Thanksgiving is over, which means that the holiday season has officially started (I know that it’s been holiday season at the mall since August, but I refuse to succumb to the 90 Days of Christmas — the holidays start NOW, people). December is holiday party month, no matter what you’re celebrating this time of year, and if you’re a working girl or the significant other of someone with an office-y job, you’ll need to get dressed for at least one holiday-type party.

Banana Republic glam leaf earrings, $50

The dilemma with the holiday party is much the same as the dilemma with class reunions and family weddings: You want to look like you, but you also want to look totally hot and hip and fabulous. Unfortunately, there’s always one woman at every office party/family wedding/class reunion who went a little overboard with the hot and hip bit and wound up looking like the other kind of working girl. If you get my drift.

That should not be you. Ever.

Let’s start with a few DON’Ts for holiday parties, because it’s better to get them out of the way now, before you’re leaving the house wondering if you made the right choice with pairing those green tights with those red shoes.

(Answer: No. Unless you’re going to your office party dressed as an elf.)

Keep the girls under cover. The office party is no place for cleavage. Ever. If you’ll be making small talk with your boss — or your date’s boss — you do not want your boobs to be the focus of the conversation. Fitted is fine, but out there is not.

Keep your legs under cover. I know, I’m a party pooper, aren’t I? But once again, the office party is no place for a micro mini. (Caveat: Opaque tights can make a mini office — and office party — friendly. But be sure you know your audience; your funky art director boss may love the mini, but your date’s conservative Baptist boss may not.)

Banana Republic pear bangle bracelet, $50

So once you’ve got the girls and the gams appropriately attired, what else do you wear? Think about your typical every day silhouette, and then dress that up. If you’re a jeans and tee girl, pair your jeans (dark rinse, mid rise) with a shimmery top or luxurious jacket (in velvet, ideally) and some beautiful shoes.

Going directly from the office to the office party? Accessories are your friend. A statement necklace (something really blingy) or some big shiny earrings can change your basic 9 to 5 suit into something fabulous for the evening. Or wear a beautiful sheath dress to work with a suit jacket over it for day; ditch the jacket at the door of the party and let the dress speak for itself.

Other options: Pair a fancy skirt with a basic black turtleneck and boots for a day to evening, or wear an embellished sweater with your tailored trousers.

If your party is outside the work week — Saturday night cocktails, say, or a dinner dance — break out the Big Guns. This is the perfect occasion for your Little Black Dress, even if you normally wear your LBD to the office. Again, add some bling — fancy shoes and a big necklace or bracelet and a beautiful bag.

What are you wearing to your office party this year?