Holiday Style Tips
So we’re already a week into December and I’m sure life is pretty crazy for most of us. 
I feel like my social life in December contains as many events as the other eleven months combined. I also find that many of the same people attend these annual parties. I look forward to celebrating with everyone, but if your life is anything like mine, this can mean nights standing in the closet staring at my clothes. The question I always ask is, “What am I going to wear this time?”
Big fancy holiday galas are few and far between for me. When they do happen, I always enjoy buying a new dress. I love this one from Free People and might need an excuse for a new dress! I’m not going to focus on those fancy occasions, instead I’ll give you my tips on being prepared for your more casual holiday get-togethers. I want to feel festive, but refuse to wear ornaments earrings or the dreaded “Christmas sweater.” All you need is some fun items that you can combine in different ways with the staples in your wardrobe. One sparkly or shiny item mixed with some basics and you’re all set. These pieces are usually timeless – it’s how you wear them each year that’ll change.
Here’s my Holiday Hot list for this year:
A Black Jacket in velvet, brocade, or another fabric with serious shine. This year you can pair the jacket with white on the bottom for a very current look. Yes, PURE WHITE. White Denim is great for this particular look, too. Just be sure you wear the white denim with wintery accessories, so it doesn’t look like you’ve just flown in from Miami. (No sandals!)
A Statement necklace in faux gemstone or some 
other bling can turn a simple knit top, sweater or blouse into a party outfit. Pair it with some black denim and pumps and you’ll look fabulous. The key to wearing bold accessories like this is to keep the rest of the outfit simple.
A sweater with some sparkle is always good to throw on with a pair of jeans and boots. 
You’ll feel festive and comfy at the same time. This year, pair it with a simple long necklace and colored jeans for very current look.
This jewelry Style belt from BCBG will dress up a simple tunic or top. Wear it with something simple, so it doesn’t fight it for attention. Fabulous belts are a weakness of mine.
As for what to wear on the bottom, I love black skinny jeans 
for the holidays. If you’re more adventurous, try the new coated denim that’s out this season. There’s a sheen to it that makes it look like leather. Velvet jeans or leggings are great, as is a sparkly or 
lacey short skirt, which can be dressed down with tights and boots.
I’ve seen cute holiday outfits that incorporate everything from cowboy boots to converse, but you can’t go wrong with a classic pair of black pumps.
However, the shoe of season is definitely the bootie! 
♦
I hope this gives you some ideas. Fashion is fun if you don’t stress about it. To celebrate the holidays, I’m offering a Holiday Gift give- away – a free wardrobe workshop ($150 value)! In order to win you need to comment on this blog and like Style Daily on Facebook. A bonus entry will be given to anyone who shares the blog on Facebook! The winner will be chosen on Friday December 13th. A wardrobe workshop starts with a closet overhaul. Together we’ll go through your closet and consider what you need to acquire to round out your wardrobe. I’ll help you put together looks with the things you already own and compile a list of items that would bring your wardrobe to the next level. We’ll define and “name your style,” and I’ll create a Pinterest board of fashion ideas for you to view for inspiration. The winner must live within 20 miles of my Forsyth County home.
I just want to clarify. The wardrobe workshop is not about encouraging you to shop, it is about teaching you how to best wear what you already have and enabling you to identify your needs. This is done in your home and takes about 2-3 hours.
I love this post! I am wishing that I would have read it last week – I had a holiday party to attend on Saturday and didn’t go because I just didn’t want to deal with the wardrobe issues. This would probably have inspired me to put something together. Thanks Kathy and Allie!
Jackie! I can’t believe you didn’t go! You always look fabulous and you sparkly smile is your best accessory. Are you really going to FL on the 19th or you just not have anything to wear?
Jackie, make sure you think about this next time you are shopping and see a festive item and decide you “don’t need it.” I love to scoop up fun pieces like these, before the need arises. Although, Allie, now I am feeling the pressure for the 19th myself. Better practice what I preach right?
Great post Kathy! I know the type of clothes I like and what looks best on me, but my problem has always been accessories. This was very helpful.
Glad it helped. But you always look great!
Very helpful post! With many of my clothes being in storage this fall, I had to do exactly what you mentioned. I had to make different outfits out of a few pieces. It can be challenging but I also believe that accessories can do that just as well. Thank you for the inspiration to make it through a couple more holiday parties! Very fun to read too:)
You poor thing! Thank goodness the bins will soon be freed from storage.
Amy, I think accessories are more important than the actual clothes most of the time.
Kathy…I think I need you for more than holiday parties! I love your suggestions…it’s always a challenge to look great but to be careful because I don’t want to be one of those “nearly 50” women trying to look 20. Cheers and Merry Christmas!
As a “newly 40” (newly can be interpreted in many ways) I completely understand. I went dress shopping last night and it was miserable. All the stuff I love is really not appropriate for my – shall we say – period of my life?
Allie we are not too old for most things, you just have to know how to wear them. I do agree that many times things can look inappropriate. A good rule of thumb is if you would not want your teenage daughter to wear it you shouldn’t either if you are over 30. But that being said, keep to the rule of one. One sexy element is okay. So plunging neckline good or short skirt good, not both. I have a pair of camo skinny pants and since I just turned 50 I have to be really careful how I wear them, but I still wear them. I just have to clas them up, so I wear them with a long sweater and boots. You get the idea. I think that might be a good topic for my next post. Age appropriate style? What do you think?
Be sure to like my facebook page at facebook.com/kbstyledaily for more tips and inspiration. Tricia I would love to help you out.