When the holiday season arrives, the calendar fills with cozy nights in, office parties, cookie-baking with loved ones, and sparkling New Year’s Eve celebrations. But you don’t necessarily need an entirely new wardrobe to dress the part – you might already have the perfect base outfit hanging in your closet. With just a few strategic styling tricks, familiar pieces can instantly transform into festive, party-ready looks.
Whether you’re styling denim, elevating your favorite sweater, or trying to make your little black dress feel holiday-ready, these outfit ideas and key seasonal details will help you glow at every gathering.
Looking for a meaningful holiday gift or a fresh start for the New Year? LA Personal Stylist Meg Gallagher’s personal styling services offer curated, confidence-boosting style guidance – perfect for gifting or stepping into the new year with a refreshed wardrobe.
Holiday Outfit Ideas With Denim
Denim is a staple year-round, and with a touch of seasonal magic, your jeans can look effortlessly festive.
1. Add a Pop of Red
Red is the color of the season, and it doesn’t take much to make an impact.
Try adding a hint of red through:
- A pair of cherry-red heels or ballet flats
- A cranberry clutch or mini bag
- A red hair bow
- A cozy red sweater
Even the smallest accent transforms your denim look into something instantly holiday-ready.
2. Choose a Cozy Fair Isle Sweater
For at-home gatherings, cookie baking, or casual family nights, a trending Fair Isle sweater is the perfect choice. It adds warmth, color, and a nostalgic wintry vibe – no effort required.
3. Add Sparkle Through Sequin and Shimmer Details
Sequins and shimmer bring instant party energy.
Try:
- A shimmery metallic top tucked into jeans
- A sequin bandana tied around the waist for a subtle statement
- A sequin blazer or faux-fur coat – perfect for a last-minute NYE upgrade
How to Dress Up a Sweater for Holiday Parties
Sweaters don’t have to be casual. With the right pairings, your everyday knit becomes elevated enough for work holiday parties, semi-dressy gatherings, and festive dinners.
1. Pair With a Sequin Skirt or Sequin Pants
The contrast of cozy knit + full sparkle creates a balanced, chic party look. Perfect for evening events.
2. Try Sleek Satin Pants
Satin instantly adds sophistication. Neutral or jewel-tone satin trousers with a soft sweater creates a polished, modern, and comfortable holiday outfit.
3. Wear a Fair Isle Sweater With a Pencil Skirt
This combination blends classic charm with tailored structure. Add tights and heeled boots or kitten-heeled slingbacks for easy elegance.
How to Make a Little Black Dress Holiday-Ready
We all have a go-to LBD, but how do you push this icon into full holiday territory? With a few festive add-ons, your little black dress becomes perfect for Christmas cocktail hours, winter soirées, or a glamorous New Year’s Eve celebration.
Festive Toppers
Layering is everything. Try one of these luxe outerwear choices:
- A faux-fur coat or a coat with fur trim
- A velvet blazer
- A sleek leather blazer for a modern edge
Statement Accessories
The magic is in the details. Upgrade your LBD with:
- A feather-trim bag or feather-accented accessories
- Bow-embellished shoes, hair accessories, or belts
- Lace gloves or lace layering pieces
- Sheer polka-dot tights for a playful twist
- Rhinestone-adorned shoes, jewelry, or bags
- A signature red bow (the ultimate holiday punctuation mark)
Holiday Style Made Easy
You don’t need to overhaul your wardrobe to dress festively! You just need a few key pieces and smart styling ideas. Whether you’re enhancing your denim, elevating your coziest sweater, or reinventing your trusty black dress, these outfit combinations and accessories will help you feel stylish, confident, and celebration-ready all season long.
Give the Gift of Style: Meg Gallagher’s Personal Styling Services
Looking for a meaningful holiday gift or a fresh start for the New Year? Meg Gallagher’s personal styling services are the perfect choice. Whether it’s a curated closet refresh, help defining a signature style, or guidance in building effortless everyday outfits, Meg offers customized styling that boosts confidence and simplifies getting dressed. It’s a thoughtful gift for someone you love, or the perfect way to step into the new year feeling polished, inspired, and truly yourself.
SHOP THE FESTIVE EDIT: Holiday Pieces to Elevate Any Outfit ❄️
Shop our Festive Shopping Edit to find key pieces like sequins, shimmer, satin, and statement accessories that complete your holiday outfits with minimal effort:
Belinda Sequin Skirt
Holiday Party FAQ
Q: How can I make my everyday outfits look holiday-ready?
A: You can make everyday outfits holiday-ready by adding festive details like sequins, satin, faux fur, bows, or a pop of red. Layering statement outerwear or swapping in sparkly accessories instantly elevates familiar pieces like denim, sweaters, and little black dresses.
Q: What are easy holiday outfit ideas if I don’t want to buy new clothes?
A: Easy holiday outfit ideas include styling what you already own in new ways! Pairing sweaters with sequin skirts or satin pants, adding rhinestone accessories, or layering a festive coat over a classic outfit. Small updates can make a big seasonal impact.