We have all fall victim to the myth of the mandatory new holiday party outfit. And trust us, we love to find unique, fun festive pieces whether that means hunting through vintage stores or supporting our favorite brands. However, as stylists who value versatility in our wardrobes, we often see many pieces in our clients' closets worn only for one occasion and take up dead space in their wardrobe. If we're used to only wearing things one way, it creates pressure to refresh your wardrobe for every single party invitation. But we refuse to believe that looking good means having a closet full of clothes worn once. 

The most chic way to approach the holidays is by being intensely intentional. Anything new you buy should be able to be re-worn, but we encourage you to start by making your existing pieces feel brand new.

Here are 4 ways to allow your current pieces to feel fresh and celebratory this season:

1. Use Texture

The quickest way to make a outfit feel festive is to choose the right fabric texture. Texture adds depth and catches the light, giving a high-impact finish that feels festive.  The best part is, you probably own these already. 

• The Silk/Satin Secret: If you have a simple slip dress or a satin midi skirt (in any color), it's your holiday secret weapon. Layer it under a chunky, neutral knit sweater or a structured blazer. The juxtaposition of the fabrics is the ultimate high-low look. It’s so much more comfortable than a fitted cocktail dress. 
• Velvet: If you add velvet to any element of your outfit, it instantly becomes more festive and elevated. You could wear a velvet dress, trousers, but even make it as simple as a hair bow or accessory.
• Sequins: Sequins are not just for New Year's Eve! If you have a sequined skirt, try dressing it down by pairing it with a simple, oversized cashmere or cotton sweater. This unexpected contrast makes the look chic, not costume-y. Play into the friction of fabrics with sequins and when buying, make sure to look for a high quality make. 

2. Re-wear and Re-Style Your Best Pieces

You don't need a new piece; you need a new way to wear an old piece. Creativity in styling is the ultimate mindful fashion hack.

• Turtleneck Under Everything: The turtleneck is your secret weapon for winterizing. Layer a fine-knit turtleneck under a summer slip dress. It keeps you warm and adds a refined, sophisticated color pop right near your face, making the dress feel completely new and more importably, warm. 
• The Skirt-to-Dress Silhouette (Stay With Us): This might sound wild, but if you have a long maxi skirt, try pulling it up and wearing it as a strapless tube top dress. Then, layer a structured blazer or a cozy knit sweater, fully buttoned, over the top. The skirt peeks through at the bottom, creating a completely new, often more voluminous, dress shape. It doesn't work for every skirt-sweater combo, but it's an incredibly creative styling experiment worth trying!
• Dress over Pants: This is a unique way to add warmth, depth, and interest to your winter looks. If you have a flowy trouser or pant and either a mini dress (worn as a top) or a longer sheer or slip dress, you can play with layering. Have fun & balance proportions to fit your personal style. 

3. The High-Impact Accessory

Accessories are the most affordable and highest-impact way to signal "celebration." This is how your core outfits (like your favorite denim or a simple black dress) can be reimagined. 

• Jewelry as the Final Layer: We treat a simple outfit as a blank frame for bold accessories. Skip the matching earring s and necklace set and opt for one oversized, unexpected piece: a single chunky pearl cuff, a stack of vintage gold bracelets, or a bold earring that catches the light. This is your accessible dose of celebratory sparkle but you can add as much or little that feels like YOU. 
• The Metallic Anchor: You can wear a black sweater and black trousers and look perfectly intentional by simply adding a metallic shoe or handbag. Think a gold loafer, a silver clutch, or even rich burgundy boots. The unexpected shine anchors the look with celebration and proves the difference is in the details.
• Brooch: We never stop talking about brooches, and its for a good reason. They are affordable, unique, effortless and offer endless styling options. 
• Fun Socks: We love a pop of color in a fun sock or tight. There are so many variations, but we love the monochrome look of matching with your shoes. This also can take a summer heal and turn it into a winter heel. 

4. Intentional Buying 

This season isn't about buying into disposable trends; it's about being intentional with your closet. As stylists, we encourage you to invest only in pieces that offer versatility. Every piece you invest in should be comfortable, reflect your personal style, and make you feel confident, all year round. By focusing on cozy fabrics, high-impact accessories, and clever re-wearing, you can easily look celebratory and chic without succumbing to the holiday wardrobe stress. Your closet is already full of potential party outfits, you just need to look at them differently.

Happy, intentional styling this season!

x Jamie + Ash