with pieces you already have in your closet

This time of year I find myself with limited time and resources. I’m usually too busy to shop for myself and have no extra money to spend. With more events and gatherings than usual, it’s so helpful to have a few festive outfit ideas at the ready. The good news is: we always have more outfits in our closets than we realize. It just takes a little creativity and inspiration, and I hope to give you both.

These are my three go-to outfit ideas for the holiday season, focusing on proportions and fabric to convey the festive season as well as mixing in a bit of the over-the-top accessory. My favorite thing about this time of year is that sparkly shoes and big earrings are a welcome addition. I encourage you to get creative and play around with what you have using these guidelines. It’s always amazing to me how much mileage I can get out of my wardrobe with a fresh pair of eyes.

Sexy Suit

Most of us have some sort of matching suit. Could be a pantsuit, a skirt suit, or even a short suit, but I think a pantsuit works best here, especially for a more formal occasion. I like to give it a bit of edge by omitting anything under the jacket. You can pin the suit jacket to show as much (or as little) skin as you like. Pair this with a sexy shoe (i.e., open toe) and a red lip.

I love this look because it’s classic and yet fresh amongst all the sequin and red dresses. Sophisticated and sexy while being comfortable.

Oversized Mini

Sweaters are a staple in everyone's closet, especially this time of the year. I love to dress up a sweater (and even better, a festive sweater) with a mini skirt or short shorts. These bottoms should be either tailored or in a textured fabric like suede or leather.  For the sweater, think bigger is better here. Oversized and colorful helps exaggerate the proportions, which makes this outfit feel special. Any details and texture work really well too. 

I think these proportions look classic with a pair of flats, closed-toe and fancy if you have. Also opt for a clutch that is small and has some embellishment like sparkly or color or textured details.

Party Denim

I really love jeans for a festive look, it’s completely unexpected. Jeans are so easy to dress up and there is something so effortlessly cool about wearing jeans to a party that says, “I’m cool (and comfortable) and I know it.” The trick to making jeans look festive is texture and shine. Pair light color denim with a sparkly top, the more skin-baring the better. This look works best with arms out and maybe a little cleavage or stomach but not both. Sequins would work well, lace, netting, satin, velvet, etc. Think of those traditional holiday fabrics. The juxtaposition of denim with a “fancy” fabric makes it a cool girl staple.

Accessories should be a pair of killer heels, a great larger-scale earring, and a total party clutch, the kind you can't fit anything into but it’s soooo cute.

Check out my IG (@polishingup) for videos on how I styled these looks and some more advice and tips on how you can make them your own. Here’s to a stress-free holiday season. At least when it comes to your closet.

Cheers!

jodi xx