5 Fashion Rules to Get You Through the Holiday Season in Style

Even if you wear a neutral color palette the rest of the year, consider adding some pops of silver or red to jazz things up for the holidays. "Red, green, gold, silver and jewel tones are all timeless holiday color options, but I love the idea of sporting other bold pops of color, like violet or cobalt, instead. In my opinion, the more vivid the hue, the more festive it will feel, so go for some pumpkin spice orange, Barbie pink or kohlrabi green and leave the neutrals for another day," advises PureWow Fashion Editor Abby Hepworth. It doesn’t need to be the main ensemble either—a red bag or orange pair of flats will go a long way. This is also the one time of year you get to rock an ugly Christmas sweater, so if you want to go big with all the kitschiest clothing you own, go for it.

Sure, there are exceptions to this “rule" (see below), but in general, your office holiday party or dinner with grandma and all of your nieces and nephews probably isn’t the place for super-low necklines and micro miniskirts. Save the va-va-voom pieces for New Year’s with your friends or date night with your partner and go for comfier styles with a bit more coverage for the family get-togethers.

If ever there was a time to go all in on sparkle, shine and glam, it’s now, according to Hepworth. "You can never go wrong with sequins, velvet, tulle or silk for the holiday season. They all feel so luxe and special, making them ideal for celebrations of any kind," she says. To make these elevated pieces feel more appropriate for day, try balancing them with a few understated pieces. We’re talking sleek, simple heels, wide leg pants and a slick hair style. If the minimalist in you is rolling your eyes at the thought of these excessive fabrics, there are other ways to incorporate holiday glamour into your look. "Try adding a touch of glam by way of accessories like a few delicate crystal tennis bracelets, oversize baroque pearl studs or a long diamond lariat necklace, which are all incredibly chic without feeling too over the top," says Hepworth.

Much of the holiday season centers around eating—Thanksgiving dinner, cookie exchanges, New Year’s drinks, etc.—so we can pretty much guarantee you'll be infinitely happier if you choose clothing that has some give. If the waistband is pinching before you’ve even left the house, consider changing into something else. That way you can focus on catching up with your loved ones and not get distracted by your outfit.

Whether it's a little black dress, a matching set or a cozy sweater and some Audrey Hepburn-inspired cropped trousers, wearing head-to-toe black is a surefire way to look chic and elegant. As an added bonus, it serves as the perfect base to play around with statement accessories like shoulder-grazing earrings, rainbow-beaded handbags or feather-adorned heels. Of course, you also can’t go wrong with some pearl studs and a simple wristwatch either—it’s totally up to you.