The Holidays are upon us and that means juggling work parties, school events, and the many family gatherings that go on in December. If you’re anything like me, the idea of having an entirely new outfit for each event is just plain stressful (and expensive!). The good news? You can elevate any outfit you already own with the right accessories. This guide is all about Holiday accessories on a budget and how they can enhance pieces you already have in your closet. Consider this your cheat sheet to looking festive, put together and polished- all for under $100!
Jewelry that does All the Work
The Holidays are your time to shine, sparkle and add a playful touch to your outfit. An amazing pair of statement earrings or necklace can transform your look in seconds. Here are some of my favorites to make any outfit pop while not breaking the bank (the two black dresses featured throughout are from H&M and cost $29.99 and $17.99)
– Chunky Beaded Necklace, $69.00, Pomp & Circumstance Boutique
– Gloria Fringe Earrings, $48.00, Baublebar
– Blue Teardrop Earrings, $21.25 Nordstrom
– Jingle Lady Earrings, $48.00, Baublebar
The Power of an Amazing Handbag
A metallic clutch, a mini-bag, a pop of texture- all of these can help make your outfit Holiday-ready. The functional options listed here can safely hold your phone, credit cards, and other necessities. Pro-tip: if your bag comes with a crossbody strap, bring it with you- it’s chic, practical, and will allow you to go hands-free while corralling kiddos and/or holding a cocktail!
– Hot Pink Clutch, $69.00, Pomp & Circumstance Boutique
– Gabbi Green Handbag $72.00, JW Pei
– Woven Gold Clutch, $84.00, Pomp & Circumstance Boutique
– Black & White Stripe Clutch, $32.99, Amazon
The Cozy Layer
Because this is Houston, it can be 50 degrees when you wake up and 80 degrees by noon. A bright, cozy layer like a cardigan or blazer can be a transitional piece to help bridge the temperature gap. Throw the cable knit cardigan on for the kids’ classroom party and the plaid blazer for your girls’ brunch. All of these options can easily be paired with jeans or a black dress.
– Button Down Cardigan, $37.99, Amazon
– Green Plaid Sherpa Jacket, $47.45, Amazon
– Red Plaid Jacket, $69.90, Chicwish
The Finishing Touch: Shoes
When you’re juggling school drop-off, work, errands, and holiday events, the right shoes can make or break your day. The challenge is finding cute, stylish options that also let you move easily from one thing to the next. Luckily for us, mules and mesh flats are having a moment! I found three great pairs that work perfectly with a simple dress or jeans and can effortlessly take you from day to night. And for our moms who still want a little lift, a block-heeled bootie is one of the best options to keep you comfortably on your feet for hours at a time.
Rhinestone Mesh Flats, $42.00, Prickly Pear
Holiday Mules in Hot Pink, $23.99, Amazon
Holiday Mules in Emerald Green, $34.99, Amazon
MIA Booties, $59.99, Nordstrom
Bringing it All Together
The key to making your outfit really pop is by choosing accessories that enhance your look without overwhelming it. Every item in this guide can be paired back with jeans and leggings for a more casual vibe (think classroom parties or that impromptu girls’ night). And remember, it’s not about wearing everything all at once; pick 2 – 3 items that complement each other and let them do all the heavy lifting.
Looking for somewhere to wear your new pieces? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Holiday Events in Houston
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Love the blog. I want everything listed.
Great info and choices.
Thank You! Happy Shopping!