1. Wearing Too Much Glitz
   Beading, metallic and shimmer are all fine for the holidays. In fact, most women wait until a good party to break out all of the glitzy finery. But too much shine can overwhelm anyone, especially if you wear it in areas that you don’t necessarily want to highlight (like a beaded chest sweater for a busty gal).
   Find out how to wear glitz right: How to Wear Embellishment.
2. Showing Too Much Skin
   Thigh-high miniskirts and cut-to-the-navel dresses may look great on the runway, but in reality they are almost impossible to carry off. Not only is it possible to dress sexy while leaving lots to the imagination, it’s also the best way to look your prettiest for the holidays. The secret here is to accentuate your best features with a suggestion: a lace trimmed camisole under a blazer hints at great cleavage, a small slit on a skirt gives a glimpse at gorgeous legs, a halter dress shows off toned arms.
   More ideas: Dress Sexy, Not Sleazy
3. Getting Caught With Nothing to Wear
   Nothing is worse than being invited to a fabulous party and having nothing to wear. By keeping a few dressy basics in your closet you can always be prepared for last-minute invitations. You can even re-wear the items and make them look totally different just with accessories.
   Find your holiday basics: 10 Party Musts
4. Making It Too Complicated
   No wonder women approach the holidays with dread: trying to coordinate outfits, gifts, travel and parties can overload even the most organized woman.
   Instead of trying to match up dressy separates, try a little black dress this season. Not only is it universally flattering, it will take you to almost any event in style. Just add accessories and you’re set.
   Shop now: Little Black Dresses
5. Being Under or Over Dressed
   You show up in jeans, everyone else wears velvet; you wear a long dress and others wear business clothes. You’re not alone if you have trouble deciphering dress codes on a party invitation: most people get confused by designations as ambiguous as “Dressy Casual” or “Cocktail Attire.” A few dressy items span several categories — such as the little black dress for her or dark suit for him — both of which can attend everything from semi-formal to cocktail parties.

Do’s and Don’ts for Her

• Don’t wear white because it competes with the bride. There are plenty of other colors available.
• Don’t wear black or sequins during the daytime.
• Don’t worry about wearing the same colors as the bridesmaids or mothers. You can’t possibly coordinate with everyone in the wedding party.
• Do wear something feminine and appropriate, out of respect for your hosts. Clubwear, overtly sexy clothing (strapless, see-through, etc) doesn’t belong at a wedding. If you have to ask if it’s appropriate, it probably isn’t.
• Don’t wear opera-length gloves (to top of arm) with anything but sleeveless or strapless gowns.
• Do take off gloves to eat or drink.
• Do use good judgment if the invitation doesn’t specify the formality of the event. A pastel suit or soft floral dress for daytime or a little black dress for evening (after 6 p.m.) will take you almost anywhere.

Wedding Style for Him

• Informal Daytime: Dress shirt and pants, preferably a sports jacket.
• Informal Evening: Suit
• Semi-Formal Daytime: Suit
• Semi-Formal Evening: Dark suit
• Formal Daytime: Dark suit and tie
• Formal Evening: Tuxedo (if invitation states “black tie”) or dark suits if women wear short dresses.
• Ultra-formal Evening or White Tie: White tie, vest and shirt.

Do’s and Don’ts for Him

• Don’t try to get cute with a tuxedo. A black tux with white shirt and black bow tie is the best way to go. If “Creative Black Tie” or “Texas Formal” or some sort of other vague formal description is used, then going with a tux and black shirt, no tie, might be acceptable. Also, trendier cities like Los Angeles and New York might be more accepting of breaking with tradition.
• Do wear a dark suit, with a tie if the wedding is after 6 PM, and doesn’t say “Black Tie.”
• Don’t wear a tuxedo during the day time, regardless of the formality of the event.
• Do use good judgment if the invitation doesn’t specify the formality of the event. A dark suit and conservative tie will take you just about anywhere.