With the plethora of holiday parties this time of the year, we asked fashion experts Megan McLallen and Lana Jones-Gould from K. Renee in West Des Moines for advice on what women should wear to these events.

McLallen put together a short list of apparel essentials for dressing this time of the year, ones that can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. At the top of her list was a velvet jacket, one that is fitted with a subtle ruffle detail and Edwardian or Victorian inspirations.

“I like the idea of putting it with a great jean and a dressy heel for cocktails with friends, or if you have a formal gala, it’s perfect to put with a beautiful long skirt or a dressy black beaded top,” she said.

Second was a beaded top. McLallen said the little bit of sparkle a beaded top provides makes a woman feel that she’s celebrating the season.

“It’s great for a formal occasion or a last-minute dressy dinner with the husband or business associates,” she said. “But I also love it with jeans and a great leather jacket for a more casual celebration.”

Third, McLallen recommends that every woman invest in a new pair of heels to wear during the holidays, a dressy heel that is unique. She likes ones with ornamentation, such as a vintage-inspired slingback with a flower on the toe in a peau de soie satin fabric.

“A special pair of shoes can become accessories in themselves,” she said. “And nothing makes you feel more dressed up and powerful than a new pair of great shoes,” she said.

For clothing, Jones-Gould and McLallen said neutral colors are good choices, because they can be worn again and again without being remembered. They also recommend the rich jewel tones that are out right now. Jones-Gould said older women shouldn’t steer away from wearing colors. She said wearing even just one item in a shade of pink, red or green makes her feel younger.

Jones-Gould emphasizes keeping simplicity in mind when selecting accessories for holiday parties.

“Some people I see over accessorize,” she said. “Pick one or two pieces that you want to stand out, such as your jewelry and your shoes or a great belt, and make sure they’re all things that complement you.”