Holiday attire for career women: for the new Black woman - Beauty and Style

GO on and admit it--you've done it a thousand times. Out of the blue you're reminded about the upcoming company party, Christmas bash, high school reunion, black-tie dinner with friends, or the formal event with your scrutinizing in-laws. Mortified, you head to the nearest mall and immediately put out an "All Points Bulletin" for that one outfit that will suit the momentous occasion.

You ask yourself a barrage of questions: Which outfit will make the best transition from the office professional to the off-the-clock party girl? Which outfit will make me look as good as I did last year? Which outfit will make me outshine everyone else?

And before you know it, you've become the diva in distress, caught without the perfect party dress.

But three stylish New York Sisters say there's no need to stress, for finding the perfect holiday attire isn't as hard as you think.

Their advice? Expand on your own sense of style and above all else, dress to thrill but also be comfortable.

Tracey Hughes, an associate product manager of the US Fabric Care division of Colgate-Palmolive Co., describes her style as casual contemporary for the office, and urban chic on the weekend. But when it's time to step out, there are a few items Hughes can't do without.

"I like to make an impression with my party attire by infusing a sense of energy and excitement," she explains. "I definitely try to accentuate my slender body with sexy, form-fitting tops or dresses. My must-have evening accessories include my diamond/platinum earrings and matching pendant, stiletto heels and a silk shoulder wrap for the cooler temperatures." She also enjoys experimenting with rhinestone barrettes, hair clips and silk scarves.

Nadja Payne, special events manager for Macy's department store, says she keeps up with the style trends but doesn't push the envelope too much if it means that her comfort is compromised.

"My everyday style is edgy yet comfortable ... I will not buy shoes that hurt my feet or clothing that does not complement my body type, simply because it's the newest or the latest," she says. "I try to reflect what's new in the fashion world to show that the everyday woman can wear some of the hottest looks out there."

When it's time to party, Payne says she doesn't half-step. "I like to walk into a room and make heads turn," she admits. "Bare legs and stilettos will always make any outfit look sexy, even if it's a basic skirt and top set. Plus, accessories such as hanging earrings and my rhinestone belt that I wrap around my neck like a choker always adds a touch of drama to what I'm wearing."

Music industry maven Audrey Batts White, director of urban marketing for J Records, must attend more parties than the average Sister, so she's a pro at choosing hot looks that are also functional. "My everyday style is casual chic, but I tend to put a sexy spin on just about everything--whether it's tying a shirt at the waist to expose a little midriff during the summer or whether it's living in 3-inch heels to show off my legs," she says. "I learned years ago how to accentuate my positives."

Batts White adds that she doesn't confine her party wardrobe to dresses only.

"The outfit will be dictated by the kind of party I'm attending; but fortunately, I'm just as comfortable in an evening gown as I am in a pair of sexy, low-rise jeans ... with heels, of course!"

According to these Sisters and other fashionistas, this party season's must-haves include: funky shoes, anything metallic, sexy scarves, a sexy black dress and/or a daring red one, a fun boa, and loads of stylist accessories, from classic diamond-studded earrings to jiggy rhinestone belts and chokers to trendy hats and hair ornaments.

Whatever you do, never leave home without a fabulously festive attitude.

(Next month: At-home attire when you're throwing the party!)