Stylists’ party dressing tips

"I love bright colors," says Ilaria Urbinati, who works with Nina Dobrev and Krysten Ritter. "You can't ever go wrong with red, but bright punches of unexpected colors like royal blue, kelly green, fuchsia or orange really stand out too. You wanna get kissed under that mistletoe, so don't cower in the corner in an LBD."

"Skip the office heel and go for adventurous shoes -- details like spikes or cut-outs are always sexy and add a little edge," says Urbinati. "I love me a strappy or pointy shoe, and when in doubt, you can't go wrong with metallics -- they are flattering on the skin and go with almost everything."

"It's no mystery, I always love a little sparkle: sequins, adorned buttons, a low back or an exaggerated shoulder -- anything for an extra dose of glam," says super-stylist Rachel Zoe, who works with Eva Mendes and Jennifer Garner.

When it comes to the perfect holiday ensemble, Zoe "loves mixing textures like sequins with velvet, brocade or leather; there's just something so luxurious and rich about that."

"I think it's really important to feel good and also comfortable in a party look," says Penny Lovell, who dresses Rose Byrne and Mary Elizabeth Winstead. "After all, it's the holidays. You are supposed to look great and, more important, have fun. Make sure your outfit isn't too tight; if need be, buy a dress in a size up and find an inexpensive tailor to alter it for you."

"When looking for a party dress I generally go for simple sleek and flattering shapes with bold colors and or prints," says Lovell. "I like color and print for a holiday dress, also sequins (like Mary Elizabeth's dress which has both print and sequins!). Right now I think a floral dress is very cool for winter."

"If your dress, jewelry and shoes are standout, keep the hair sleek and the make up pretty and not too heavy," says Cher Coulter, who works with Kate Bosworth and Elizabeth Olsen. "If you decide on more understated holiday attire then make a statement with a strong red lip and maybe a more interesting blowout or up-do. The holiday season is no time to be a wallflower."