Black Elbow Length Bridal gloves (1 Pair). These gloves are a perfect finishing touch to any special occation dress. These gloves are satin and is one size fits all.

• Weddings
• Christmas Party
• New Year's Party
• Black Tie Event
• Cocktail Attire
• Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah

The holiday season is full of social opportunities, from Christmas to New Year's and beyond. But with all these occasions come dress codes—each invitation comes with its own fashion parameters, some of which are harder to crack than The DaVinci Code. While these can be hard to decipher, there are a few hard and fast rules for holiday dress.

How embarrassing would it be to arrive at a party in jeans, only to discover that everyone else is dressed in sparkly holiday duds? When in doubt, err on the side of formality. The worst thing that can happen in this situation is that you will be the best-dressed person in the room. If you feel out of place, simply mention that you have another, more formal engagement later in the evening. You will feel sophisticated, suave and in demand.

As a rule of thumb, a classic pair of black pants or a simple skirt and a dressy and festive shirt paired with a low-heeled simple shoe can take you through an array of engagements, from an office party to a neighborhood tree trimming. But for those with bigger plans this season, the following is a quick guide to decoding those tricky holiday dress codes:

White Tie is the most formal, dressiest occasion. This is the time to pull out the big guns, from heirloom jewels to a fur stole. Think old-fashioned elegance and glamour. Ladies should wear a formal, floor-length evening gown and a sassy pair of stilettos. Gloves are optional. Hair and makeup should be dramatic, but not over the top. Go beyond the everyday wash-and-wear and try an updo; leave long tresses down with soft curls or go sleek straight. Red lipstick and sultry eyes look wonderful at holiday time with a silky dress, high heels and an expert manicure and pedicure. Men have it easier—wear a clean, classic and well-cut tuxedo, a nice pair of polished shoes, and be sure to secure a beautiful date.

The next step on the ladder of formality is Black Tie, a common preference for holiday gatherings. Black Tie is slightly less formal than White Tie, but it is still dressy. Think elegant and polished. Women can wear a long, formal gown or something slightly shorter, but still below the knee. Another recently popular option is a long ball-gown skirt or even ladies' tuxedo pants with a beaded tank, silk shell or cashmere twin-set and fabulous heels. The same hair, makeup and jewelry ideas from White Tie follow through to Black Tie. And follow similar guidelines for Black Tie Optional—the main difference is that men can wear either a tuxedo or a dark suit.

Cocktail Attire, or for this season, Festive Attire, means exactly that. Wear something that makes you happy. Seasonally appropriate colors like red, silver and gold are great for festive occasions. It's fine to wear something you wouldn't normally wear during the year, like sparkly bracelets or a glittery shirt. Throw on a pair of gold heels, or pair a sparkly red turtleneck with a silky skirt. Or opt for something simple like a plain black dress, and dress it up with a beautiful pair of chandelier earrings. Cocktail parties call for knee-length dresses, cigarette pants with a sexy top and evening-appropriate shoes. Hair should be festive and fun, with either an interesting clip or headband, or up in a casual ponytail or twist, and makeup should stay glossy and sexy.

Dressy Casual is less formal, but still stylish. Think of what you would wear to an office party or a simple gathering with friends. Anything goes, within reason. Stay away from jeans and sweat suits, but sweaters, silk blouses, nice pants and casual skirts are all fair game.

These days, some people like to get creative with their invites, coining new phrases like "Creative Black Tie" or "Dress Vogue." When the wording gets creative, so should you. Remember to dress up rather than down, and stay chic and trendy. Look to the red carpet for inspiration—celebrities wearing the latest designers can spark an idea for a holiday party outfit. Go for a fun dress, or match a gorgeous and flowing shirt with sleek pants or a skirt, and add great accessories for a complete look. This time, experiment with hair and makeup. If you're strictly a Chap Stick kind of gal, venture into the land of lip-gloss and body shimmer. If you always go curly, splurge for a professional blowout. 'Tis the season.

THIS GLOVE SELLS FOR OVER $20 AT OTHER WEB SITES AND IN YOUR LOCAL RETAIL STORE