It's Christmas time, but there's no need to be afraid. Style guru Nadia Clark has all the answers for looking gorgeous over the festive period.

DECK the halls with boughs of holly, fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-laaaaaa. Yes, it's that time of year again...when invitations arrive en masse and every day of your diary has a party pencilled in. If you're not off to some work do, you've got a friend's house party or some swanky ball. I LOVE this time of year! Any excuse for a bit of sparkle, bling and glitz. After all, I am JLo's long-lost Geordie sister.

But some of you hate the festive season. I was talking to some girlfriends recently over a few G&Ts and they were in a dilemma. Christmas party wear can equal nightmare possibilities. One of my friends was pulling her hair out because she has a number of networking events straight after work in the lead-up to Christmas. She needs to look as though she has made an effort but she doesn't want to come across too tarty.

My other friend is having Christmas day with her new boyfriend's family and doesn't know where to start. Normally she wears fluffy pig slippers and wincyette pyjamas, but I told her that that look just won't cut it with the prospective in-laws. So to keep you looking fresh and chic as you move between work cocktails, wild parties and family celebrations, I've done the hard work and hunted down a selection of sensational party outfits to suit all ages and tastes.

IT might be party time but you want to dress to impress for those impending business events. The safest way to please your boss and prospective clients is to dress in a glamorous yet refined way. Tough, I know! If it's Christmas drinks straight after work, then this season is easier than any other. The catwalks have been crammed full of lady-like dresses, skirts and smart but sexy blouses. Just look at Alexander McQueen's 'Hitchcock heroine' suits or Roberto Cavalli's sexy tweed numbers. Take a hint from these gorgeous looks and combine your office pencil skirt with a pair of fabulous heels. Add some Lurex silver tights and you'll sparkle like the tinsel on your tree. Remember to dress sophisticatedly but add some opulent jewellery. It doesn't take a lot to turn these work outfits into fabulous cocktail pieces. I know that sometimes, these networking events are a little daunting but remember these tips:

* Use the party as a chance to speak to new people and smile.

l Drink, but in moderation. There is nothing more embarrassing than turning up to work the morning after and opening an attachment with a photo of one of your body parts.

AFTER all of those work events, it's time to party with your nearest and dearest. But how should you dress for big family celebrations (without the pjs)? You want to feel sparkly and special but not uncomfortable. How about wearing some jeans and a cashmere sweater, so you're all snugly? Alternatively, pair some ballet slippers with wide legged trousers and a gorgeous top. Try Gap's ballet pumps for £29.99 or Faith's red glitter 'Dorothy' pumps for some festive sparkle. I haven't taken mine off since I bought them.

Laura Ashley has some fantastic soft velvet trousers with a satin trim. They are so luxurious for slouching around in but still look smart and sophisticated. They are a very reasonable £55 and come in a wonderful teal colour. They also go up to a size 18 and are flat fronted with a side zip which means they are very flattering for those ladies with a little tummy.

YOU want to feel relaxed (especially when those buttons start popping from all that Baileys and Christmas pud), so how about trying one of this season's knitted sweater dresses? Miss Selfridge has a polo neck dress for £25 in gun-metal grey with long bell sleeves and a tie around the waist. This is much more flattering for the self-conscious, than those sleeveless numbers. No 'bingo wings' here! If you want to wear a girlie dress for Christmas day, nothing looks better than a gorgeous, delicate number with a chunky cardi. Check out Whistles for some lovely metallic cardis.

I've been very impressed with Laura Ashley this season. For £60, they have a lipstick red, silk-chiffon dress with a gorgeous, full sash and spaghetti straps. It has lace edging around the bodice and is great for those ladies with a fuller bust but who want to avoid highlighting their tummy or hips. It is very sexy but elegant at the same time. If you want to wear this in a more quirky way, add a tight-fitted silky polo neck underneath and some black opaque tights...very Kirsten Dunst. Or pair it with their tie-waisted evening cape in black velvet for £70. It has a neat stand-up collar and pearlised buttons. Fabulous!

YOU can't go wrong with a dress... especially this season. Choose a high-street version with some embroidery, sequins or lace to capture the festive spirit. Add some metallic accessories and you'll sparkle next to those Christmas lights. Karen Millen and Coast do some of the best dresses for the party season, focusing on sexiness and femininity respectively. Oasis has also come up trumps this season, with some wonderful, vintage inspired pieces. Have a look for their gold and white sequin encrusted dress for £100 or their ice princess white skirt with silver metal discs for £75... divine! If money is a bit tight and you can't afford a new outfit, then glam up an old dress with a wide belt... think Girls Aloud in their new 'Biology' video. Go for contrasting colours. If you have a delicate pink dress, a thick black belt will look fabulous. But keep the belt plain and simple... no discs or studs. Alternatively, visit VV Rouleaux and spend hours looking for beautiful sashes and ribbons to adorn your dresses.

IF you're a bit younger, think about 70s-style shorts (not hot pants unless you look like Jessica Simpson). River Island has some lovely satin shorts which look fantastic with a waistcoat and jet jewellery. But if you're going for a lot of flesh on the bottom half, let's try and be more restrained on the top. We don't need to see everything your mother gave you, so keep it sexy but subtle.