The holidays are a wonderful time of year to gather with family and friends, create new holiday traditions, and create lasting memories. Amidst the cooking, baking, hosting, and decorating, it can be easy to forget that the holidays provide ample opportunities to dress up and incorporate the latest fashion trends. Whether you are attending a black-tie holiday party at work or are simply hosting a potluck dinner in your own home, incorporating one of this year's Christmas party dress trends will have you looking and feeling fabulous all season. Sequined nylon and viscose dresses are everywhere this holiday season. Daring, alluring, and confidence-inducing, these sparkly and shiny numbers are sure to put you in the spotlight at your next holiday gathering. This season's most popular sequined dresses feature long sleeves, wrap-dress styling, and graze the knee. Many designers are offsetting the fitted shapes, bling, and elongated necklines by adding feminine bows, satin belts, t-shirt design elements, and even touches of lace at the hem. Lace dresses have also made a grand return for Christmas. White lace has made a surprising comeback this holiday season. Dainty, supremely feminine, and lady-like, a lace dress is the epitome of timelessness. Contradictory to fitted lace sheath dresses of yesteryear, today's lace dresses often feature a fitted bodice, ballet neckline, and a full blouson hem or A-line shape. These beautiful gowns can easily be paired with chandelier earrings, stiletto heels, and a classic pearl necklace; the look is extravagant and elegant. Bold animal prints and wild graphic floral prints have surprisingly become socially acceptable for holiday party wear in recent years; this season is no exception. Strapless A-line gowns with large watercolor floral prints were seen on several runways for fall and winter. Many designers have re-invented the classic sheath dress by adding bold zebra prints in unsuspecting color schemes such as fuchsia and violet instead of the classic black and white. The classic sheath is also updated by extending the length of the sleeve; vintage sheath dresses typically featured a sleeveless design. This season, many of the best sheaths will feature long three-quarter or full-length sleeves for comfort and added style. Although color-blocking continues to be a big trend in casual wear, footwear, and accessories, designers have steered away from incorporating the color-blocking trend into Christmas party dresses. The holidays are a time of fun, whimsy, and color. Dresses featuring color-blocking tend to be construed as too fussy, structured, and not fit for holiday apparel. Calf-length and knee-length dresses are in; floor-length maxi dresses are also out this holiday season. Whether you choose a bold sequined dress or a classic lace dress this holiday season, selecting the appropriate accessories for each look is the key to looking fabulous and chic. Sparkly head-to-toe sequins look best when paired with a simple pair of diamond or pearl stud earrings. A simple black clutch and pumps in a classic or complementary color will not compete with the dress and will keep the overall look refined. A great sequined dress can quickly go overboard when paired with layers of long necklaces, brightly-colored shoes, and long dangly earrings. If you choose a classic lace dress, add a touch of glamour by sporting a long chandelier earring, red velvet pair of pumps, and a bold cocktail ring for added drama.