I recently had a fun holiday themed photo shoot with Blair O’Halloran from Toronto Independent Fashion Scene (tifscene.com) and it forced me to think about what I’d be wearing this year. With holiday parties now in full swing, you may have already been to one, or two or three. Or maybe your party circuit has yet to begin.

Whether you’re running out of ideas or have left choosing your looks to the eleventh hour, here are some last minute holiday party outfit ideas that I’ve compiled (using some shots from my shoot as inspiration).

1. Throw on a Fabulous Skirt

If there’s one thing I know about putting an outfit together, it’s that once you have a fabulous piece, the rest is easy.

If you’re going to wear a skirt to your next party, why not choose one that makes a statement. Look for a skirt with bold colours or patterns or great texture. Choose one that’s sleek (like pencil skirt), voluminous (like a gathered or pleated skirt) or one that’s somewhere in between (like a tulip skirt).

Whichever you choose, make sure it’s the main focus of your outfit and keep everything else subtle.

2. Add Some Sparkle

Nothing says Holiday Party like a little sparkle. The great thing about wearing something with a little shine or shimmer, is that you can keep your outfit pretty simple – the sparkle does all the work.

If you don’t like the idea of wearing something sequined or bejeweled, choose accessories with a little glimmer. Grab a sequined clutch, throw on a pair of dazzling shoes or opt for a glittery scarf, necklace or earrings.

Just remember to keep your sparkle to a minimum. In this case, a little definitely goes a long way.

3. Amp Up Your LBD

A good basic LBD (Little Black Dress), like a shift, is great to have on hand for a multitude of occasions. But when it comes to holiday parties, it’s nice to amp it up a bit.

This year, why not choose an LBD with a little somethin’ somethin’. Perhaps it has a plunging neckline, or a cut-out or two. Maybe it’s strapless, has a high slit or has only one shoulder. Or maybe, like mine, it exposes a bit of your back.

Whichever you decide to wear, make sure the occasion calls for it and that you’re not exposing more of yourself than you should.

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Most importantly, no matter what you wear this holiday season, make sure to choose something that makes you feel fabulous. Happy Holidays!