By Erin Sommers

It used to be so easy. Dressing for the holidays in third grade meant wearing wooden reindeer earrings to school. Dangle wooden reindeer earrings. And if I really wanted to be festive in those days, I could always add that cute musical necklace that played “Up on the Housetop.” Unfortunately, sporting red and green socks doesn’t spice up a holiday outfit like it did when New Kids on the Block were doing Christmas specials. Long gone are the sweaters of Christmas past.

Choosing an ensemble for the office party, family celebration or an acquaintance’s hot cocoa gathering can range from annoying to intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be a burden. Think of your holiday outfit as an extension of your Christmas celebration. The anticipation of Christmas is in full swing as you decorate your home, bake your cookies, wrap your gifts. Each of these holiday traditions announces, “I am celebrating” with your own unique flair. Dressing for the holidays can be just as meaningful, and even fun. With a little preparation before you hit the holiday clothes racks, or just a few good ideas in revamping your favorite black dress, you’ll be ready to enjoy the festivities in style.

Respect the Classics

You’ve already spent a good part of your Christmas budget on gifts for others, and the line at Banana Republic is longer than the one to see Santa. The good news: you have a black dress at home that fits you well and requires zero buying, waiting, or trying to find a parking space. The bad news: Whether it’s from boredom or over-use, your once-new outfit seems rather lackluster.

A dress that fits you well can go a long way, especially if it’s a solid color or a subtle pattern. This time around, avoid wearing the same black pumps that have become monotonous, and instead try pairing it with a less predictable option. The shoes you bought for graduation, or for chaperoning your daughter’s prom may make a surprising match. Try adding a festive silk scarf to the pencil skirt and white blouse you usually wear to work. If the scarf is substantial enough to make an impact, tie it around your waist and secure it with a knot or bow at the small of your back.

Choose a bold color like red or gold and let it do the refurbishing work for you. “Find the color that looks best on your skin tone,” advises Keyonna Cox, professional fashion stylist and CEO of LA’s House of Style. “Hold the colors up one by one to your face and you’ll be able to tell immediately.” Find the courage to sport a stellar pair of sparkly chandelier earrings, or red patent-leather shoes. You’ll be presently surprised how a daring accent can change your attitude toward a well-worn article of clothing.

Use layers to your advantage. Besides keeping you comfortable in the cool weather, wearing a colorful or patterned buttoned-up cardigan over a dress can give it a wintry and classic feel. Add some comfortable ballet flats, an heirloom pin or a strand of pearls to the outfit and you’ll be ready for the long version of “O Holy Night”.

Shop Savvy

If you’ve decided to join the rest of the world at the mall in hopes of finding something to wear, go prepared. Scan through your closet to remind yourself of the basics you have to work with. Although you may not be excited about a plain black skirt at the moment, you could possibly run into the creamy silk blouse to make it a perfect duo. If your budget doesn’t include new shoes, take a survey of what could play a supporting role to your new purchases. 

Heading into the glitz and glamour of holiday marketing without a plan may prove to be shopping suicide, so go prepared. Make a list of the items you’re looking for, and have several options in mind of what you would feel comfortable wearing for your special occasion. If you have more than one holiday party to attend, think about ways to adapt one outfit for two events.

While you’re out, enjoy the hustle and bustle and the holiday festivities, but keep yourself focused on your goal. Shopping in crowded stores, standing in long lines, and trying on clothes can be draining. If you’re not finding what you had in mind, grab a peppermint mocha, find a seat and rethink the plan.

Invest Wisely

The holidays may be the perfect time to invest in a classic if you have room in your budget. Spending more initially on a piece for fit and quality doesn’t have to mean your name jumps straight to the naughty list. If you select the piece with thought, the investment will most likely pay for itself down the line. If you’re planning on taking the investment route, choose wisely. Avoid loud styles and prints that will quickly become dated or limit what accessories it can be paired with. If building an outfit from scratch, funnel your budget first towards a dress rather than accessories. “The garment is what makes you,” says Cox. “A purse is not a necessity. . . and you can pull off almost any outfit with diamond studs.”

If you’ve found the dress and still have the funds to buy shoes, the same rules apply. Comfort should register high on the priority list. If you’re too sore to stand and mingle or take a spin around the dance floor, you’ll regret your decision to put form above function. However, keep in mind that the same can be said for the opposite scenario. Shoes that are noticeably out of place or worn can ruin a look.

Go Glam

The holidays are the perfect time to wear something a little more daring, and adding some shimmer and sparkle to your wardrobe doesn’t have to break the bank. Silky materials, festive colors, and gold accents abound during the Christmas season, and you’ll be able to satisfy your desire for sparkle in less expensive stores. Pair these purchases with the classic pieces you’ve invested in, and you’ll be dressed for celebrating without going into the red.

Once you make it home from your shopping trip, take your outfit for a test run. Try on everything and make sure you feel comfortable. Remember that what you’re wearing should feel like you, with a little sparkle. Don’t let the glam get away from you. In the end, how you carry yourself and interact with your fellow party guests will make or break the outfit.

Christmas is a time to celebrate! As you dress for your holiday events this season, enjoy the chance to glitz, shimmer and sparkle a little more than you normally would. And if all else fails, go ahead and sport those wooden reindeer earrings you used to love so much. You might just end up making some spirits bright.

Erin Sommers lives in Costa Mesa, Calif. She enjoys exploring the beaches, bike trails, and venues for the arts Orange County and LA have to offer.