Photo: Gregor Halenda

1. Turn up the heavy metal.
Go for the bold in silver, the metallic to rock right now. A fresh, flashy manicure is simple with Jamberry Nail Wraps in Metallic Chrome Silver ($15; Jamberry.com). And if you're feeling matchy-matchy, pair it with an equally sparkly clutch like this one from Jimmy Choo.

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2. In a pinch, a pop of unexpected color will take you from desk to dinner.
Before you head out, swap your sensible shoes for fancy footwear. A traditional metallic shade (gold, silver, copper) is always appropriate, but if you're feeling daring, a bright hue steps up any outfit.

Kate Spade New York, $298 per pair; KateSpade.com

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3. Find a dress that gives you the most bang for your buck.
You don't have to spend a fortune on a gown; there are plenty of budget-friendly options that look high-end. Choose a simple silhouette in a solid color that you can wear in any season.

Dress, $100; Zara.com

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4. To hit refresh before the big bash, indulge in a bath.
A deep soak can alleviate stress, reducing your levels of cortisol (a hormone that can disrupt collagen production and contribute to skin aging), says New York City dermatologist Whitney Bowe, MD. For a skin-softening effect, add a luxurious blend of oils like soothing rose and hydrating jojoba to warm water. Try Uma Absolute Anti Aging Body Oil ($90; UmaOils.com).

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5. Too busy to get your roots done? No problem!
Rita Hazan Root Concealer Temple & Brow Touch-Up Stick ($25; RitaHazan.com) delivers an instant fix. The creamy, water-resistant formula, available in three shades, comes with a spoolie brush to easily comb the color through.

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6. Say hello to an old friend: the bodysuit.
You'll always look put together in a streamlined, no-bulk layering piece, whether it's tucked into a ball skirt or jeans.

Tuxe, $130; Bloomingdales.com

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7. Go for eye drama with a swipe of richly pigmented shadow.
For the ultimate intensity, use MAC Spellbinder Shadows ($22 each; MACCosmetics.com), a super-velvety formula with a bright, metallic finish.

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8. Have a ball with your jewelry.
Les Bonbons two-, three-, and even four-tiered colorful woven earrings make a big statement but feel light as air (because they're hollow!).

Rebecca de Ravenel, $275 per pair; MatchesFashion.com

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9. Fair Isle is the new holiday sweater.
Be both cozy and au courant at your next at-home affair in this classic piece, reborn in bright colors with sparkly adornments.

$37; OldNavy.com

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10. Do the twist!
Give stylish new life to a couple of single-stone necklaces by twisting them together.

$188 each; LorenHope.com

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11. Get moving!
An afternoon run (or even a vigorous walk) will improve circulation, delivering more nutrients and oxygen to the skin, says Bowe. By party time, you're luminous!

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12. Upgrade your party pregame with a powerful eye mask.
Peter Thomas Roth 24K Gold Pure Luxury Lift & Firm Hydra-Gel Eye Patches ($75; Sephora.com) contain tiny particles of the precious metal to brighten dark circles, caffeine to reduce puffiness, and glycerin and hyaluronic acid to moisturize.

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13. Three words: Baby's got back.
In these killer heels, you'll never be able to slip out unnoticed. They're business in the front, party in the back—a brilliant complement to your LBD.

From left: SJP, $455, Luxury.Zappos.com; BCBG Max Azria, $248, BCBG.com; $180, ImagineVinceCamuto.com; Jessica Simpson Collection, $98, JessicaSimpson.com; Nina, $129, NinaShoes.com

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14. Work some mascara magic!
To start the morning with a light touch and pump up the volume at cocktail time, try the innovative Clinique Lash Power Flutter-to-Full Mascara ($21; Clinique.com). The dial on the mascara's barrel allows you to customize the amount of formula deposited on the brush. For flirty fringe in less than ten seconds, try L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Feline Mascara ($9; drugstores); just one coat delivers high shine and intense pigments.

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15. A classy red dress outwits any confusing holiday party dress codes.
Choose a silhouette that shows off your shape, a nonclingy fabric (like this gorgeous lace with floral appliqué), and a flattering deep crimson shade. Bonus: This dress easily goes from office hours to after-hours.

White House Black Market, $220; WHBM.com

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16. Reach for the stars.
This season celestial details are taking center stage. Steal the show with an embellished bag, a stellar heel, bejeweled earrings, or the shimmery Givenchy Gold Prisme Quator Eye Shadow ($63; Sephora.com).

Bag, Aldo, $45 AldoShoes.com; Heel, $70; Express.com; Earrings, Kate Spade New York, $78; KateSpade.com

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17. Get soft and smell delicious all at once.
Byredo Mojave Ghost Body Lotion, Hand Cream, Body Wash, and Body Cream ($35 to $94 each; Byredo.com) deeply hydrate parched skin, while notes of magnolia, sandalwood, violet, cedarwood, musk and amber impart a warm, delicate and slightly woody floral scent.

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18. Master the art of casual dressing.
A no-fail dressy tee with stylish features like this flowing asymmetrical hem adds intrigue without being ornate. Pair it with skinny printed pants, jeans, or leather leggings and pumps to achieve a fabulous "Oh, I just threw this on!" look.

DG2 by Diane Gilman, $70; HSN.com

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19. Go hands-free.
A mini shoulder bag in place of a clutch lets you focus on more important things, like cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and hugs.

From left: $528, Furla.com; Gracie Roberts, $38, FreePeople.com

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20. Smell happy!
The right fragrance can instantly put you in a celebratory state of mind. Try a spritz of a scent with floral, citrus (orange, lemon, grapefruit), and vanilla notes, like Viktor & Rolf Bonbon Couture ($135; SaksFifthAvenue.com). When you feel stressed, choose a fragrance with calming lavender, ylang-ylang, or rose. Need a slight boost of energy? Look for citrus, peppermint, cinnamon or rosemary.

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21. Create the most flattering glow with a highlighter that complements your skin tone.
If you're fair, you'll want a pearly one to add a sheen that's subtle, not frosty. A golden shade enhances the natural warmth of a medium complexion, and those with deeper skin tones should use a rich copper or bronze to avoid looking ashy, says makeup artist Derek Selby. Try Cover FX Custom Enhancer Drops ($42; CoverFX.com).

Photo: Gregor Halenda

22. A quick holiday hairstyle is right at your fingertips.
Two hours at the salon? We don't think so. Try this instead:

1. A few quick spritzes of Oribe Gold Lust Dry Shampoo ($44; Oribe.com) will keep your blow-out fresh.
2. A gold crystal pavé hairpin adds glamour to your two-minute topknot (Jen Atkin x Chloe + Isabel, from $24; ChloeAndIsabel.com).

Photo: Gregor Halenda

23. Make velvet trousers your wardrobe MVP.
Steel gray velvet pants can take you anywhere, whether you're hosting at home or heading out to a shindig. Keep them casual with a cozy sweater, or dress them up with a slinky cami and heels.

Trousers, Who What Wear, $35; Target.com

Casual
Sweater, $40; Aerie.com
Mule, Saachi, $105; SaachiStyle.com

Fancy
Camisole, Highline Collective, $59; LordAndTaylor.com
Sandal, $99; NineWest.com

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24. For unexpected sparkle, try a glitzy watch.
It can be worn solo during the day, is dressy enough for evening when stacked with bracelets, and ensures you'll never be late to the ball.

Caravelle, $120 to $130 each; CaravelleNY.com

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25. Discover emerald, the color of the season.
It's easy being green: Wear this radiant jewel tone on your lids (try a jade smoky eye with Clé de Peau Beauté Eye Color Quad in 315, $80; CleDePeauBeaute.com), your hands (layer on glistening rings), or all over (this head-turning ombré dress is flattering on everyone).

Ring, $199, AngeliqueDeParis.com; Dress, Belle Badgley Mischka, $219, Dillard's stores

Photo: Gregor Halenda

26. Give your go-to shoes the Cinderella treatment.
The shoe clip is back! Just add a bejeweled style like these or your own vintage brooch, and your favorite footwear gets a whole new attitude.

Sandal with clip, $1,450, and clips $395 each; JimmyChoo.com