Holiday style doesn’t have to mean buying a brand-new outfit for every festive moment. With a little intention (and a peek inside your own closet), you can build looks that feel elevated, festive and true to who you’re becoming – without the overwhelm.

Here’s my simple 3-step formula for holiday dressing:

1. Take Inventory Of Your Dressy Pieces

Before you add anything new, start by looking at what you already have. Pull out anything that feels “holiday-ish” – think velvet, satin, sequins, metallics, lace, deeper jewel tones or even a great structured blazer. Ask yourself: What dressy pieces do I already own that I love? What still fits well and feels like me? Which pieces could be dressed up or down? You’ll likely find you have more to work with than you realized. This step alone can spark fresh ideas and save you from buying something you don’t actually need.

2. Consider Your Actual Festivities

Holiday dressing should reflect your real plans – not a Pinterest board. Make a quick list of what’s on your calendar: family gatherings, work events, school concerts, friends’ gift exchanges, date-night outings. Now match what you already own to these events. A satin skirt might work for your office party and Christmas Eve. A great black blouse might work with trousers for something formal and with jeans for something more relaxed. This clarity helps you decide where you can re-wear pieces and where you might need to fill in a gap.

3. Create New Outfits By Re-Styling One Piece

This is where the magic happens. Choose one standout piece – maybe a sequin cami, a velvet blazer, or a satin midi skirt and challenge yourself to style it three different ways. The key: pair it with something you will wear again. A slouchy knit, tailored trousers, a denim jacket, tall boots – pieces you already rotate through in everyday life. For example: a velvet blazer with a simple tee and jeans; a velvet blazer over a black slip dress; or a velvet blazer with wide-leg trousers and a metallic heel. Each combo feels different, but you’re not reinventing the wheel. Then, add one new item – a statement earring, jeans, heel or a chic clutch to make the outfit feel “new” again without buying a whole new look.

Three Holiday Looks I’m Loving This Season

Jeweled sweatshirt + bright red skirt
I already owned this bright red skirt from summer and knew immediately I wanted to bring it into the holiday season. Pairing it with a jeweled sweatshirt adds the perfect amount of sparkle while still feeling easy and fun. Bonus: that jeweled sweatshirt also works beautifully with jeans for a more casual festive vibe.

The new burgundy dress
I am obsessed with this burgundy dress for all the holiday dinners we have planned. It’s rich, timeless, and feels elegant without trying too hard. One great dress you love can carry you through multiple events – this one is mine.

Chic sweater + skirt combo
This sweater (chocolate) and skirt (morel grey) pairing is one of my favorite ways to feel comfortable but incredibly polished. For size reference I’m wearing the x-small in the sweater and size small in the skirt. t’s elevated, effortless and so wearable. And again – swap the skirt for jeans and that same sweater instantly becomes a cozy-casual holiday look.

Holiday dressing and styling doesn’t have to be complicated. With this simple 3-step formula, you’ll create outfits that feel intentional, elevated and true to your personal style – all while avoiding that last-minute “I have nothing to wear” panic. If you want help building your holiday outfits (or figuring out what you already have to work with), this is one of my specialties. Just say the word and we’ll style your season beautifully.

Natalie, xo

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