Whether you're going to a big party or just hanging out with family and friends, this holiday season is the time when dressing up takes on a festive fashionable flair. It's time to slink into velvet and wrap up in fur. It's time to have fun and get into the spirit of the season with style.

Here are the exclamation points of fashion — the top holiday trend picks from the experts at JCPenney.

— Velvet! "Holiday is the time for velvet," says Cyndie Washburn-Nester, women's apparel trend director at JCPenney. "The rich tones and texture are evocative of the season." Velvet can definitely stand alone in a pant, skirt, top or jacket, but this style expert also sees velvet mixed with other fabrics to make a holiday statement this year.

— Lace! Another festive touch for the party scene, lace on tops, sweaters dresses and wraps adds instant pizzazz. One of my favorite tops — a black lace turtleneck — is the perfect layering piece under vests and jackets, and it dresses up even jeans for casual get-togethers.

— Skinny bottoms! Well, those kinds, too, but Washburn-Nester says both leggings and "pencil-type" pants look great when paired with an oversized sweater or shirt.

— Fur! Get cozy with this trend that's turning up in trims on coats, sweaters and jackets. "Faux fur is a big item this season," says Sheryl Schultz, women's accessory trend director at JCPenney. "Anything with fur trim is perfect for the holidays."

— A little black dress! You all know this holiday classic, and hopefully you have one ready to party in your closet. "The little black dress is a staple for every woman's wardrobe," says Washburn-Nester. "Dress it up with a statement necklace or add tights and heels for the evening. A structured blazer, flats and pearls will take that little black dress to the office. It's the perfect piece that can easily go day to night."

— Leopard! This animal print leaps to the forefront this holiday season, especially in accessories. "Choose a fur accessory to update your outfit, whether it's a leopard print pump or a fur handbag," says Schultz. "Have fun with it."

— Boots! One of the key staples, whether they're lace up, riding, angle or above the knee. "There's a style for every woman and every outfit," says Schultz. Check out JCPenney's doorbuster sale this Black Friday — all women's boots are $29.99 from 4 a.m. to 1 p.m.

— Scarves! What a wonderful way to change up an outfit in a few seconds. There are so many different colors and varieties of scarves available now; I have a whole scarf wardrobe hanging on hooks in my closet (and draped over the ironing board I must confess). At JCPenney's, the infinity cowl-neck scarf is a big hit this holiday season, according to Schultz.

— Chandelier earrings! A little dingle and dangle will get those jingles and jangles going. Don't be afraid to go all out when it comes to the bling. If there's ever a time to accessorize, it is for the holidays.

— Metallic handbags! Shimmering handbags are another way to sparkle during the party season. Whether it's a polished platinum tote or a gold sequined clutch, there's always a way to shine up your fashion act. Get the point!

Photo: Liz Claiborne makes a festive fashion exclamation point at JCPenney this holiday season. Photo courtesy of JCPenney.