"These days, my morning commute (a brisk walk to my local coffee shop) rivals the set of some of my favorite holiday films. The Manhattan brownstones—filled with the unspoken main character in every televised New York scene—have been transformed into festive stoops, with wreaths hung juuuust right. The picturesque walk has me realizing that the holiday season has undoubtedly arrived, and that can only mean one thing: It’s time to plan my holiday outfits.
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Unfortunately, becoming an adult means that Santa’s no longer footing the bill. So while I’m eager to jump into outfit planning, the reality is that in the midst of prepping for an expensive gifting season (where a $50 spend limit doesn’t cover what it used to), I’m afraid my budget no longer allows for an all-star assortment of sparkly heels and sequined dresses. But with a roster of holiday engagements on the horizon, I can’t not dress for the occasion. So in an effort to save Christmas (literally), I’ve decided to compile a list of go-to, budget-friendly ways to show off my holiday spirit—whether I’ve got a week’s warning or a moment’s notice.
Ahead, I’m sharing eight hacks to get your holiday outfits ready in a pinch—no last-minute budget breaking in sight.
1. Add a Red Lip
Without fail, a red lip always goes the distance. If you’re pressed for time, or just don’t have the brainpower to fuel your next holiday look, let your favorite shade of red lipstick work overtime. Whether you’re wanting to finish off a festive ‘fit or are simply looking for a way to spruce up your all-black look, one quick swipe of Rudolph red is all you’ll need to steer the slay.
2. Add a Shoe Charm
While it’s true that my love for sparkly footwear heightens this time of year, the idea of purchasing a holiday-exclusive pair has never sat right with me. So in order to avoid spending an arm and a leg on a new pair of shoes I’ll only be wearing a couple of times a year, I’ll be opting for money and time-saving shoe charms to make holiday outfit planning one less thing to worry about this season.
3. Add a Holiday-Ready Bow
Most of us would agree that our penchant for bows, as season-less as they are, grows tenfold this time of year. And with this year’s holiday season being named the season of the bow, it gives us all the more reason to return to the over-the-top, nostalgia-inducing bows we sported way back when. From barrettes to brooches, there are a host of holiday-ready bows waiting to take your winter essentials to new, festive heights.
4. Add a Pair of Festive Tights
There’s nothing like keeping a pair of stand-out tights on reserve, ready and willing to completely transform the simplest of looks. Whether you’re in the mood to play them up with other eye-catching accessories or are merely looking for a way to spice up your look for a last-minute holiday party invitation, adding a pair of festive tights can take your look from “staying in” to “on my way” in a matter of seconds.
5. Add a Statement Earring
As a stylist, my first and foremost rule of thumb is: When in doubt, accessorize. You’d be surprised by the lengths your basics can go with just a few accessories worked in. When it comes to dressing for the holiday season, the same rule applies: If you’re stumped on what to wear and don’t have festive tights or a sparkly bag on standby, go for a statement earring instead. Chandelier-style or classic pearl edition, this is your annual opportunity to let your most “wow” pair shine (literally).
6. Add a Feather Cuff
If you’ve previously written off a feather hem for fear that the washing machine would show no mercy, this one’s for you. Got an old turtleneck or knit crewneck laying around? Throw on a set of feather or faux-fur cuffs and you’ve got yourself an instant it-girl approved ‘fit for your next festive affair.
7. Add a Sparkly Bag
When it comes to festive accessories, the more the merrier (pun intended). Just like with footwear, when it comes to bags, you really don’t need to convince me to add to my collection. Since I’ll likely be able to sport a sparkly bag more often than a pair of sparkly shoes, I find that having one or two in my accessory arsenal is a worthwhile addition. Though my style leans a bit less minimal, I wouldn’t be opposed to wearing a pared-back, tonal look in order to let my bag do all the talking. (Thank goodness, too, since my knack for small talk decreases as the number of parties I attend increases.)
8. Add a Pair of Red Socks
Really, all you need to get into the holiday spirit is a touch of red—be it in a casual add-on or a formal get-up, the level of intensity is entirely up to you. Personally speaking, adding a pair of red socks to heels or loafers pretty much guarantees a holiday-ready look with a bare-minimum level of effort. But the compliments that follow? Let’s jsut say it’s low risk, high reward.
Tinsley Crisp, Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer
Tinsley Crisp is a Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer at The Everygirl and specializes in reporting on the season’s latest trends and hottest products. As a New York City-based stylist, she’s committed to injecting joy into the art of getting dressed and delivering attainable yet aspirational content to our readers.