Xmas Done Chic: 5 Levels Of Increasingly Festive Holiday Outfits

Tis the Season! As if shopping for everyone on your list isn't enough during the holidays, we then have to worry about WHAT TO WEAR to the countless number of family/friend/office/just-because holiday parties. I love mixing it up and creating outfits that won't strap me with pieces I know I can't use later in my wardrobe. I try to find one or two affordable items that scream "I love the holidays!" but aren't gaudy and over-the-top. Take a look at these five increasingly-festive holiday looks I put together that range from an understated, I-love-the-holidays LBD to a full-on, all-out, Christmas-is-my-all-time-FAVORITE sparkly number.

1 Festive Holiday Outfit Level : The Little Black Dress. You cannot go wrong here. When searching for the perfect LBD for the holidays, look for something that can be worn again yet has interesting components! I chose a fit and flare because it's flattering on most any body type. I LOVED the adorable back and the rose print made it that much more interesting. I added 2 statement necklaces stacked on top of each other to make the outfit a little more festive and showed you a way to wear it again after the holidays with a pop of color from a blazer. Add tights and booties to this look and wear it anywhere, anytime! Get the look: clutch, black dress, necklace, necklace, red blazer, silver pumps

Photo: Charity de Meer

2Festive Holiday Outfit Level : The Walk On The Wild Side During the holidays, it's always fun to mix it up and wear things a little unexpected! You can't go wrong wearing red, green and black but it's a little predictable. Why not try wearing something that still screams "festive" but will work later on in your wardrobe? There's nothing worse then staring at the clothes you bought for a specific event that you know you'll never wear again! Try this leopard romper with a classic black and white tuxedo jacket to pull the look all-together. I added tights to make the look a little more wintery and so I felt comfortable about the length of the shorts. Grab a pair of your favorite black pumps and voilà! Get the look: romper, blazer, pumps, clutch

Photo: Charity de Meer

3Festive Holiday Outfit Level : The Blue is the New Black Blue took over the racks this fall/winter season. I found this skirt at forever21 for $22 and from there, I needed something warm with lots of texture to pull it all off! The cozy sweater was also really affordable and I knew I could wear it again with jeans or a fit and flare skirt. I love to pair a monochromatic look with lots of details during the holidays. Add statement necklace and a handbag for a trendy and pulled-together look. Get the look: sweater, sequin skirt, clutch, necklace, shoes

Photo: Charity de Meer

4 Festive Holiday Outfit Level : The Pop Fizz Clink When I saw this little sweatshirt at Nordstrom I couldn't help but take it home with me! It was cozy, fun and totally on-trend. (Shirts with sayings on them have been so popular this past year!) I chose a matching skirt that was also very comfortable and affordable. This overall look just simply makes me happy! What more could you ask for?! Get the look: sweatshirt, gold skirt, clutch, shoes

Photo: Charity de Meer

5Festive Holiday Outfit Level : The Making A Statement is My Middle Namel I've become a little obsessed with sequin skirts, and this little number from H&M obviously caught my eye. The fun part about this whole look is that they're separates; it looks like a dress in every photo but really its two different pieces. So if you're like me and love to stand out during the holidays then this look is perfect but if you think the sequins are too much together, you have the option of separating the two. Wear the top with a black mini skirt or pair of high-waisted, ripped up jeans. Another option: Take the skirt and add a t-shirt that says something clever (see the previous look.) Either way, this look is fun, makes me smile and SCREAMS I love the holidays! Get the look: sequin top, sequin skirt, pumps, clutch

Photo: Charity de Meer