Whether it's a casual neighborhood drop-in, a festive dinner at the boss's house or a formal affair at the local art gallery, there's always a reason to dress up and celebrate during the holiday season...even if you're just going out to eat at your favorite restaurant with your best friends.

Do dress with personality. This is the perfect time to show off your own individual style and be a little playful. If there's any time of year you can get away with wearing those zebra print leggings and lace-up ankle boots with a tuxedo jacket, it's now.

Don't be a Grinch. Dressing in head-to-toe green or red is a definite "don't." Yes, those may be the traditional colors of the season, but the key word is "traditional." Ditto for red and green plaid, this is not the time for visions of lumberjacks to dance in anyone's head.

Do be a drama queen. Now is the time to bring out the flowing velvet pants, the cashmere cape, the faux fur vest and the feather-trimmed sweater. Pay attention to luxurious details, and make them count during this festive season. In my fashion book, it's always better to be overdressed than underdressed. After all, it's that time of year.

Don't be a tinsel tart. A little drama is one thing, but all that glitters is not always gold. If you love to shine at a party, then stick to one shimmering piece — a metallic, jeweled shoe, a satin, silver blouse or a sparkling gold clutch. Again, it's easy to get carried away, but you don't want to blend into the Christmas decorations either.

Do think contemporary. If you've worn the same holiday sweater, candy-cane hosiery and jingle-bell earrings for the past ten years to your daughter's holiday cocktail party, then it's time to break out of your style rut and think 21st century. Try a more "artsy-vintage" look with a jacket in a sophisticated brocade print layered over flowing pants or dark jeans and accessorized with drop earrings, strappy sandals and a small evening clutch purse. For a more formal bash, try a sophisticated tuxedo suit.

Don't be a workhorse. Going to a party right after a day at the office in your buttoned-up professional suit with your laptop handbag slung over your shoulder is only OK if it's a work-related event, but if it's a more festive occasion — say cocktails at eight, or a Sunday afternoon get-together, then it's time to change out of your work wear and into something more dressy. Try to at least change one thing: add a jeweled cuff bracelet, a statement necklace or a sheer blouse. Take a break from your minimalist clothes and live a little.

Do add some color. Black may be your "go-to" party attire, and green and red may be too predictable, but now's a great time to color your holiday world. Pastels are perfect for winter parties this year and a refreshing surprise in a sea of black; creamy ivory is another welcome change from the dark side, too.

And the biggest fashion "do" of all? Have a great time, no matter what you're wearing!

Image: New designer Blaise Kavahagh puts a contemporary spin on black and white with zebra leggings and a fitted jacket. It is the perfect unexpected style "do" for holiday parties.