ORANGE COUNTY STYLE : The big black dress is the big look

Forget the little black dress concept. This party season demands the Big Black Dress--no matter how bare, how short or how many pieces. Whether thigh-high and coquettishly poufed, floor-length and dramatically lean or elegantly pieced as a suit, a silhouette draped in black is unforgettable.

Textures and finishes are juxtaposed to add dimension. Fox trim on lace. Satin with velvet. Beads on cashmere. It’s a season of indulgence, opulence, extremes. Time to wear jewels--diamonds or paste. And furs-- faux or real.

Men have options to the classic tuxedo. Black, yes, but stylized in looser contours, more relaxed fabrics. Textured accessories such as alligator shoes and sueded ties allow each to define his own holiday look.

PHOTOGRAPHS: ESHELEZER

ASSISTANTS: CHRISTINE COTTER

AND ROBERT LACHMAN

MAKEUP: WENDY OSMUNDSON/CLOUTIER

HAIR: JOHN KEONI/CLOUTIER

STYLING ASSISTANCE: GIANNA MAJZLER

CAR: GENERAL AUTO LEASING, COSTA MESA