Naomi Chappell, director of the U.K. eco-boutique MyGreenLipstick.com, returns to E.S. to share her picks for what to wear to all those holiday parties that will soon fill your dance card. Read on for her recommendations of the best and the brightest of winter fashion.

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The cold weather has just about arrived and packaged with it comes the promise of a fun and festive Christmas season. I love Christmas — it brightens up the long winter months and it’s the perfect excuse to glam up in a dramatic frock and slip into stylish edgy casuals in gorgeous fabrics.

As socialite Nan Kempner once said, “The best part of a party is getting dressed to go.”First stop: Exfoliate and rub on a fake tan. Your tan has faded by December and, believe me, you’ll feel instantly lifted. And don’t forget to soak in a luxurious bath surrounded by gorgeous candles; they add the right mood to any time of day and they’re so festive. Add some sensational fragrances and you’re ready to glam up!

Now, what to wear? Regal tones of purple are hot for winter along with intensely moody blues. Dramatic red dresses are a holiday fashion favourite because red looks great on almost everyone – the “Joleen” dress by Enamore is an ideal example.

A word of caution, however: Don’t be tempted to go top-to-toe red. Metallic or black shoes and accessories work brilliantly with a red dress. There’s something about bright colour that makes a statement in itself so it’s great for Christmas, day or night.

All that said: Black is back! Hurrah!

Black chiffon and lace work perfectly for the holiday season because it’s chic and sexy at the same time. A whisper of transparency is your secret weapon but keep it clean and simple and use it to your advantage by showing off only selective areas (a bit of cleavage, the arm). There’s no need to bare all when linings, camisoles, and slips will keep you covered while the lace and chiffon stay really suggestive.

Of course, the little black dress is always a winner and really will take you anywhere. Look for winter-only fabrics like velvet or wool, or seasonless favorites in silk, crepe, or jersey if you want to get more yearround use out of it.

You can add a slightly casual touch by throwing on a sexy blazer or a show-stopping biker jacket; the jacket is a real must-have right now and will bring your party frock bang up to date for this season!

If you’re spending nights out on the town, a very structured look can be tricky to carry off if you want to let your hair down! Try a loosely fitted statement dress that allows for a bit of movement; it will also look fab adapted with leggings and heels! Plus, if you’re at all like me, you’ll have an extra helping of Christmas pudding and eat too many chocolates on Christmas Day, so an easy-to-wear tunic dress will smartly camouflage a tummy.

A few other tips to remember:

• Whatever you choose to wear, add some great heels to underline your sex appeal and stand out in a crowd.
• Sexy is all about surprises; a deceptively simple outfit from the front can be a carnival of detail from the back. Open backs, lace-up corsets, and peplum all make for a dramatic and womanly effect.
• Cashmere, silky satin, chiffon, lace and buttery soft suedes are real scene-stealers. Touchable fabrics not only invite another’s touch, they feel great against your skin and you’ll feel decadent and sexy.

Finally, always remember that accessories like costume jewelry are the perfect way to update your wardrobe without breaking the bank, and they make great Christmas gifts too!

And speaking of Christmas gifts, EthicalStyle readers can take 20 percent off any order by entering code ETHICALSTYLE at checkout. The offer is good through December 23 and excludes accessories by Cloth Magpie and the “Vintage Under £25″ boutique.  Happy holidays!