Many SIUC organizations are hosting parties soon and mall managers and associates are ready to put the holiday trimmings on any customer.

While traditional holiday fabrics have been velveteen, chiffon and taffeta in the past, velvet makes up most of the seasonal dresses and accessories this year, according to lady’s apparel officials.

Christina Bonanni, a Famous Barr sales associate, said the traditional little black dress is the most popular item this season, both above the knee and floor-length.

Since Coco Chanel introduced it in the 1920s, simple black dresses have been a holiday favorite which never goes out of style.

She said the store also offers matching velvet jackets, hats, shoes and purses to make the outfit complete.

In addition to velvet dresses, Bonanni said the store has stocked many beaded and sequined dresses and straight-legged and palapso pant suits.

Sheila Richter, a JC Penney sales associate, said women are becoming a little more daring when dressing for the holidays and revealing more shoulders and cleavage than in years past.

I think they’re (women) buying those new miracle bras and showing more cleavage, she said.

The more sexy, voluptuous looks are exactly what they’re after.

Ruthie Altekruse, owner and manager of Ruthies, 608 S. Illinois Ave., said if women do not want to bare their shoulders and arms, they can choose sheer, chiffon sleeved dresses.

These sheer sleeves are a way for women to look sexy, without uncovering themselves, she said.

Alterkruse also said velvets in jewel-toned colors are very important and can be easily accessorized with rhinestone jewelry.

Young women are more attracted to the trendy slip and crepe dresses.

As men suit up for that special occasion this season, textured blazers and corduroy slacks are sure to be seen.

Andy Morgan, assistant manager at Structure, said tweed blazers can dress up or dress down any outfit.

Some men are choosing to wear the blazer over a conservative oxford and tie or a silk or wool blend sweater.

Wearing a blazer over a sweater makes the outfit a little more fun, he said. Vests with a lot of color also are festive.

Plaids are always seen around the holidays and this season is no exception.

Morgan said most people wear plaid flannels with their thermals or henleys, but they are seen in this season’s ties and sweaters.

Plaids can be easily dressed up with a leather vest and slacks that can add a special spark to mix up the holiday outfit, he said.

Daniel Utz, manager of J. Riggins, said traditional stripes and solid colored ties are not even being carried in the store this year.

He said sport coats in the classic hounds tooth, glenn plaid, tweeds and herringbone patterns, which are fall fashion’s classics, are popular this year.

Utz said he and his associates advise a lot of customers on mixing and matching because a lot of men lack fashion experience.

A lot of men will come and look then bring their wives or girlfriends back to the store, he said.

Women have a better flare for fashion and a lot of men feel intimidated when shopping.