There's something especially beautiful about this dark season that transcends the chunky layers of outerwear we arm ourselves with to stay warm. And it's not just the pretty holiday frocks underneath.

The season is notorious for bringing out our generosity. Whether we set our social calendars according to a barrage of charity fundraising galas or we don work clothes and volunteer to help build low-income housing, it doesn't have to show on our faces or in our wardrobe, but it makes the season a little brighter.

So we thought it fitting to mix holiday party fashions with the most fashionable accessory of the season — a charitable cause.

We recruited four St. Louisans with prominent positions at four agencies aimed at helping people.

Tania Beasley-Jolly, 38, Tower Grove

Occupation • Aspiring novelist and flaneur

Volunteer work • Co-chair of the Dada Ball fundraiser for the Contemporary Art Museum of St. Louis

Why the Contemporary Art Museum? • I've always been involved in the arts, and it was the first place that I gravitated to when I moved back to St. Louis almost two years ago. It has a pulse, and I like that.

How others can help • Make a trip down to the Contemporary Art Museum to experience the exhibits. Tania says the energy is "infectious." You can also donate time or funds at contemporarystl.org. The museum has opportunities throughout the year for volunteers at family days, galas, workshops, exhibition openings and other events. For information, e-mail volunteer@camstl.org.

If you'd like to attend the Dada Ball 2010 and fashion show, "Dada Rocks with Decades," on April 17, tickets are $200 to $1,000 but guests can opt to attend just the afterparty for $35. Tickets are available at contemporarystl.org. The museum will also host its Annual Gala honoring Emily Rauh Pulitzer on March 6 at the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis. Tickets are $500 to $1,500. Contact Lisa Grove at lgrove@camstl.org or 314-535-0770 Ext. 206 for information.

What she's wearing?
Scoop neck dark floral print dress with empire waist from Simply Vera Vera Wang ($68), Trifari jeweled faux sapphire bracelet ($32) and jeweled skinny belt ($28) all from Kohl's; Martinez Valero April dip-side ornamental pump in black ($159.95) from endless.com.



LeAnn Morrissey, 39, Clayton

Occupation • Stay-at-home mom (previously worked as a lawyer)

Nonprofit work • Chief Shower Officer of Operation Shower, which provides baby showers in a box, including gifts and essential items for the new mom.

Why Operation Shower • LeAnn said she was looking for "a way to give back to military families going through deployments. I have family in the military who have experienced the situation of a birth while the spouse was deployed to Afghanistan, and I wanted to help families in similar circumstances. I am also passionate about women helping other women and wanted to do what I could for these new moms."

How others can help • Go to operationshower.org to donate or e-mail lena@operationshower.org. The group is in need of financial help as well as new product donations for their "showers in a box."

What she's wearing?
Target Limited Edition holiday dress, a belted white houndstooth "Lady" dress, worn backward ($39.99) at Target stores and target.com; sterling silver cubic zirconia pear-shaped drop earrings ($35) and Caravelle by Bulova crystal-accented silver and white dial watch with gold band bracelet ($80.62), both from amazon.com.


Gus Whitelaw, 26, Kirkwood

Occupation • Director of Sales at Klance Unlimited

Nonprofit work • President of HavenHouse St. Louis Young Professional Board

Why HavenHouse? • "I was hooked after I took a tour of the facility," said Gus who noted that he was impressed with how HavenHouse helps house families that travel to the St. Louis area seeking medical attention. He said the group hosts a one-of-a-kind hospitality house because it offers 24/7 staff support, affordable housing, home-cooked meals, transportation and lots of energetic volunteers. And there's a very small staff that makes it possible.

How others can help • Donate funds or items from the wish list at havenhousestl.org, including hair dryers, towels, bedding, trash bags, toiletries, light bulbs, gas cards, DVDs and PlayStation games. The organization houses 7,000 people a year and more than 210 per month, so supplies are always needed. To volunteer or donate, contact HavenHouse St. Louis, 12685 Olive Boulevard, 314-434-5858.

What he's wearing?
Coppley, two-button, thick pin-striped suit with ticket pocket jacket and plain front pant ($825), Ike Behar, blue stripe shirt ($175), Robert Talbott, Best of Class, medallion tie ($135), silk hot pink and paisley pocket square by Duchamp London ($65) all from Woody's Men's Store, 10411 Clayton Road, Frontenac.


Barbara Archer, 55, Clayton

Occupation • Wealth Adviser, Archer Wealth Management

Nonprofit work • President of the board of Center of Creative Arts (COCA)

Why COCA • The multidisciplinary and multicultural arts programs includes performances, camps and workshops serving individuals from 6 months old through adult. There is an extensive outreach program offered to low-income youth through the nationally recognized Urban Arts Program, and financial aid is available for students in need.

How others can help • Enroll in one of the center's 500 classes. Become a member, donate or volunteer at volunter@cocastl.org. For more information head to www.cocastl.org. The next event at COCA is the Allegro Winter Music Showcase, a vocal ensemble of students ages 11 to 18, on Dec. 5 from 5 to 6 p.m. $6-$8 at COCA, 524 Trinity Avenue, 314-725-6555.

What she's wearing?
Target Limited Edition holiday "Vicky" dress with feather trim ($39.99) at Target; chrome and lucite necklace, Alexis Bittar ($455); fresh water pearl, crystal and lucite studded clip-on earrings ($245) both from Saks Fifth Avenue; jet-toned crystal multistrand necklace from Daisy Fuentes collection ($40) and large faux amethyst cocktail ring ($20), both from Kohl's; Wittnauer square-face Swarovski crystal-accented watch ($198.25) and sterling silver 1/10 carat diamond bracelet ($69) both from amazon.com; black pumps, her own.