Of course, you probably don't have the budget of your favorite stars, but that doesn't mean that you can't follow their fashion examples concerning holiday dressing.  From full skirts to leather and a departure from the Little Black Dress, celebrities often represent the leading edge where fashion is concerned. Take a cue from your favorite stars to shine at your next holiday gathering!

Invest in a Good Coat

Of course, partying during the holidays doesn't mean that you have to shiver. Invest in party-worthy outerwear, including winter coats, elegant leather gloves and a scarf in smooth cashmere. You will look great as you travel on your way to your holiday events, and make a grand entrance even before showing off your holiday ensemble.

Fitted Tops and Full Skirts

Maybe your bottom half is just a bit hippy. Or perhaps you've been overindulging in holiday treats continuously since Halloween. No worries. You can hide all your figure and dietary sins in a festive long or short dress with a fitted top and a long skirt. The fitted top and full skirt look allows you to show off pretty shoulders or a sexy décolletage and no one will ever know that you're hiding anything.

Daring Leather and Animal Prints

Sure, the Little Black Dress is foolproof and nearly every woman has (or should have) at least one, if not several. But if you're feeling a bit edgy and daring, try an animal print or leather ensemble. If you're not daring enough to have an entire leather or animal print ensemble, try an animal print or leather accessory, like a wrap or a purse. You might just bring out a bit of the beast in that very special someone.

Show Some Skin

Yes, it IS cold outside, but remember, this is a party. Especially if you are going straight from your heated flat or house directly into a heated car or taxi and proceeding to a party scene that may be overheated with all those bodies jammed together, there is no excuse for a head-to-toe cover up. Whether you go for a short skirt, a plunging neckline or a bare back, you must show some skin. Cover up with a coat when you're outside if you must, but once you are indoors, you have no excuse.

White Is the New Black

You can't go to a party without swimming in a sea of Little Black Dresses. Lately, Little Red Dresses and even Little Gold Dresses have begun to make an appearance. However, if you really want to stand out, white is the new black. Especially for daytime affairs, a Little White Dress allows you to look sexy without seeming like you're trying too hard.

Go for the Menswear Look

If it is simply too cold outside for a dress of any type, you can still look elegant at your next holiday event without risking frostbite. Go for the menswear look with a festive shimmery top matched with a tailored silk or velvet jackets and slacks. Finish the look with plain pumps or ballet flats in black or gold. You will be party-ready and elegant while keeping your arms and legs covered.

The Right Accessories Matter

You wouldn't think of lugging around a backpack instead of a purse as part of your holiday party ensemble. The accessories that you carry and wear can make or break your outfit, so it is worth your while to make the effort to choose the right accessories. A shimmery gold clutch or an elegant black shoulder bag matches nearly every ensemble. Your jewelry should highlight your outfit and your best features without overpowering the whole works. Even if you are wearing an overcoat, a wrap to protect your arms against the chill makes an elegant touch.

Take Care With Your 'Do

Whether your hair is short or long, your holiday hairdo should reflect the level of formality of your outfit. Splurge on a salon blowout or a full-fledged cut and style. For formal occasions such as evening dinner parties, a slick updo is appropriate. For more laid back affairs, loose waves or curls are sexy and touchable. Hair accessories such as tiaras or hair jewels add an extra touch of elegance.