Party season this holiday is all about grown-up glam. Vintage-inspired dresses channeling '40s and '50s screen sirens look fresh and new again. Cinched-in waists with skirts just below the knee are everywhere. There's still lots of black, but it's anything but boring, with rich texture and embellishment. Look for dresses that show your shape. But remember that too much skin is definitely not in. Think Grace Kelly instead of Paris Hilton.

We asked three akamai buyers what they see as the top trends in dresses for the season.

NATASHA BRILEY

MisFortune

Although Briley said black is still big, frosty pinks and blues, as well as jewel tones, are au courant. Bold earrings and layers of necklaces are a fresh look in accessories. Vintage-inspired dresses, lace details and cameos affixed to clothing are also trendy. As for footwear, Briley said knee-high boots with stiletto heels are hot for evenings on the town.

GILDA MINASSIAN

Calista by Cotton Cargo

"It's lots of bling-bling. The more you shine, the better it is," said Minassian. Gold clothing and accessories are "the happening thing," she reports. Choose one knockout detail or accessory and let it shine. Layers of chiffon floating from a strapless or spaghetti-strap bodice with a touch of beading, sequins or jewels is a fabulous look, Minassian said.

PAMELA ROSS

Ohelo Road

A mix of textures, as dramatically different as silk and velvet, look chic when paired, according to Ross. Velvet bows are on everything from stilettos to chokers. "Black is always in season," Ross said, and the strapless silhouette is a timeless look. Embellishments are everywhere; sequins make a statement when sprinkled across a bodice.

Reach Paula Rath at prath@honoluluadvertiser.com.