My favorite party outfit is a simple dark dress with a pair of killer red heels. I think white is even more stunning with a pair of signature red shoes, but not if you're even thinking about hitting the red wine. Nothing murders the party buzz like a big red blotch on your chest.

With flirty cap sleeves and a flattering skirt, the crepe de chine dress from Miu Miu ($920) is sweetly elegant.



Less flirty but more classic, the Celine wide-neck dress ($777) will have a shelf-life beyond that of your credit card bill.



What really makes those black dresses say "party" is the red shoes. My all time favorite red heel is the patent mary jane from Manolo Blahnik ($515). These are the first shoes I would buy, would buying shoes like this suddenly fit into the master plan.


For more saucy red zing, take a look at the Saphir patent slingback from Ferragamo ($360). Sleek legs ending in these babies will set any party on fire. Plus they're just demure enough in style to take you home to the grandparents. (Grandma's cataracts will blur the foxy red straight into prim.)

Labels: dresses, holiday, shoes