15 Festive Pieces to Dress Up What You Already Own

'Tis the season to shop your closet

Dec 04, 2024

This letter is in partnership with Net-a-Porter, who we chose for this edition because of their quick shipping. If you’re buying something for a holiday party, it’s likely in the next two weeks, and Net will get it to you on time. Their seasonal sale is on, too!

I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t say I like a unitasker. An outfit to be worn one time only? Wasteful. A new dress for every party? Stressful! I want to get mileage out of my clothes. And while I love dressing up for a holiday party, I don’t want to spend the week prior on a mad dash for the right outfit.

Instead, I buy key foundational pieces that I can wear year-round and treat myself to something I know will fit at the eleventh hour: a great accessory.

I assume you own a festive black or straightforward cocktail dress, right? Styled with a fresh heel, earring, brooch, or clutch (even a pair of tights), it feels new, no matter how long it’s hung in your closet.

An immense statement necklace can elevate an easy silk t-shirt or an off-shoulder dress. Root your closet in a few easy-to-style pieces like a classic black blazer in a dressy fabric or with a shawl collar and a good mini dress for cocktails — style it with tights and a coat in the winter.

Me? I’m relying on a black silk blazer by The Row to ground my party outfits this month — it looks great worn with jeans or trousers, thrown over a dress, or styled with shorts and tights.

I wore it just last week to a party, got tons of compliments, and was comfortable enough to dance my ass off to a DJ set from Samantha Ronson.

The fur coat’s under $500 and warm enough to face down even the chilliest Utah housewife. If you prefer to outshine your fellow guests, opt for something glinty. Throw it over the kind of trusty LBD you can reach for year-round.

If your party requires outdoor time, try a coat with something extra, like a fuzzy fabrication or a touch of sparkle. Slip it on over that trusty LBD that makes you feel great, and punch it up with statement-making accessories.

Pull your hair back to show off a great earring like these from CompletedWorks or Bottega Veneta (1, 2). A clutch that fits in one hand always reads nighttime, but none of these (The Row, Savette, Khaite, Metier) feel so overtly “holiday” that they can’t be worn well after. Perhaps the most gratifying way to elevate an outfit is new shoes (Manolo Blahnik, Gianvitto Rossi, Chloe). Emme Parsons’ blue satin numbers beg for a night out on the town.

One great accessory can make all the difference. Even if all you feel like wearing is a crispy white button-down and a pair of black trousers, a good shoe or bag can transform an outfit into evening-appropriate in five seconds flat. This is even more true if it’s a pointy black pump, which will stay with you for years when taken care of. Opting for material like black lace or velvet over plain kid leather makes it feel more cocktail party than office party.

Sets in the city? Forgive the pun. Blazé Milano gingham jacket and skirt. Khaite pink silk top and suede mini skirt. Sonia Petroff brooch, Dries van Noten clutch, Khaite E/W bag and gold earrings,

Sometimes, you want to treat yourself to a whole new look. I get it! A matching set looks frivolous but works sensibly — you get double the wear by breaking the pieces into other outfits. Wear a mini skirt now with tights and boots and roll it into spring with a heeled sandal. That way, you didn’t buy an outfit you’re only going to wear once that’s destined for The RealReal.