Issue date: 12/1/08 Section: Entertainment

This holiday season, do not get caught wearing that tacky sweater. Being in the spirit means being festive, having fun and dressing up. Continue reading for advice on men and women's styling guide for this holiday season.

Ladies first. This season's basic colors to wear are black and white together, or, black and white worn individually. Silk materials, ruffles and lacy, beaded or sweater dresses are some of the other basics of what is in. Fashion expert Suze Yalof Schwartz, from Elle, advises women to wear the "swingy skirt". This skirt is sleek around the waist and fuller through the hips and thighs. She says that this skirt not only looks good but is perfect, allowing space for dancing and eating. This skirt is available at H&M for $25.

A sexy, masculine/feminine party look is a black pant suit worn with a fitted jacket, as seen in Elle magazine. Strappy, satin heels or ankle boots go well with either suit or dress. If wearing a dress, wear black or opaque tights with strappy heels. Or lose the tights and go bare-skinned and make sure to properly exfoliate and moisturize.

To accessorize these dazzling outfits, adorn them with big, chunky jewelry and carry a studded clutch purse. Keep warm and still look well, put-together with a fitted black suit jacket or a real/faux fur.

One word describes the look for men this season: gentlemen. A tuxedo or suit for the holidays is sharp. If this is too serious of a look, down-play it by wearing a pair of clean Converse sneakers. Or wear a suit, with dressy shoes but without a tie, and unbutton a few buttons at the top, for an after-party look. This care-free, dressy look is quite sexy and at the same time has a very approachable feel towards it. GQ magazine has buying and wearing a tuxedo, or suit, down to a science. Pick up a copy of their December issue or got to GQ.com for more information. Also, check out the clothing line Dillard's at Dillards.com. Their current advertising campaign is "Dillard's The Style of Christmas".

If people must be faithful to the sweater look, shop at the GAP Their selection of seasonal sweaters for both men and women is bearable without being tacky. Their sweaters run anywhere between $44-$68 and $138.

The holidays mean more than putting on tasteless outfits that the family is too nice to say looks horrible. Celebrate the holidays in style with these simple tips. It might earn an extra trip under the mistletoe.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools