Coco Chanel once said, “I don’t understand how a woman can leave the house without fixing herself up a little – if only out of politeness.  And then, you never know, maybe that’s the day she has a date with destiny.  And it’s best to be as pretty as possible for destiny.”

With all the holiday parties these season, including the family get-togethers and office shin-digs, we need to look our best.  That means putting some effort on our part, you just never know who you are going to meet, right?

I’m notorious for going over-the-top with my holiday dressing.  My sister with her sharp tongue tends to reign me in.  So, this year, I’m looking to go more streamlined, have one or two “look at me” accessories, but the focus remains largely on the dress.  I’m crushing on black dresses.  Here are a few of my recommendations for the best holiday dresses.

palomar - I can’t stop gushing about this dress.  I wore it to a fancy dinner party once in San Fran and my stylish gay best friend complimented me when I walked in.  I love it in purple, just to be different.

rumi – So soft because it’s made out of silk and fitted to show off your body’s contours.  It’s all about the black and white combination that we’ve seen on the runways.

marble – Great in black!  You’ll look adorable!

japonai - I wore this dress on my birthday during a five course meal and it was roomy enough to hide my belly bulge.

(Abby wears the palomar dress with the max clutch, nancy bracelet, letter A charm necklace, and tiger eye ring.  Fur mini-wrap, knee high socks, and shoes are model’s own.  Abby also wears the marble dress in black and nancy bracelet.  Knit hat, scarf, stockings, and shoes are model’s own.  Photography by Marie Padilla.  Styled by Loralei Rose Bingamon for bellamaven.com.)