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Everyone has a black dress, or navy or grey. Start with this. If you need a good one, I am always adding them to the Style Vault. But you do need a good one. That is timeless and doesn't have a lot of stuff going on, so you can switch it up many different ways. I just added 3 good dresses to the November Style Vault, Style Notes. 2 are long sleeve, both under $100, and one sleeveless option. Soooo fab. 

First look is the fanciest. Take your fanciest coat or wrap and wear it over your black (or grey or navy) dress.

You're also going to pile on the jewelry. Whenever you need to be dressed up for an event and you don't have the right clothes, just wear tons of jewelry. It's an old trick that works every time.

And bring out your fancy shoes. I'm wearing deep evergreen velvet heels, which I love against a black dress. There are so many beautiful heels in all heights in the November Style Vault to get you through your parties this season.

Another good topper if you don't have a fancy one is to just add a black trench coat with all your fancy jewelry and heels.

Don't forget, tie the sash in a side bow to one side, and you can leave the coat on inside if it is crisp and clean and tied well.

Next outfit with your black dress is to add a leather jacket and fun shoes. Fun, not necessarily fancy. This outfit is for a less formal gathering. And your leather jacket can be really any color except red or blue. I don't like electric, primary colors against black - it's too harsh and game day-ish. Gorgeous leather jacket inside the November Style Vault, and it's on sale.

Take your jacket off or leave it on inside. It's part of the outfit and it doesn't have to be checked at the door. That's the beauty of a leather jacket.

Next outfit with the black dress is for a casual luncheon or school play. Maybe a low key office party. Top it with a nice cardigan. To make it special, add sparkly shoes and a scarf. I added some beautiful low heels and a dazzling scarf inside the November Style Vault that will make any outfit special this time of year. To keep things from feeling like just another winter's day.

Make sure your cardigan isn't very long and fits well overall. Mine has a chiffon layer in the back which dresses it up some. One thing you are not allowed to wear are holiday-themed sweaters that will end up at an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party next year. We're achieving the holiday theme with our accessories (sparkly jewelry, fun shoes) and not kitschy sweaters.

Start with a pair of dark rinse jeans - they are always the dressiest wash. Now add a silky top, blousy is fine, and top it with something that says I'm celebrating! A fur piece will always announce that for you.

Don't forget to pile on the jewelry. Jeans and jewels are more de rigueur at holiday parties than ever before as our world becomes less formal. But it is a compliment to your host to dress up for the gathering they took time, effort and love preparing for you. So add that 3rd piece.  I found the most delectable fur piece and put it in the November Style Vault to dress up literally any outfit. It comes in many colors and is under $100.

You've got to wear fancy shoes, even with jeans. You're wondering what to do when it's freezing cold and you want to wear boots. If you are walking to your party, I get it. Wear your boots. If not, brave the cold or rain from your garage to your car, and from the valet to the front door. I think you'll be ok in pretty shoes and no socks.

Don't need to be too dressed up? How about a bedazzled t-shirt or top with jeans? It's just so funny to me that normal dressers like myself can get away with bedazzled outfits during the holidays. IF chosen correctly and worn well.

If you don't have a bedazzled top, yep, that's right, pile on the jewelry. Wear jewelry you would never wear with a t-shirt in the summer. And just throw a pashmina around your shoulders if you're cold. I added some gorgeous blouses to the November Style Vault that would be good with dress pants, skirts or jeans. They can even be worn untucked over skinny jeans.

Thanks for reading and all the best,