It’s officially merry-making season, people, and with girls’ night outs, cocktail, dinner, and office parties, (not to mention the notoriously overrated NYE celebration–can you tell I prefer to spend mine with my couch and some Thai takeout?), these months can bring on some serious style scaries.

I don’t mean to sound like the Grinch, but keeping your calendar straight during the holidays is tough. Now toss in the shopping, baking, decorating and, last but not least, the pressure to nail down holiday ensembles that are event perfect. You want your style to be unique and festive (without looking like a real-life hallmark movie cast member), yet still appropriate (especially when mingling with your Husband’s boss).

Upgrading your look to match the festivities isn’t the easiest of feats, but it shouldn’t be daunting! After all, ’tis the only season that allows for dressing up, spending time with loved ones, drinking copious amounts of champagne and giving a big, fat middle finger to your diet and exercise regimen. While I can’t help you with your baking (trust me, you don’t want me in your kitchen) or your many holiday errands, I’ve rounded up some no-fail seasonal party outfit ideas and styling tricks that will have you turning heads this year!

1. Midi Skirt Dressing

Perfect for keeping the goosebumps to a minimum, try a midi skirt and ankle/sock boot combo for your next holiday party. My current boot obsession? The surplus of sock boots this season has blessed us with.  From Christmas parties to your ball-dropping celebration, a shimmery skirt will instantly become the life of any party. Or, go full-on-festive with a monochromatic red look–also this season’s “it” color.

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2. Statement Pants

Not a dress and tights kinda gal? Swap your go-to skinnies for a bit of flare (literally). A few of my favorite pant styles of the season are the track-pant, the dramatic cha chas (Extra? Maybe. But fabulous? No doubt.), and the 70s-inspired wide legs (bonus points if they are Xmas colors). Take notes from my girl crush Lucy Williams and try your leather pants with a pair of pumps and a silk cropped blouse.

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3. Suit Game Strong

Sorry gents, but the ladies of 2017 proved that the pantsuit is no longer a borrowed-from-the-boys look. Head-to-toe plaid? Flared and embellished? Pajama-inspired? Monochrome? Check, check, check and check! There are tons of matching suit styles apropos for a night dedicated to drinking spiked eggnog and fancy hors d’oeuvres, so pick your pantsuit poison.

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4. The Non-LBD

It’s time to channel your inner “extra” and rock a dress with a little pizazz. At the top of my list this year is a sheer dress. Sheer feels equal parts sexy and festive for any party this season. If you aren’t one to go for the sequins and glitter (I tend to be a little hesitant myself), give your classic LBD the kibosh and opt for a black jumpsuit and moto jacket combo, polka dots, or a jewel-tone velvet number-all perfect for achieving a festive look without leaving you feeling cheesy.

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5.  Show-Stealing Accessories

Let’s face it, the holiday season is undoubtedly the most wonderful *yet expensive* time of year. After doubling up on decor, splurging on dinners and gifts for those special people in your life, the last thing you want to do is buy a new wardrobe to get you through party season. There are simple ways to add some luxe to your look. A gold statement earring is hands-down my favorite accessory this year (perfect for distracting from greasy hair days, too). Try adding a festive bag, touch of fur, or a fun shoe to an outfit comprised of items already in your closet!

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6. Play Around with Layering

If you can’t decide if it’s a pants or dress night, why not just rock both? When it comes to looking cool in the cold, those who master the art of creative layering reign supreme. Try layering a sweater under a basic LBD- a combo made for a holiday brunch date. A slip dress is already the perfect party dress. But with the addition of a sheer, lace top? Game over. Oh, and your Levis aren’t just reserved for white t-shirts and blazers. Try sporting them under a tunic dress for an effortlessly cool look.

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Keeping it casual this Holiday season? Take notes from my guide to nailing down a cozy-yet-chic Thanksgiving outfit–you just may find something you like!