This holiday season offers a treasure trove of gorgeous looks for the festively inclined, from heavy metallics and sparkling gemstones to elaborately embellished clothing and accessories worthy of a czarina.

We've gathered up the best looks for special occasions, whether you're meeting friends for a casual evening or heading out to a black-tie gala.

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It's all here in the latest edition of our weekly fashion and beauty roundup.

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Day into evening: From Marc Jacobs.
After hours
One of the biggest dilemmas working women face is what to wear for a festive evening out after putting in a tension-packed day! This season's gorgeous combinations of tweeds with glittering sequins and metallics provides a perfect option. Simply slip a sequined or beaded top under a tweed jacket and pair it with a tweed skirt or trousers. Add a dressier shoe and small clutch and voila! It's day-into-evening ready in seconds! Alternately, go to your favorite department store and look for a tweed suit decorated with jeweled buttons, velvet appliques and other luxe touches. Best of all, you'll probably find that suit on sale right now.

Trend Tip:
Keep a stash of "party time" pick-me-ups in your desk drawer to help you transition from work to evening. Spritz on some perfume and add a glittery eyeliner plus a deeper, richer red lipstick to signal your fun new mood.

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Fun fur: From Michael Kors.
Casual cool
Just getting together with friends for a quick celebratory drink? You’ll brighten up the occasion with a bit of holiday glow. Start with a basic knit tank or sweater in one of the season's juicy, pale colors, such as super trendy lavender, rosy pink or a pretty aqua blue. Add a bit of glitz or shine in the form of a matching satin skirt or a glittering belt worn with your favorite jeans. Then throw on the "hit" of the season — the shrug in faux fur or a fantasy knit. You'll find them everywhere right now and they are the fashionista's perfect choice to take any look from ho-hum to "hot" in five seconds flat.

Trend Tip:
Too tired? Your mood and energy will improve if you make an effort to socialize, we swear! On the way, cover up any dark circles with YSL Touche Ecla. It has a hint of shimmer so you'll look radiant rather than weary.

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Sweater chic: From Carolina Herrera.
The great outdoors
Not all holiday events find us indoors, cozy and warm around a dinner table. Whether you're getting social apres ski, heading out for an evening of caroling or just enjoying the winter weather under the moonlight, dress festive! We love the look of thick, chunky sweaters and scarves paired with gleaming satin trousers. Opt for sweaters inset with sparkling gemstones or Lurex threads, and you'll be the very definition of "moon glow." Or go for a tonal color story — head-to-toe in ivory, camel, brown, grey or black — it's easy and chic.

Trend Tip:
You may feel a rosy glow from spending time outdoors, but the cold and the wind can really do a number on your delicate skin. Take advantage of special holiday gift packages to try out some new, high-quality skincare products like the Jump Starters collection from Philosophy.

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Eye appeal: From Zac Posen.
The eyes have it
The trendiest beauty looks are gilded and glittering, so turn it up! We love the look of eyes rimmed with smoldering gold eyeliner. Try Nars Liquid Liner in Showgirl for a shimmering line of liquid gold. If you're up for it, try out the dazzling look of glittering metallic fake eyelashes in gold or silver. Va va voom! If you prefer a smoky eye, we recommend Christian Dior's 5 Couleurs in Gris VIP 880. With all attention on your eyes, the rest of your makeup should shimmer but not shout. Complement the look with a glimmering slick of rosy lipstick or gloss. Two to try are Sephora Shimmer Gloss or the Dior Addict Lipstick and Ultra Gloss duo.

Trend Tip:
With all eyes on your eyes, make sure they're clear and sparkling! The best bet — both before your big night out and the day after — are good old-fashioned eyedrops.

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Awesome evening: From Badgley Mischka.
Black-tie beautiful
Wondering what to wear for your big black-tie event? Lucky you! This year, the best looks are softened with wonderfully feminine touches. First of all, look for a color other than black — we mean it! Rich blues, reds and greens or metallic gold, silver, copper or platinum are taking center stage, especially when embellished and decorated with embroidery, sequins, beading and trim. If you can buy a special dress that you will only wear during the winter months, do opt for "czarina" touches like velvet encrusted with jewels or even fur (or fake fur) trim. You'll love that dress for years to come.

Trend Tip:
If you do opt for a simple black ensemble, glitz it up with your choice of accessories. Start with a dramatic beaded wrap, add glittering jewels at the ear and wrist, and go for a contrasting metallic for your shoes and evening clutch. It's your time to shine ... enjoy!

Only on TODAY.MSNBc.com!
Style editor Judy Gordon brings you the latest news and advice about apparel and beauty.
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Judy Gordon is a New York-based style consultant and the “Today” show’s style editor. She has been covering the fashion and beauty beat for the past decade. To learn more about Gordon, you can visit her Web site, TheTrendReport.com, which highlights style trends in America and across the world.

firstVIEW is the primary supplier of photos to Fashion Friday. Go to www.firstVIEW.com for the latest pictures from top fashion shows around the world, including New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Milan, Brazil, New Zealand, South Korea and more.

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It’s party time! Here’s how to look your best

The party season is in full swing. ‘Today’ style editor Judy Gordon has some ideas to help you make a favorable fashion impression