The Best Holiday Party Outfits for Less

Survive the Holiday Season With Essential Wardrobe Pieces

Nov 12, 2009

Learn how to put together an outfit for a holiday party without exceeding your budget. Knowing what to buy, as well as how to shop your closet, is important.

The holidays are a busy time of year for everyone. On top of finding gifts for everyone on the list and decorating the house, there are always a ton of social obligations to attend as well. It can be difficult to stay within a gift budget as it is, so when it comes to party outfits there may be little funding left over to spend. By strategically thinking out the situation beforehand, it is possible to look fashion-forward and keep the bank account in check at the same time.

Shop Your Closet First

Often it is difficult to see something that is already in the closet as being new enough or trendy enough for a party, but this is not the case! Shop your closet before spending a penny on anything additional, and try to work outfits around pre-existing pieces of your wardrobe. That black knit cardigan may not feel new, but nobody at the party will know if you've had it for three years or for a week. Use pieces like cardigans, skirts and pants as anchors for your new party outfits.

Make a List Before Shopping

Especially during the tizzy of sales and promotions that happen during the holidays in order to encourage people to spend, be sure to have a focus before you hit the mall. Based on your anchor pieces, you may only need to add a dress or a top to something that you already have.

Make Smart Purchasing Decisions

Everyone wants to be in style, but don't fall victim to trends that won't last. One of the biggest mistakes that one can make is purchasing clothing in colors or fabrics that are holiday-specific. Nobody ever said that you must wear green and red or blue and white during this season! Instead, choose colors and fabrics that can carry on to another season. Velvet may be great for the holidays, but it doesn't translate well in spring. Look for neutral colors in easy-to-wear fabrics like cotton blends and light to medium knits.

Add Small Touches

The key to making a holiday outfit special should be in the small details. Again, go through the accessories that you already own before picking up the credit card to buy something new with. Wear a statement necklace with an otherwise simple outfit to add some sparkle, belt an old dress or top to give it a new life, or break out a fabulous pair of shoes to complete your look. There is no excuse to not look fabulous this holiday season!

HOL101

The copyright of the article The Best Holiday Party Outfits for Less in Women’s Fashion is owned by Kristen Joerger. Permission to republish The Best Holiday Party Outfits for Less in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.