The holiday season brings holiday parties, and holiday style. And holiday style is unlike any other, because it is its own genre, with its own lingo, and you wear things you don’t wear any other time of the year.

Like velvet pants. Black velvet pants are a must. But they have to be “skinny.” Whether you are or not.

The tops you pair them with give you a little freedom to show some of that skin you haven’t been able to flaunt since summer. Just remember to moisturize. Off the shoulder, halter and strapless are all suitable – and in most cases encouraged – by your date.

But here’s where it gets complicated – the holiday attire marketing people enhanced all the adjectives of the clothes to suit their oh-so-special season. But just look for anything in a silver sequin, silk charmeuse, split sleeve or sheer overlay. Maybe belted pleated, bubble hemmed or with a bejeweled collar.

Cascade ruffles and crinkle crepe usually kill. Metallic drape, mesh sheath and gold lame make any spirits bright. And when all else fails, go with fringed, pearlized striped, tiered laced, or draped cowl. But never at the same time.

If that’s too much and you just want to pull a dress over your head? One word: sheath.

But you MUST accessorize. And it better be shiny, and I’m not talking silver or gold. Think extreme sparkle – think rhinestone, black crystal and diamond encrusted. Or anything frosted or glittered, in a chandelier or tassel. Go brilliant, or go home.

Whether it’s around your neck or wrist, make it bangley. Duplicate, overlap, make it messy. You know when the kids throw too much tinsel on the tree and it looks clunky? Do that. And if it jingles, all the better.

And then add a cocktail ring. Something oversized and sturdy, with shine. Something you can hail a cab with. Or open a beer.

And shoes – here’s your chance to wear those heels you haven’t dared take out of the box – or the back of the closet, where you hid them from your husband. Because you knew you could never wear them, but just had to buy them.

So go on – slide on that Sequined Platform Heel, or whatever you’ve got stashed in there. Hopefully something in a Glitter Peep-toe Platform, Suede Metallic Ankle-Strap, or Metallic Snake Print Leather. Time to kick holiday butt.

Top it off with a faux fur wrap or pashmina scarf. Even a fur collar is A-OK during the holiday. And then you’re set.

Just gotta get into those skinny velvet pants.