The holidays are here and it seems the parties are endless. Reuniting with friends and family and enjoying holiday fare are fabulous; but trying to find outfits for everything can be taxing…and expensive!

When you have classic items in your closet, there is no reason to have to buy a new outfit for every event. Truly classic items can be worn anywhere and have the ability to be «dressed-up» for nicer occasions and «dressed down» for more casual events. Everyone should have a few of the basics in their closets including: dress pants, button-up shirts, a dress and jewelry.

For the holidays, focus on incorporating trendy items with your classic pieces to make your wardrobe appear fresh and updated.

Black dress pants

To dress up your dress pants, look for a shirt that draws attention. You can make a soft look by pairing your pants with a winter white wool sweater or silk shirt with feminine details. You can take the look an entirely different direction by finding a cardigan set with metallic details, or a shiny red camisole under a soft bolero.

When looking for shoes, the pant should fall to the bottom of the heel of your shoe; so don’t wear a heel to dress up the pant if it’s going to make them too short. Stick with a heel height that works.

Button-up shirts

Button-up shirts are as classic for women as they are for men, and they are a easily dressed up for a holiday party. Try finding a wide leg, long pant and wear either platforms or heels with them. Don’t be afraid to experiment with colors. If you’re button up is white, try a light gray (or silver) wide leg pant and turquoise blue heels. If you’re button up is red, go for winter white wool pants and a tan platform. You can also try dressing up your button-up by wearing a small fitting sweater of vest over the top.

Dresses

Dresses are a great classic for women because they’re feminine and easy-to-wear. They are the true «one-piece outfit.» As you’re looking to dress up your basic dress this holiday season, shoes are key. Find a shoe that makes a statement. If you have a simple black dress, try a chunky, red velvet heel or a patterned bootie. Tights are a fabulous way to change the overall look of an outfit; and they’re very in style right now. Try something different like a gray tight or a patterned tight. Remember to keep it dressy; you don’t want tights to make your dress look more casual than appropriate.

Update your classic look with stylish accessories

The simplest, least expensive way to keep your holiday wardrobe fresh without spending a lot of money on a new wardrobe is to update your classic looks with stylish accessories. Accessories can be inexpensive and can change the look of almost an outfit. If you wore a red dress to your work party last year with black heels and pearls, don’t be afraid to wear it again. Just mix up the accessories. Try pairing the dress with short dress gloves, large chandelier earrings, black tights, booties and a clutch.

The key is to wear something that’s already in your closet but mix it up by adding accessories and shoes to make it new for this holiday season.