast. If they don't strike you at first, you'll never be inspired to wear it. As for this plaid above. . . I liked it at first sight!

2. Comfort-- Still Important! Party dresses are not always uncomfortable, even though the ones we usually purchase might be. Do your best to slip into clothes that keep some semblance of daytime comfort, such as a jersey-cotton blend, wide straps, or a perfect knee-length hemline.

3. All-Season Colors Are a Deal: Purple, green, and blue are all examples of colors that we don't pin to a particular season. While that red and green dress might look tempting, it's not a bargain buy if you only wear it once.

Metallic Low-Back

4. Pick the Perfect "Every Dress Shoes": Save yourself time matching with a pair of perfect wedges, shapely heels, or leather pumps. . . and buy them in a color you'll know will match with everything. That doesn't need to be black, either: chocolate brown, deep navy, and grey are all winner, especially when you can simply affix a Shoe Jewel to make them seem different each time!

5. Don't Be a Wilting Party Petal: Wear a dress that'll go the distance, and that you feel comfortable in. To save this season-- since we're all doing our best to stay positive in trying economic times-- buy a dress that you don't have any questions about, that you appreciate wearing and that poses no comfort problems!

6. Trust Your Instincts: Does the dress look too short? Too slippery? Too slinky? It probably is. Move on to something more comfortable, and more wearable!

Pleated Prom

7. Consider the Partner (Just a Bit): A fabulous meeting of the minds... fashion style! If you know your dinner date has a certain fashion flair, try your best to complement it, because it'll make you look better, too. If he wants to wear a white silk scarf, let him--and choose pearls to accent the deal.

8. Know if the Underthings Will Cut It: Bad underwear most often tank the sweetest dress: say no to overspill and invest in a few long-line pieces that will trim and shape with the best of them. I recommend pieces from Connie Elder, who manufactures the only strapless bra I've worn to stay up.

9. Keep Your Eyes Open Post-Purchase! Don't pass up good deals post-holiday just because you have purchased "the" dress of the year. Deals are deals, and if the dress will in more than one season, you are all set!

Holiday Savings for You: Dresses For Every Shape

1. Chic Styled Dress (NY & Co): This holiday dress is soft and pretty, with a hit of shape thanks to a tie-waist style. It's a little bit Grecian in design, but I can totally imagine someone like Padma from Top Chef wearing it with aplomb! Best suited for those with a smaller bust.

2. Isaac Mizrahi Pencil Dress (Target): Simple and classic, this holiday dress will probably find its way back out of your closet to accompany you to special occasion gatherings and possibly dates as well. All you need is a great strapless bra and an amazing pair of pumps to be ready for the night (fine, and some earrings).

3. City Style Strapless Dress: Another strapless beauty, but this time slightly more edgy. A contrast belt in black makes this dress easy to match with staple accessories like a black clutch and bag, and you can skip the necklaces if you like for a cleaner look.

4. Mossimo Black Tie Neck Baby Doll Halter (Target): A sweet look for a younger holiday partygoer, this halterneck dress is available in a vibrant pink color in the Mossimo Black label. Expect high quality and consider this a dress that will make its "cost per wear" very attractive indeed! Soft sheer outer shell is floaty and great for warmer holiday climates.

5. Retro Shirt Dress (Couture Candy): Sometimes you need something a little more "buttoned up" to meet with the in-laws or with your grandparents. This is it-- the red floral is rather festive and the overall look lends itself perfectly to a wrap, cardigan, or cropped jacket.

6. Mossimo Black Smocked Keyhole Dress (Target): A blousy dress can look super-sexy when you pair it with high leather boots, and you can even experiment with patterned tights and old-fashioned hats to set this look apart from others. A waist tie defines and shapes.

7. Goddess Cocktail Dress (Couture Candy): Show off a little cleavage in this shiny halter dress--I recommend Spanx as an underlayer to avoid any strange seaming underneath, and consider the use of some sticky Hollwood Tape to avoid any unwanted bust escapage.

8. Studded Dream Dress (Couture Candy): Love the adorementioned dress by need more edge? This studded dress in turquoise has a tough look and incorporates the same shoulder-baring look as the other, but without coming up and over the neck. Perhaps you should add both to your shopping list?

9. City Style Velvet Dress (NY & Co): Velvet is a holiday classic and one that we love to see in classic shapes. This dress is almost sleveless and has a deep v-shape that's alluring but tasteful.

Shopbop.com for Spring Trends

Shopbop.com has got some great new spring selections in! All of these blue-green colors are looking oh-so-tempting right now, and when I went over there to do a little late-night shopping, I found pieces to fit in with every spring trend under the sun. You'll be very impressed, too-- check out what's current over at Shopbop.com.

When shopping for trends, you can get overwhelmed with what's "in" if you concentrate on separate pieces. Instead of getting bogged down with random jackets and dresses, try to find pieces that you can easily mix in with your current wardrobe, such as tunics that you can pair with jeans or dresses than stand alone with all your favorite pumps.

Bohemian Style

This Yaya Aflalo dress is not for those of us who are afraid of bright colors like pink and purple. You'll be feeling like the star of the show in this vibrant piece, even with a Bohemian vibe that helps set you apart. Solid satin banding is perfect for women with a tiny waist and a bust that they'd like to highlight.

Is sweet and simple more your thing? I fell in love with this Kathleen Tunic from Young Fabulous & Broke. Subtle tie-dye spots go undercover across a crisp white canvas with just a sprinkle of lemon yellow at the upper yoke.

Retro Tones

These DAVIS by Ruthie Davis Ford Peep Toe Pumps fit the spring '70s trend so well. They're high--just right for a miniskirt come nighttime--and they've got a chrome metal two-tone detail that's as unusual as it is stylish. A new must-have.

A Rock n Roll Vest from LaROK is totally tempting. I'd love to see it paired with the non-trad version-- a skirt and a cute top instead of the usual trousers. But you know what else I'd like to see? This vest with a pair of tuxedo trousers. . . uh oh! Maybe I'll need to get two.

Feminine and Romantic Versions

The Diane von Furstenberg Saffy Top is a deliciously feminine confection that you'll fall in love with for spring. I love it when trendy pieces are so attractive and cute. Shopping just gets so much easier. . . I'd wear this with light-colored blue jeans and strappy sandals.

This <Alice and Olivia Pleated Sleeveless Dress might be the last on my list, but it wil just get you started on a Spring/Summer trend search that might lead you to similar sources like Pink Mascara and more. Have a great time getting yourself kitted out for spring. ;)

Great Dress Shapes for Spring

1. Try Them Swingy:
Easy shapes are a cool and simple way to add comfort and style to a spring look. Embrace bodice tops that hug your midsection and flare out against your hips, like a sweet shift from bygone days.

Tip: You can modernize a look like this easily with the right current colors. This season, try unexpected pinks and a cool blue like the featured Stretch Bow Dress above by Jean Paul Galtier.

2. Get Feminine Slim Shapes: Do you feel uncomfortable when you wear slim-fitting dresses? One way to make you feel more at ease is to choose a dress with creative strap lines. Thicker straps allow for layering of shapewear or a comfy bra, so you’ll feel supported and confident when you’re out and about.

3. Slip on Creative New Lines:
Look for pieces that push the boundaries. Are you the type who must wear a cardigan over her dress, or needs to for work? Consider a shaped jacket this spring, possibly in a cropped style to show off that waist! You can also go for slouchier shrugs with kimono or dolman sleeves if you like that look better.

Another option is simple layering for early spring. You can slip on a long-sleeved top under your dress, or buy it already layered for ease, like this Darimeya Layered Sleeve Circle Print Dress, above, from ASOS.com.

4. Find Cool Featured Elements:
Raw silk, painted-on flowers, and drawstring halter necklines are just new ways for you to explore fresh style this spring. From softer silhouettes to the ultra-modern, you’ll see that spring is here and very fashionable indeed.

5. Pocket It:
Dresses with pockets may be unusual, but they’re oh-so-handy. When you slip your hands into roomy pockets that are easily filled with goodies, you’ll be giving yourself a treat—one more way to lighten the load on your purse!

The Vince Painte Brush Shift Dress, features deep, wide pockets that looks right at home. You can stuff your hands into your pockets as you sashay across the parking lot-- how novel--and perhaps even avoid carrying your usual clutch purse.