Perhaps you’ve all ready been receiving them. Invitations to holiday parties are now circulating in full force. Upon receiving an invite, you may be struck with the quandary of what to wear, which then turns into a frenzy upon entering a store where you are met with so many options, and dare I say, distractions.

Gracious hosts should indicate the expected mode of dress for an occasion in the invitation. But some of these modes do not have a common definition. It’s not enough to consider the manner in which an invitation is extended, although it is generally true that an invite extended via e-mail is more informal than one that is sent through the U.S. mail.

How a woman puts herself together for a party is worthy of a plan. Here are some helpful suggestions and tips to consider upon receiving an invitation to one of this year’s holiday parties.

When you see the words Creative Black Tie on an invitation, you are about to have a formal experience with a twist. Perhaps the setting is a tad strange, or the décor is eccentric. But the real star of the party is going to be its guests. A sleeveless, off-the-shoulder evening dress creates an ideal canvas upon which to embellish with eccentricities. Even if you opt for something simple, at first, what could be better than an outrageous peep-toed platform pump worn with a pair of patent leather long length gloves. For an added feminine touch, select a satin gown with a bow tie for some panache into your special night on the town.

Dallas, TX-based hair and makeup artist Penny Sadler suggests that hair is an accessory in the case of creative black tie. “What’s the point of the dress and the gloves if the hair doesn’t match?” She suggests that hair worn in an upstyle and makeup that accents either bold lips or smoky eyes, “but not both please.”

Cocktail Party Attire should be flirty and fun. The guys at the party might be there to enjoy a drink, but why not let them imbibe upon your image at the same time. If sparkle is your game, jewels are the game. Encrust yourself with a glitzy sequined shift or go for a gown in jewel shades of amethyst, ruby, malachite or topaz. Compliment your colors with an embellished clutch for an elegant accent. Wear softer makeup that does not compete with the color adorned on your body and you’re sure to be a star of the evening. Here, Sadler suggests taking the time to have hair professionally washed and blown out, adding a bit of volume with round brushes or Velcro rollers.

Your eyes may roll when they come across the words Casual Chic in an invitation you receive. This happens all the time. Don’t despair. The key is to create a look that seems like you put no planning into it, while still appearing stylish and even elegant. Refrain from fashioning a faux pas. Focus more on the chic and less on the casual. Own your look and go for something a bit unconventional. Try a crisp men’s inspired shirt with sexy dressy denims and statuesque stilettos for a statement that is at once simple yet stunning. Wear a bold cuff or an oversized ring to add some altitude to the attitude. Or turn a little black dress into a large statement with a bright leather jacket and a pair of tall-shaft leather riding boots. Mix your love of the countryside with your taste for the urban scene.

Makeup maven Sadler says to “add more makeup than you wear to the office. Don’t make the mistake of thinking it doesn’t matter because it’s casual.” Makeup should be camera ready, she says, so that your candid camera shots do not become an embarrassment, post party. A deep side part is an of-the-moment hairstyle and can dramatically change your look, she suggests.

Creative Casual dressing is quite complex. The creative idea puts your focus on being imaginative, which requires a game plan, while being casual is all about no planning. So do you plan an outfit or not when the invitation says ‘creative casual’? The answer is yes. Just don’t let your outfit appear overly engineered. Try mixing pieces of varying volumes or textures by using shawls, scarves, shrugs, sweaters, even jewelry and belts.

“Casual does not mean you don’t have to apply makeup,” exclaims Sadler. She suggests ensuring that the skin looks fresh, “not like an oil slick at the end of the day.” Try applying a dust of loose powder with a large brush, or use blotting papers before heading out after a day at the office. Avoid smudges under the eyes and apply fresh lipstick. “Casual does not mean you look as though you slept in last night’s makeup.”

Just remember my motto that there’s nothing to be left to chance about your appearance when you want to make a memorable impression and feel good about yourself. Rethink what “casual” really means when it comes to party dressing.

Designing and managing your image is the secret science of your success.

Joseph Rosenfeld helps professional men, women, and corporate workgroups create effective visual brands. Visit JosephRosenfeld.com for details.