Dreamy fairytale clothing and historically inspired fashions seem to be everywhere this season. The recent Libertine Spring collection was more a romp through the British Isles then a runway show. Queen Victoria and poets Keats and Shelley adorned blouses and tanks. The focus was on Swarovski crystals, affixed to tulle and velvet, for example, through a heat-transfer technique in flower bouquet, spider web, rose, and skull motifs.

And hold onto (or trade in) your monogrammed Izod sweaters, even Lily Pulitzer's umber prep pie line is now splashed with color, flowers and embellishments.

This holiday season designers from Heatherette to Rochas and even minimalist Donna Karan are embracing the romantic trend. Not to be confused with Boho chic, which leans heavily on accessories and the influences of countless cultures, this trend follows the credo of less is more, subtly borrows from the 1950's and has folk element that is mainly old world Europe.

Here are a few tips on how to be one of the Twelve Dancing Princesses this holiday season.

The Party Dress

The key word here - lace, be it Chantilly, Valencies (French handmade bobbin lace) or griper (French embossed lace) you will want this to artfully adorn your romantic column or ball gown, especially if you are on the taller side. Even the finest lace dresses will break up the ensemble so aim for sleeveless or sweetheart cuts, and if you are on the shorter side stick with the countless romantic lace cocktail dresses available with or without the whimsical new pinafore detailing. Whatever style you choose, gold, light blue, lilac and pink, along with black and luminous white are stand out colors this season. Many choice dresses have a well constructed bustier, crinoline and cap sleeve detailing as well.

Romantic Shoes

Rise to any occasion in platform sandals which are still here despite the cold because they elongate the entire leg and look adorable. It is also the time to pull out the festive pumps or slings backs. Keep the heel on the higher side and don't shy away from unique shades like red or ice green. If the shoe is of the highest quality even a metallic satin will look smashing.

Marlene Dietrich's timeless adage of "Good shoes give elegance to your entire appearance. Buy one pair of good shoes instead of three pairs of bad quality" has never been more apt. One gorgeous pair of magenta velvet pumps will work through the season better than half a dozen ho hum black flats.

Romance-Inspired Accessories

You've got two options: Stick with the nicest jewelry possible or opt to go bare, showing off luminous skin instead. Costume jewelry can work with the romantic qualities of this style, just be sure to keep it simple.