How to Max Out Your Style Potential This Holiday Season

Just like that, the holiday season is upon us again. It seems like only a minute ago that we were getting ready for the summer, and now we’re suddenly thinking about Thanksgiving, all the December holidays, and of course New Year’s Eve. With so many family gatherings and outings with friends on the horizon, there are plenty of opportunities to look your best. Here are a few ways you can really go the extra mile.

Layers, layers, layers. Sure, you need to be prepared for wild swings between indoor and outdoor temperatures, but wearing layers can be about so much more than that. Since you’ll be taking layers off indoors, remember that each individual piece has to work well on its own, but also keep in mind that the pieces have to work together, too. If you keep colors tonal and play around with adding neutrals in, you can have a look that is interesting without being overwhelming.

Get adventurous with color. You might not think of wearing bold jewel tones at any other time of year, but at the holidays you can get away with it. Be confident in your choices, but also be careful to find a good balance. You want to stand out from the crowd, but not because everyone thinks you’re wearing some kind of costume. Sometimes less is more – a splash of color or a vivid shirt can often be more impactful than a whole suit in an unusual hue.

Play with fabrics and textures. High-quality fabrics are the foundation of any great outfit, and when the weather is cold you can layer them on top of each other. Whether you’re going with leather, fleece, or wool, smooth silks or soft knits, you can try different textures in conjunction with each other to create a variety of refined effects.

Upgrade your shoes and belts. Be honest – how long has it been since you got a new belt or a new pair of shoes? We tend to hang on to the ones we know and love, and only change them when they’re finally falling apart. But shoes and belts are just as important as any other part of your outfit, so if the time has come to update yours, don’t hesitate.

Start experimenting with accessories. Pocket squares, scarves, gloves, cufflinks – you’ll have the chance to wear all of these at one point or another during the holiday season. Details like these can really make an outfit pop, so don’t neglect them when you’re assembling your outfits.

There’s going to be a lot of excitement over the next couple of months, and you can add to the festive mood by always showing up in style. Take some time to think about what kind of statement you want to make, and then create some unique looks that set you apart from everyone else.