Along with all the standard holiday slogans and sayings, we can easily add this one: ‘Tis the season to dress up!

For the majority of us, December is the most relaxed month of the year but also the most hectic and fast paced. As we move away from working with the team to socializing with them, it is important to dress and behave appropriately to maintain a professional image. The mood changes from bottom line to fun time as we host and attend parties with our bosses, co-workers, and clients.

This is also the season of secret Santas, bonuses, company lunches, beer and billiards, even extravaganzas with dinner and dancing. It is important to maintain a professional look while managing the transition from the office to the party, regardless of the atmosphere.

Depending on company size, location, and budget, each office handles holiday celebrations differently but you should make it a point to always handle yourself the same. Look fabulous, but keep the sex appeal to a minimum. Over-the-knee style boots are hot this season yet they are much too sexy to wear around the office. But if your office party is in the evening and you are with a date, feel free to wear them. Spouses or “significant others” should be respectful even though they are not an employee of the company. Be sure they follow the same guidelines that you do with your wardrobe.

For the ladies I suggest wearing a velvet blazer or colorful poncho and velvet trousers. This works well with a silky tank top. Don’t forget to layer on that sequined flower pin and glitzy hang bag for just the right amount of sparkle. If you go satin and sequins, be sure to combine these tops with a shoulder cover and long pants or a skirt.

The men can get more out of their wardrobe this holiday season by layering a pinstriped or velvet blazer over a great shirt or sweater with jeans or trousers. Whatever you wear, remember that simple is still sexy and will not interfere with your climb to the top.

Here are this week’s letters:

Dear Jen:

I have always liked wearing a sport jacket with a turtleneck but I don’t want my boss to think I am slacking by not wearing a tie. Is there a rule to this look?

– Steve, New York City

Dear Steve:

Turtlenecks under a sports jacket are out of style. The better way to go without a tie is to pair up a sports jacket with a crew or v-neck sweater. This look can be dressed up or down depending on choice of pants because trousers, cords, or even jeans will work with this look.

Dear Jen:

I thought wearing pink was strictly for young girls, but now it is everywhere. I am at a tipping point in my career and need to be taken seriously. Will wearing pink set me back? Should I stick with traditional dark blues, black, and gray?

– Joanna, New York City

Dear Joanna:

Style for success means tasteful yet fashionable. Color shouldn’t tarnish your professionalism if you wear the right clothes. A mini-skirt or halter-top in any color is inappropriate at your level, but classy apparel or accessories in any shade of pink, either as your primary or accent color, will enhance – not interrupt – your goals.

Ms. Silano Foy is president of eFashion Solutions LLC and has been a consultant in the fashion industry for more than a decade. Readers are invited to send workplace or corporate fashion questions to styleforsuccess@aol.com.