With the holiday season fast approaching (and isn’t it always “fast approaching”? It never just takes its own sweet time, does it?), it’s time to start thinking about all those upcoming parties and family gatherings.

First, let’s review some basic guidelines, which apply regardless of whether it’s holiday dressing or everyday dressing:

• Tight does not make you look thinner
• Short does not make your legs look longer
• You can show tasteful cleavage or leg, but not both. Remember, less is definitely more in this area.
• Hold it up to the light – if you can see through it, invest in a slip or camisole, or look for heavier-weight fabric.
• When you try it on move around – bend over, squat down, sit down, reach up, even dance a little shimmy-shake. Make sure nothing pops out, rides up or bulges where it shouldn’t.
• If it’s strapless or thin-strapped, definitely do the shimmy-shake to ensure you can move around comfortably without having to hike up the bodice or keep pulling the straps back up.

I’ve always been a firm believer in “new event, new outfit,” but lately the economy and my wallet have been telling me otherwise. So, here are some tips on how to take a basic LBD (Little Black Dress) and make it your go-to outfit for separate occasions. You might even have some of these items in your closet already. Remember, these are merely suggestions – let your own fashion sense be your guide.

Below is an example of a classic LBD. This one is from Spiegel, for $49. (Actually, all my suggestions are from Spiegel, though I’m not being paid by them to pimp their stuff).

Now, let’s take this dress from work party to cocktail party to family dinner

The Work Party:

This venue is rife with opportunities to be remembered, and not in a good way. You don’t want to be That Girl, right? You know, the one that prompts the memo from HR about dress code?

If your party is a luncheon, this dress, topped with a peplum jacket and finished off with a fun ruffled peep-toe pump, says “festive”.

If it’s an after-work dinner, use the above suggestion for 9-5, then after 5, ditch the jacket, switch to a bold necklace and a metallic peep-toe pump.

The Cocktail Party:

You can be a little flashier with your fabrics and accessories for a cocktail party. A colorful satin shoe, sequined wrap and sparkly earrings are all you need to go glam. And don’t be afraid to mix your colors – pair a red shoe with a silver wrap, or a bronze shoe with a purple or deep green wrap.

Holiday Dinner with the In-Laws:

Here is where I’m going to give you a two-fer – two looks under one category. My family keeps it pretty casual for the holidays, but some families may get a little fancy.

If you’re a fancy family, top the dress with a swing cardigan, add some dark patterned opaque tights and an ankle boot.

If you’re a casual family, hang up the dress, pull on your favorite jeans, and enjoy your time with your loved ones.

Kim is the Fashion and Beauty Editor for Girls Guide. You can check out her personal blog, Parachuting Without A Net, where she talks about just about everything under the sun from being a Mom to whipping up quick dinners. You can contact Kim by Emailing her – kim [at] girlsguidetothegalaxy [dot] com, and you can follow her on Twitter – @parachuting.