>> This season, skip the ironic reindeer sweater and go for gorgeous instead. From safety-pinned snowflakes to sequined lightning bolts, these glammed-up knits toe the line between chic and cheeky — without sacrificing an ounce of style. Shop them all now.

>> With so many newbies (Prabal Gurung, Joseph Altuzarra) joining established Cruise veterans (Michael Kors, Chanel), the number of designers presenting Resort collections this year topped out at nearly 200. That's a pretty hefty number — one that pushes Resort from a mere rest stop between two big seasons to a definitive moment all on its own. It also means more outfits than ever for whatever holiday-fêting, jet-setting, beach-lounging, city-cruising adventure one has in mind. Here's a look at some of the most dominant themes to emerge during the biggest Resort season yet.

(At left, a look from Celine Resort 2012)

>> The season's most perfect boot might just be one that's lined in fur. Whether elegantly sleek like Manolo Blahnik's mink version or tough and rugged like YSL's beaver-cuff pair, one thing's for sure: these boots exude just the right amount of cold-weather cool. Click through to shop them all now.

>> Metallic gold — whether in the form of brocade, sequins, or lamé — is never more a wardrobe staple than this time of year. And, with the abundance of gilded looks on the runways for Spring 2012, it seems that shiny threads are definitely here to stay. Click through for 12 gorgeous ways to wear what's arguably the luxest look around — from day to night to every moment in between — as seen on the streets of recent Fashion Weeks.
Photo: Greg Kessler

>> Glimmering jewels, jazzed-up hues, and just a little bit of shimmer — dress up your holiday with these 10 party-ready pieces. From a pair of glittering pumps to a gemstone-packed cuff, one of these is all you need.

>> They're making their lists — and checking them twice. Here come the holidays, and who better to spread the cheer than some of our favorite fashionable insiders? From the super-luxe accessories topping Melissa Coker's and Leandra Medine's lists to the souped-up sporting goods desired by Yigal Azrouel and Peter Som, here's a look at what those in the know are coveting this season. See who's hoping for Burberry, who's hoping for Hermes, and who's just hoping for some sleep — plus, glean gift-giving ideas from Anna Sheffield, Lauren Bush Lauren, Derek Lam, Stephanie LaCava, and more — all here, in the slideshow.

>> Nothing says holiday like a little glimmer. Take a cue from the Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2011 collection — where models were styled to the hilt in high-shine sequins (left) — and add some sparkle to your season with these super gorgeous pieces. From a zigzagged Marc by Marc Jacobs cardi to a cocktail-ready Anna Sui mini, these pieces are glam, streamlined, and sleek — making them ultra-wearable for day and night. Shop them all here.
Photo: Greg Kessler

>> The new limited-edition sneaks from Suno are cheery, chic — and super affordable; perfect for Holiday gifting and beyond. Priced at $65, the canvas shoes come in two styles — lace-ups and slip-ons — and are printed in Suno's signature graphic patterns. "It made perfect sense to us to make a classic, easy tennis shoe. We chose some of our favorite kanga-inspired prints for the shoes, which are all being produced in Kenya with soles made entirely from recycled rubber," says co-creative director Erin Beatty. Click through to shop all the new styles — a portion of the proceeds from each sale is donated to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.

>> One for you, and one for me. Artful tableware, sleek accessories, quirky books — these gifts are so good, you might just find yourself buying doubles. Click through to shop 50 holiday-perfect gifts — all totally chic and all under $25.

>> Piamita, the new line from W's Karla Martinez and designer Cecilia de Sola, combines classic pajama shapes with sleek tailoring — resulting in a collection of luxury loungewear that's just too pretty to keep hidden. Priced from $180 (for tank tops) to $450 (for dresses), the debut Resort 2012 collection is available at Shopbop and Barneys, and features menswear-inspired oxfords, flowy tap pants, and graphically-printed column dresses in silk and chiffon. Click through to see and shop the entire lookbook, modeled by Julia Stegner.
Photos Courtesy of Piamita

>> Brush off the cold in this season's moody, full-spectrum blooms. Spring's favorite print gets darkly dramatic for Winter in high-contrast palettes and large-scale patterns — often digitized for extra impact. Spotted all over the Fall 2011 and Resort 2012 runways — think Jil Sander, Erdem, Celine, Givenchy, Mary Katrantzou, and more — these gorgeous blooms aren't your grandma's ditsy florals; these prints are bold, dramatic, and the perfect way to dress up the holiday. Click through to shop our picks in the slideshow.
Photo: Greg Kessler

>> Give gorgeous, keep it simple, and go classic. From sublime splurges to super-luxe stocking stuffers, these 25 beauty essentials are totally guaranteed to spread the chic — this season and beyond. Click through to shop them all, now.
Source: Getty

>> The newest need-now pieces — all here, and all freshly available from our favorite online shops. Think breezy Resort-ready dresses, glittery Holiday jewels, cozy colorblock sweaters, sky-high ankle-strap pumps — and more. Click through to shop the best of the just-ins, now.

>> From recent releases to much-loved classics, these coffee table tomes promise to make the perfect addition to any fashion fiend's collection. Featuring drop-dead images from legendary photographers like Mario Testino, Patrick Demarchelier, and Richard Avedon; insider info from industry icons Daphne Guinness, Carine Roitfeld, and Valerie Steele; and sublime collections from Christian Dior, Christian Louboutin, and more — these 15 books are some of the chicest to give this holiday season. After all, there's nothing like being well-dressed and well-read.

>> Buckle up. The classic fastener meets its match in this season's sky-high platform boots. Whether fur-trimmed and rugged or streamlined and sleek, these statement boots pack just the right amount of tough-girl punch. Pair with skinny jeans, leather leggings, or tights and a flippy mini for cold-weather style perfection — or, wear with a cozy sweater dress for a bit of dressed-down cool. Peep 22 of the chicest styles — including drool-worthy versions from Proenza Schouler, Ash, Burberry, and more —  here, in the slideshow.

>> The season's most versatile piece walks the line between dressy and dressed-down — and doesn't compromise on comfort. From the slim, belted styles of Fendi and A.P.C., to the fit-and-flare versions on offer from Tibi and Bensoni, there's a sweater dress for every mood. Pair with ribbed-knit tights and platform booties for a chic day-to-evening look, or, go for glam with ankle-strap pumps and statement jewels. Click through to shop 18 of the chicest sweater dresses currently online — here, in the slideshow.
Photo Courtesy of Karl Lagerfeld for Impulse at Macy's

>> This season, show gratitude — and guarantee an invite back — by giving the gift of chic. From an understated Kate Spade vase to a quirky Jonathan Adler salt-and-pepper set, these gifts are not only thoughtful and gorgeous — they're also all under $50. Click through to shop now.

>> Miniature minaudières and itty-bitty box bags get festive this season with rhinestones, glitter, and a heavy dose of sheen. Though they may be small in stature — just big enough for the necessities — these jazzed-up minis pack quite a style punch. Try Dolce & Gabbana's baroque pearl-and-gemstone-studded style (left) for a bit of '90s glam, or go girlie with Kate Spade's candy-colored jeweled version; both of those — plus more — here, in the slideshow.

>> Dress up your 'do just in time for the holiday season with these super-gorgeous hair ideas — all easy to do, and all straight from the runway. From the glamorous baubles spotted at Nina Ricci and Sonia Rykiel to the uber-dramatic hair corsages seen at Lanvin, these seven looks are sure to add a bit of excitement to your seasonal beauty routine. Click through to see — and shop — them all.

>> The perfect little outfit finishers. Here, 20 slim-lined booties with just enough punchy detail to add interest to even the most bundled-up look. From a gilt-heeled B Brian Atwood pair to a set of lace-embroidered Valentinos, these are some of the chicest ankle booties around.