New Takes on Classic Holiday Style

Each holiday season the same style elements get trotted out for their few weeks of glory. With more parties between now and January 1 than in the rest of the year combined, you will need to have as many outfit ideas as possible in your closet to get through the festivities. Here are a few new ways to wear the holiday classics that have year-round appeal.

• Plaid- During December we see a lot of plaid. Most of it is a tartan or some other festive red and green number. This year try one with a little more contrast and a simpler color scheme. You can pair it with a sparkly top or a bright red sweater.

• Sequins- Christmas and New Years are all about the sparkle, one of the many reasons I love them so much. Rather than opting for a sequin covered dress or a shiny mini, how about wearing sequins in a casual, everyday way? Try a comfy sweater, breezy tee or a pair of flats. Look for sequins in a soft neutral color like ivory instead of the usual silver or black.

• Velvet- This lush fabric is really only seen during the winter months. I see it most often in swingy little shift dresses or long trousers, but there are other, more practical options out there. You can wear a slim cut velvet top with a taffeta skirt for a cocktail party or with jeans and a comfortable cardigan for a night of gift wrapping. You can also get a pair of gorgeous velvet pumps that look great with opaque tights and will add texture to an otherwise simple outfit.

• Fair Isle- These sweaters can span the spectrum from festively understated all the way to Griswold. The pattern can have a great effect, if used properly. Steer clear of sweaters that have really loud colors (red and green) and have a complicated pattern . The J. Crew option above is my favorite take on this classic style. Big Pattern, placed effectively. I also love the idea of fair isle tights to add some interest to a solid sweater dress.

From Above: Plaid Skirt ($40 at canvas.landsend.com), Plaid cocoon coat ($90 at gap.com), Sequin baseball sweater by Theme ($69 at piperlime.com), Kenneth Cole Flats ($56 at zappos.com), Slim Velvet Tee ($45 at bananarepublic.com), Sam Edelman velvet Pump ($120 at nordstrom.com), Wool Sweater ($148 at jcrew.com), HUE tights ($20 at barenecessities.com)