If you’re like many people I’ve talked to, your holidays this year are a bit different than they’ve been in the past. Years ago, you might have had a bunch of fancy events to dress up for – a cocktail party at your friend’s house, your work party in a downtown hotel ballroom and black tie plans for New Years. But this year, everything is a little more low key. Your friend’s annual party is now more cozy than cocktail. Your work event is an informal team lunch. And your New Years Eve is a nice dinner with your favorite people. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your holiday style.

Because you can still wear some of your favorite things that you usually save for the holidays – you just need to rethink them.

Check out how I rethink 5 dressy pieces into more laid-back, casual outfits. You’ll discover how to wear the same top (that you’d normally wear to a cocktail party) to a fun evening with a few friends, or the shoes that you usually save for the fanciest soirée for date night. And then head into your closet to rethink your favorite holiday styles!

YOUR VELVET BLAZER

Do you normally save your velvet blazer to wear over a cocktail dress or silky tops? Don’t do that this year. Instead, wear it over a turtleneck and jeans to make even the simplest of occasions feel more like a party. Add dangly earrings and look-at-me booties and you’re dressed for everything from casual cocktails to a holiday coffee date.

And if you love a velvet blazer as much as I do, check out 3 velvet blazer outfits here and click this for tips on wearing one all through fall and winter.

Velvet blazer & jeans by Frame. Turtleneck by Alice & Olivia. Booties by Tory Burch. Earrings by Dolce & Gabbana. Bracelet by Karine Sultan.

YOUR DRESSY SKIRT

I think your fancy skirt is saying, “let me out of the closet!” Can you hear it? So, how about wearing it in a casual way just because you’re in the mood? Take a silky or satin or sequin skirt and pair it with a chunky sweater for an unexpected holiday look (click here to see a similar outfit that I created last year). Add a chunky boot or bootie and fun earrings an you’ve got an eclectic outfit that you can wear pretty much anywhere you want.

Skirt by Alice & Olivia. Sweater by Halogen. Boots by Aquatalia. Bag and earrings by Tory Burch. Eyeglass frames by Warby Parker.

YOUR SEQUIN TOP

A mainstay in your holiday wardrobe should be some shine – and nothing shines more than sequins. And just because your holidays are casual, you can still shine as much as you want. Grab your sequin top and an on-trend faux leather jogger or legging (read this for 5 faux leather legging outfits that are perfect for winter!). Add detailed flats and a bangle or two and you’re ready to go.

And if you’re feeling just a little too sparkly for hanging out with the kids, add a denim jacket – it’s the ultimate ‘casual-izer’ at any time of year.

Sequin top by Rag & Bone. Faux leather joggers by Spanx. Denim jacket by AG. Flats by Paige. Earrings by Kendra Scott. Bracelet by Fredia Rothman.

YOUR PARTY SHOES

You know those shoes that normally only come out during party season? Well, it’s time to bring them out of the closet for a much needed holiday date night. Those sky-high heels are the perfect way to dress up boyfriend jeans and a relaxed sweater just like a true fashionista. Hit the pizza parlor, grab a glass of wine and enjoy the break from the holiday frenzy. (And while you’re waiting, read this for a few fun shoe ideas no matter your holiday agenda.)

Heels by Christian Louboutin. Sweater by Rag & Bone. Jeans by AG. Earrings by Alexis Bittar. Ring by Karine Sultan.

YOUR SPARKLY JEWELRY

There’s absolutely no reason to ignore your sparkly jewelry – but if you haven’t touched it in a while, the holidays are the best time to just go for it. So, use your jewels to add holiday flair to a basic sweater dress (and click here to see 3 outfits I made with one sweater dress). And while you’re at it, forego basic tights in favor of fishnets or other textured stockings. They’re fun, unexpected and make things feel just a little more festive.

Would you like to wear more of what’s already in your closet? Then let me know! I can create outfits out of styles that you love (but aren’t wearing often) or I can rethink your favorite items in a more casual way. Because getting dressed can still be fun, even when you’re at home. Click here to set up a styling session or to schedule a free phone call to discuss the different ways we can work together.

Sweater dress by Allude. Booties by Corso Como. Earrings by Tori Burch. Necklace by Baublebar. Fishnets by Natori.