The festive season has a habit of sneaking up on us out of nowhere. Even if you're a devoted minimalist, who only dresses in ruthlessly curated neutrals for the other 11 months of the year, all bets are off in December. It's a time when it suddenly becomes both socially and sartorially acceptable to wear as much festive sparkle as you can manage (with a bit of extra tinsel thrown in for good measure).

Trends of the season

A new year definitely calls for hot new looks. Asymmetric silhouettes in bold bright colours are all the rage. Well-placed cutouts are the perfect way to flaunt a little skin while keeping it classy. Another trend that's back with a bang is fluid drapes in gorgeous metallics. Chainmail, crystal mesh and full-look sequins in shades of dull silver, nude gold and of course, our all time favourite black, makes for the perfect fuss-free party outfit. Also consider hues like crimson, garnet, shades of rust orange and yellow.

Full-length dresses with delicate peekaboo sheers and a smattering of tone-on-tone embellishment is a look that transcends any age or occasion. The off-shoulder trend has certainly made its way to the Indian wear staples from sari blouses to crop tops with lehengas and high-waisted skirts; its here to stay this wedding and party season. Gorgeous printed separates; perfectly oversized shirts paired with a flowy knife-pleat skirt or shorts are also a great look. Lastly, an absolute must have this season is a statement pantsuit. Keep it sexy or keep it casual but definitely keep one in your wardrobe.

Dos & dont's

Is my dress too short? Should I add a blazer? Are my earrings a bit much? Am I overdressed? These are just some of the questions that run through our mind when we're getting ready for the party season. It should be that time of the year you look forward to for months - but it surprises us with 'wardrobe stress'. Here are a few rules to follow:
* Try vertical stripes
* Dress for comfort
* Mix and match evening wear with denim
* Pair neutral-coloured basics with printed tops or vice versa

Here are the things to avoid:
* Too much colour blocking
* Too much skin show
* Over-the-top accessories
* Animal prints
* Tight outfits

Accessorising your look

Accessorising has certainly come a long way since matchy-match details reigned supreme. While clothes themselves are the first thing one notices, it's the accessories that can really steal the show and take an outfit from good to unforgettable. From vintage specs, statement necklaces to the practical and popular belt bags, there is a lot to choose from. If you are minimal dresser in a monotone outfit; spruce it up with a pair of oversized hoop earrings, throw on a military chic cross body bag and add a little whimsy by slipping on some furry footwear and you are good to go.
Layering delicate, smaller pieces of jewellery is another great way to take your look from drab to fab. Minimal multi-length gold chains paired with a statement choker, worn over a cami top and an oversized jacket for the night or a breezy shirt dress in the day makes for a perfect party look.

Chunky or shoulder-length earrings is my favourite go-to accessory. There are so many options from tassels, chunky silver to the classics like the over-the-top chandelier earrings. Pairing your look with knee-high boots, boyfriend watches, oversized vintage specs are also a great way to give your style that added edge. Gold is clearly a winning colour when it comes to footwear this season. Heels, boots, loafers and sneakers all appear in the metallic hue.

Persona matters

Trends change fast, and it's not always easy to know how to adapt them for our unique and beautiful body shapes. It can get really difficult to shop for your body types. The key is to understand not just what style suits your personality, but also what fabric suits your body.

Whether you are tall or short, if you are curvy with a tiny waist, your goal is to highlight your curves and not hide them. Crop tops, wrap dresses and fitted pencil skirts work beautifully. Off-shoulder outfits and shift dresses work really well for women who have a heavier upper body. Avoid large prints since they will over emphasise every area; instead opt for prints that are smaller and more detailed. If the widest part of your body is around your hips, try a fit-and-flare dress, highlighting your slimmer upper body. Embellished tops with boot-cut pants or an A-line skirt also make for a perfect complementary look.

If you are petite but love loose fits, define your waist and add some shape with a funky belt, be it a shirt or a dress. Find clothes that give you the illusion of height like vertical stripes or monochrome outfits. Layer your upper body with delicate ruffled tops or a closed-neck crop and pair them with high-waist pants or short skirts.

Party wear has the capacity to enhance our mood and our mindset. Call it a holiday miracle, but a swish of sequins can alter the very way we carry and present ourselves.