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When no dress code is given for a party, what should you wear?

Holt Renfrew, Canada's finest luxury retailer, prides itself on providing the very best in fashion. From designer labels to in-house brands, it is your one-stop shop for all things gorgeous! I caught up with Barbara Atkin, Holt Renfrew's fashion director and style expert, to help me with this question. According to Barbara, "Often we get invitations to parties with confusing dress codes (e.g., festive chic, black-tie glamour) or no dress code at all. The first rule of thumb, always, is to contact the host of the party and ask what they expect in way of dress. "In any situation, you can never go wrong with a little black dress. It's a great investment and you can wear it to many occasions afterward. I call it your safety net. It should just graze the middle of your knee cap -- and wear it with killer high heels, since looking sexy is never about comfort! "Pair all of this with sheer stockings or a midnight sheer with a bit of sparkle. Wear some statement-making jewels -- Diamante rhinestones or this season's must-have black jet chandelier earrings. "The dress should be sleeveless so you can dress it up with a great fur wrap. Find one attached to a ribbon and sling it over your shoulder. Tie the ribbon in a beautiful big bow, add some long evening gloves in lace or satin and get ready to make the most memorable entrance. "If the party you are attending is a bit more casual, you can get away with a pair of jeans worn with a sexy lingerie-inspired top/camisole or a sparkly top. Wear it with a fabulous shrug or again, a fur wrap. If you are a bit modest, you can team it with a velvet or tapestry blazer. Always wear the sexiest high-heeled shoes you can find and pile on the jewels. "If the invite reads all-out glamour, then this is your opportunity to step up to the plate with a drop-dead gorgeous satin gown or a dressy cocktail-length dress to the knee that is a bit more fun. Ruby reds, purples and metallics are really big right now. All-over beading, satin and velvet are also very popular looks. "But, besides all of this instruction on what to wear, the most important thing is to get in the mood and have a good time!" Visit our forums to chat about fashion and beauty with other ELLE Canada readers!

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