Stress-Free Styling: A Guide to Effortless Holiday Party Outfits
Hey friend! The holiday party season has begun - and most of us have at least one gathering that allows for getting a little fancier than normal.
Instead of a mad search through your closet for something to wear the day of the event, or an emergency shopping trip where you return frustrated, stressed, and with something you don’t really love and may never wear again, let’s take a different approach. Planning out what you’ll wear down to the accessories and shoes will save stress, time, and money in the long run!
Identify the occasion: Know if the dress code calls for nice pants or a cocktail dress.
Pull items that might work from your closet: Try them on to be sure they still fit and don’t have stains or need repairs.
If you have something that works: You’re set! And you have time to have any cleaning, tailoring, or repairs if needed.
If you can’t find anything that works: you may have a bit of shopping to do. If this is the case, here’s what to do.
Choose an outfit you have that will work even if it’s not something you love. This will keep you from panic buying in the store!
Decide if you are purchasing a dress, or a top or bottom to go with something you already own. Going shopping with a plan saves you time and keeps you from impulse buying something that you’ll only wear once!
Set a budget of the maximum amount you are willing to spend - knowing this number is important to be sure you don’t spend too much in the heat of the moment!
Bring the shoes and any coordinating items with you to the store to be sure what you buy works with what you already have.
Check the return policy!
Once you have everything you need, try it all on together including shoes, accessories, handbag, and a coat or wrap if you’ll need one. Snap a selfie to be sure you love it - and then you’re all set to go!
The day of the event, enjoy the process of getting ready whether that looks like lighting a candle, playing music, or having a glass of champagne. Then the process of getting dressed will be a relaxing way to get into the spirit of the event you’re attending, and you’ll arrive in a great mood and ready to mix and mingle!