Quick & Easy Holiday Hacks

The holiday season is arguably fashion’s most celebrated moment of the year. From tartan plaid to dramatic sequins, it’s when we get glitzed, glammed and dressed to the nines for the party circuit. But the pressure to look smashing is real, often triggering impulse buys, retail regrets and wardrobe one-hit wonders. The honest truth? There are probably plenty of holiday-ready looks already in your closet. Try these great holiday hacks to look stunning and stay sane through the festive season:

  1. Wear red
    Red is the official color of the holidays, making anything in your closet crimson to cherry instant festive attire. Try a simple red cashmere sweater with black or white cigarette pants, matching boyfriend blazer and black patent leather pumps. Belt the waist with a festive scarf, silk obi or matching patent leather belt, then style with sparkly statement earrings. Pair with a bold red lip and matching manicure to polish the look. Sleek, sophisticated and simple, it’s super easy to throw together.

  2. Consider color pairings
    Beyond the obvious red and green pairing, match either color to clean, sophisticated winter white for the same festive effect. Shades, tints and tones within these two color families work too, like burgundy or forest, olive and lime greens. Or, for an urban spin on festive attire, try pairing basic black with metallic separates like a silver lamé cable-knit sweater or gold metallic jeans. Add statement jewelry that shimmers and glimmers to elevate and polish any of these pairings.

  3. Go monochrome
    A simple, elegant monochromatic color column creates a blank canvas that sets the stage for festive jewelry. Stick to simple and sleek palettes like head-to-toe red, green, winter white or black, then add rhinestone drop earrings, a beaded choker necklace or cluster of blingy brooches. For an extra splash of festive, pair with silver or gold tights that add a touch of glimmer, glitz and glamour.

  4. Rock daytime pajamas
    Daytime pajama sets are super high-style and surprisingly versatile. Every woman should have one in her wardrobe for an unexpected yet stylish one-and-done statement look. The elegant silk or satin sheen skews holiday in a pinch, plus the slouchy fit is comfy, chic and sets the stage for shoulder-dusting chandelier earrings, strappy metallic stilettos and a sparkly cocktail ring. To add a sexy vibe, fasten the first two buttons only to expose the midriff for a subtle, peek-a-boo effect.

  5. Opt for fancy fabrics
    In truth, many classic materials convert to festive attire with the right pairing or accessorizing. Consider traditional fabrics like plaid, lace, lurex and velvet and watch how effortlessly plaid skews holiday, lace appears festive and lurex telegraphs special occasion when anchored by a neutral and paired with bling. Velvet is the ultimate luxe touch that elevates and celebrates at once, so wear as an accessory (hat, scarf, smoking slippers) or as a separate (skirt, jacket, trouser) to look festive and feel fancy. Accessorize with silver, gold, diamonds or pearls to punctuate as festive attire.

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Elizabeth Kosich Styling