'Tis the season of parties and festive dinners. Whether you're looking for a new outfit or want to spice up something already in your closet, here's how to add a little sparkle to your style and choose the best looks to flatter your figure.

• Classic shapes give you the most options year after year. Choose pieces in rich fabrics: an A-line dress in soft velvet, a blouse or sleeveless top in satin, a V-neck sweater in lush chenille. Deep shades of plum, wine, bottle green, or navy add to the feeling of luxury.

• Look for a simple style  -- like the little black dress  -- for an always-right look. In recent winters, the "new black" was gray, in shades from charcoal to steel. Not only is gray sophisticated, its darker tones can also streamline a postbaby figure.

• Opt for body-loving silhouettes Dresses and skirts in an A-line shape skim over tummy and thighs. So does an empire-waist dress or swing top, making this a good choice for early pregnancy.

• Use sparkle sparingly Wherever there's beading and sequins, there's extra emphasis  -- too much dazzle can visually add pounds. Instead, look for pieces with embellishment just at the neckline, on the cuffs, or at the waist.

• Go bare at the neckline for a more formal affair. Spaghetti straps and V-neck and boat-neck styles highlight glowing skin and draw eyes toward the face. If you prefer more coverage, add a sheer blouse or a cardigan-style top.

• Maxi-mize your shape An elegant ankle-skimming skirt in a column or moderate A-line style is one of the season's hottest pieces  -- and it creates a slim line too. Pair it with a sleek shell, a fitted velvet turtleneck, or a tunic in a fine-gauge knit to further the lean effect. For ease of movement, look for a skirt in a stretchable fabric that's slit up the back. Avoid gathered or full styles in this length  -- they'll make you look heavier.

• Wear pants Flowing wide-leg trousers, drawstring pants, and cigarette pants are both chic and comfortable. Pair flowing or wide-leg styles with a fitted top, and slimmer pants with a tunic-style top.

• Save time and hassle Shop by mail or via the Internet. Catalogs like Pitterpat, Japanese Weekend, and L'Attesa offer high-class, wearable maternity clothes for evening. Some of L'Attesa's evening wear is even available to rent. It's not cheap, but if you're planning to wear this outfit only once or twice, it's a good alternative to buying.

Jazzing Up the Basics

Take a simple dress or pants outfit from day to night

• Tie one on Scarves in velvet, satin, silk, or with beaded trim capture the holiday spirit perfectly. Look for dramatic colors like garnet, silver, and gold. Knot a small square around your neck, drape a large square over shoulders, or tuck a long oblong inside a jacket in place of a blouse.

• Flash your jewelry A plain dress provides the perfect backdrop for sparkling and colorful necklaces, earrings, or bracelets. Multistrand chokers  -- try faux pearls or metallic beads  -- are elegant and short enough that they won't dangle their way into little hands. Don't overload: A dazzling necklace only needs tiny hoops or stud earrings.

• Carry a bag with brio, like a beaded clutch in a bright color or with a metallic sheen. Or add whimsy with an animal print.

• Step out in ultra-sheer hose and dressy shoes. Low Sabrina heels, T-straps, and ballet flats with round toes are stylish  -- and comfortable  -- choices.

• Add allure  -- and stay warm  -- with a silk-knit or angora cardigan, or one that's beaded or trimmed in faux fur at collar and cuffs.

Sparkling smile trick

An easy, inexpensive way to make your teeth look brighter: Choose the right shade of lipstick. Downplay yellow or brown staining by switching to a cool, blue undertone, says New York City-based makeup artist Laura Mercier. Good bets: Merle Norman Luxiva Ultra Lipcolor in Ravishing Red or Sally's Hansen Thunderstorm Creme. If your teeth have a gray cast, opt for color with a warm, brown undertone, such as Rich Cordovan from Sears Circle of Beauty or L'Oreal's new Rouge Virtuale Longwearing Lipcolour in Matte Soleil.

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