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maltatoday, SUNDAY, 18 DECEMBER 2016 II Christmas THESE two events, while different in na- ture, both call for your most stylish outfit. So, whether your holiday plans include a formal dinner and rooftop cocktails or a relaxed lunch and a house party, be sure to brush up on these styling tips and outfit ideas this celebratory season. Christmas outfits Christmas is almost here again and with it comes one inevitable question: "What should I wear?" Christmas is an occasion that calls for something extra special. Not only does it need to be befitting of the festive celebration, but it also needs to see you through a full day of gift giving, eating way too much food, and catching up with family members of all ages. For women, one of the easiest ways to do this is by wearing a chic dress with festive accents and accessories. The look is per- fect for all types of Christmas events, from Christmas Eve cocktails to Christmas Day family lunch and even Boxing Day dinner with friends. Simply choose a dress that's classic in style and features a nod to current trends, such as statement sleeves. Then, add in your favourite festive details such as glittering jewellery, pop bag, notes or red, and gold or silver metallic details. It probably seems like the ladies have it easy when a dressy holiday party is on the calendar. "Cocktail dress" covers it for them, but what about men? The ideal would be a sport coat or blazer and trou- sers or jeans with a dress shirt. For your choice of shirt it really depends on what you are going to wear with it, and what your own personal tastes are. The plain options are always going to look smart with a jacket, they'll add a little bit of style when wearing with a knit or cardigan too. If you want to try something a little different, these all over prints with dots, spots or other small patterns really stand out for Christmas. You can tone them down with a cardigan, which will show off just the right amount of the pattern of the shirt or even a nice scarf. It's best to avoid checks as they are most often seen as a casual shirt. New Year's Eve outfits For the majority of us, New Year's Eve is the biggest night of the year. Even if we're not enthusiastic party fans, we still love to go out, have a dance and enjoy the company of close friends as the clock ticks over to the new year. As well as being a whole lot of fun, New Year's Eve is also a great chance to show off your style and get dressed up in some seriously cool threads. No matter if you're heading to a rooftop cocktail party to watch fireworks, having a romantic dinner and drinks with your other half, showing off your killer dance moves at a nightclub, or simply attending a great house party with your squad, New Year's Eve is the time to look your best. While sequins are a common choice for women on the special occasion, you needn't wear them in order to shine. Other textural fabrics, such as lace, velvet, and silk, are all perfect attention-grabbing alternatives. Remember, you want to look chic and a little sexy, so keep your look elegant with excitement in the details. Embrace current trends that continuously go around the fashion cycle, such as femi- nine lace and sexy, androgynous looks. This first outfit option is the epitome of feminine elegance and is perfect for a New Year's Eve spent with your signifi- cant other or closest female friends. A reinterpretation of a New Year's classic, the black dress, this outfit has a traditional feel while staying modern. This second option features a cool, androgynous outfit that's both stylish and comfortable. Contemporary and chic, this look is perfect for ladies hitting up the best bars and cocktail parties this NYE. Who said you need to wear a dress to look attractive? This gorgeous outfit oozes confidence with its powerful look and turns a masculine design into feminine flair. A great mixture of classic pieces, such as black pants and a white blouse, with eye-catching details, such as a navy patterned blazer and court shoes, this op- tion is as on point as an outfit can be. If the event description says "black tie," men should go with a black tuxedo with a formal shirt and sophisticated vest. Then don't skimp on accessories, adding some finishing touches can really make an outfit go from being your average white shirt and black suit to something which stands out. Adding small details can work wonders. This includes a tie or bow tie and pocket square, cufflinks and watches which can all add a little bit of elegance or colour which could set you apart from everyone else. Semi-formal is still formal, but not necessarily the traditional black suit and white shirt combination. Instead, you can play around with your button- up and experiment with patterns and textures, within reason. Festive season: dress to impress The holiday season is one of crazy, festive delight, full of fun events, glamorous parties and family functions, to attend. In all that enthusiastic chaos, two main events stand out as the most prominent of occasions: Christmas and New Year's Eve Brushing up on your styling tips and outfit ideas this festive season