[slideshow]
Holiday Brunch
This look is the new take on the "holiday sweater” — still comfortable, casual and warm, but elevated. This look is perfect for casual holiday occasions like family brunches and potlucks with friends. Also, adding a statement necklace to any casual top automatically adds something special to an otherwise casual look. Affordable sweaters can often pill and look cheap fast, so to avoid that, purchase a fabric shaver. The inexpensive device will make your pilling knit pieces look like new.
Get the look:
red and black sweater, faux leather pleated skirt, gold statement necklace and black booties from Winners
black and gold bracelets from H&M
gold clutch from Target
Visiting the In-Laws
This look is all about highlighting classic and polished menswear details, but still comfortable to wear. It’s perfect for occasions like visiting the in-laws where you need to be polished but still have room for dessert! These details, like the cardigan sweater and cut of the sports jacket are perfect for both younger and older men. The casual pants make it refined without being stuffy. A trick on making the affordable pieces look expensive here is the multiple layering within this look (sweater, shirt and a blazer). This allows for versatility but also gives a rich, more expensive look. Keep fabric in mind too. Tweed, cotton and linen often look expensive, even if they're not!
Get the look:
navy and blue tweed sportsjacket and grey khaki trousers from H&M
blue and grey pattered dress shirt and grey wool cardigan from Joe Fresh
brown oxford loafters from ALDO
Cocktails with the Gals
This look incorporates holiday sequins but in an effortless and edgy way which is great for a night out on the town. When purchasing pieces with sparkle, keep in mind that you want lots of shine, but done in a modern way like the woven sparkle in this jacket. Adding different textures of sparkle, like the traditional sparkle belt with the woven jacket creates an expensive look. This outfit is also a great alternative to the little black dress as it’s still comfortable. An important tip when purchasing an affordable dress pants is to see a tailor! It may be pricier, but a piece that is custom fit to your body will always look great.
Get the look:
beaded long-sleeved tunic top and black stretchy pencil trousers from H&M
black pumps from ALDO
sparkle woven blazer from Winners
statement necklace from North, Strong and Chic
Office Christmas Party
When looking for an appropriate office party outfit, it’s important to keep it professional but still glamorous. Also, fit is very important, especially for curvier women. An ill-fitting dress will always look cheap. This jersey dress with a cinched-in knot detail slims the waistline. It's all about the accessories when elevating this outfit. Adding chic sparkle with statement jewelry and footwear can transform even the simplest dress. But don't do sparkle over sparkle, that gets into the gaudy category.
Get the look:
indigo blue jersey dress from Winners
statement necklace and bracelets from Joe Fresh
sparkly peep-toe pumps from ALDO
Black Tie Holiday Fete
First off this is not a traditional tux, but rather a version of it done with a suit. Every man should have a well-fitted black suit that they feel good in for those black tie occasions. This one is affordable and can carry you into your work wardrobe post-holiday. Plus, black is a great choice for affordable suits. The dark color will hide the telltale signs of a budget piece. Make it look more expensive by adding a bit of texture like these patent shoes and the soft black on black printed bow tie, which both give it a more high-end feel.
Get the look:
black slim suit from Express
white dress shirt and bow tie and matching pocket square from H&M
patent leather loafers from ALDO
New Years Eve
This is an example of how mature women can wear a floor-length evening gown that's still affordable and chic. Since this dress is very sparkly, the cut is kept along with the jewelry. This gown is a perfect choice to add to your holiday attire because it makes for a glamorous New Year's Eve. Less is definitely more when styling such a statement-making dress. Bonus: since the cut is timeless, you can wear it any time of the year.
Get the look:
sparkly green long-sleeved evening gown from H&M
gold pendant necklace and multi-coloured jewel-toned clutch from Winners
thin gold belt from Express