Can we just take a moment and acknowledge how we blinked, and boom - it’s almost holiday season? Between school pickups, meal preps, and keeping the house in semi-presentable shape (keyword: semi ), the weeks are flying by faster than I can down my third cup of lukewarm coffee. And before we know it, it’ll be time to deck the halls and dazzle at holiday parties - whether we’re talking about office shindigs, school events, or that one party where you somehow end up in charge of the holiday craft station (how does that always happen to me?). But moms, I’m here to tell you - there is no need to panic! We’ve got this.
You don’t need to overhaul your closet or squeeze in a stressful mall run between dance classes and school concerts. The magic is in your existing fall wardrobe. Yes, those cozy knits, favorite boots, and even that oversized sweater you’ve been living in can easily transform into holiday party perfection with a little sprinkle of glam. Let’s chat about how you can level up your fall staples, and trust me - it’s easier than getting everyone to smile for the holiday card photo.
We all have that knit dress. It’s comfy, it’s forgiving, and you can chase your toddler while wearing it. But here’s the trick - knit dresses are your holiday party secret weapon. Swap out your casual ankle boots for a pair of metallic or embellished heels, throw on a statement necklace (the bigger the better, we’re going for glam here), and suddenly you’ve gone from “mom on the go” to “mom who slays.” Add a bold lip, and voila! You’re ready to make an entrance.
Personal Tip: Invest in one of those “one-size-fits-all” belts that can cinch the waist of anything. Trust me, I once had to belt a dress mid-school drop-off, and it turned out to be one of my best outfit moments.
Now on to a staple of fall...the oversized sweater. My uniform for mornings that start with spilled juice and end with PTA meetings. Believe it or not, you don’t have to give up that snuggly goodness for holiday party season. Pair your chunky knit with a sequin skirt (yes, you heard me- sequins!) or leather leggings. Not only will you stay warm, but you’ll look like a glamorous snow queen who happens to know her way around a cheese platter. Add some fun, dangly earrings to up the festive factor, and when the night is done, your sweater will still be cozy enough to curl up in when you get home (after the kids are in bed, of course).
Fall boots are non-negotiable for me. Whether it’s the perfect ankle boot or the chic over-the-knee pair I splurged on, they’re my go-to. But who says they can’t come to the holiday party, too? If you’re wearing a midi or maxi dress, knee-high boots add a little edge. Or take your ankle boots and pair them with tights that have a little shimmer or sparkle. It’s all about elevating what you already have!
Funny story: Last year, I wore a pair of gold-tinted tights with my boots to a holiday party and felt like a rockstar...until my five-year-old pointed out that my legs “looked like the Christmas tree.” You win some, you lose some, right? 💗
As a mom, I am the queen of layers. You’ve got to be when you’re constantly running in and out of the house, battling the unpredictable fall (and soon winter) weather. To take those layers from daytime cozy to nighttime glam, mix and match textures. Think velvet blazers over turtlenecks, satin camis under wool coats, or faux fur stoles over your knit dresses. Mixing textures is an easy way to create that luxe holiday feel without overthinking it. Layers are practical for holiday parties because they let you adapt to everything from chilly outdoor festivities to that way too warm living room full of party guests (and sugar-high kids). 💗
If you take nothing else from this post, let it be this: accessories are your best friend. They can turn even the most basic outfit into something festive. Think sparkly clutches, bold earrings, embellished headbands, and even those statement belts I mentioned earlier. Don’t be afraid to mix metals or add a pop of red or green - it's holiday season, after all!
I once attended a holiday event with one of those bejeweled headbands, thinking I looked like Blair Waldorf. By the end of the night, it was securely fastened on my daughter’s head, and I was rockin' a messy bun. The holiday spirit is all about sharing, right? 💗
We’re all busy, especially during the holidays. But with a little creativity and some styling tricks, you can take your fall wardrobe and make it festive without sacrificing comfort (or your sanity). The key is to use what you already have and just add a touch of sparkle, a hint of shine, or a bold accessory here and there. Your fall favorites don’t have to go into hibernation for holiday season - they just need a holiday twist.
So next time you’re staring at your closet, remember: it doesn’t take a whole new wardrobe to be party-ready. Just a few tweaks and you’ll be rocking holiday glam like the fabulous, multitasking mom you are.
Now, if I could just figure out how to keep the glitter from last year’s decor off everything I own, we’d be golden. 💗 💗
xoxo