Holiday style tips you can actually use

Have you planned your holiday outfits yet?

If not, take a moment to imagine walking into your holiday events feeling stylish, festive, and comfortable.

Imagine feeling like yourself in a way that feels current and authentic.

Not rushed.

Not frustrated.

Not grabbing something at the last minute knowing it’s not how you really wanted to present yourself…

Let’s avoid that this year!

Before you start pulling looks together, here are 8 practical and accessible style tips to help you elevate your holiday outfits.

1. Check your calendar and start planning.
   Take 10 minutes today. Look at what is coming up over the next month and start thinking about what you want to feel like and what you might want to wear. Planning ahead gives you time to clean, repair or shop for small complementary items if needed. Let the setting, dress code, and your desire to shine will influence your outfit.

2. Shop your closet first.
   Before buying anything new, see what you already have. Pull out your dressy jeans, silk or satin tops, sequins, lace, fine cashmere, statement jewelry, faux furs, great boots or heels, and metallic belts. Try on pieces and mix combinations you have never worn before.

3. Choose flattering shapes.
   Look for open necklines, fabrics that skim instead of overwhelm, structured pieces that add definition, and strong shoulders when needed. Avoid bulky sweaters that hide your shape.

4. Use the Base + Layer + Festive formula.
   This keeps things stylish and simple. Dark trouser jeans with a festive camisole topped with a structured blazer. A knit dress paired with a faux fur wrap. Trousers with fine cashmere and a sparkly belt. Let one accessory be the highlight.

5. Expand beyond traditional holiday colors.
   Try champagne, rose gold, bronze, emerald, sapphire, plum or deep purple. If you wear black, add texture or accessories to make it feel special.

6. Think comfort and logistics.
   Choose pieces that feel good on your body and work for movement, temperature changes or hosting duties. You can be stylish and comfortable at the same time.

7. Try everything on ahead of time.
   Do a full run through: outfit, shoes, jewelry, bag and outerwear. This gives you peace of mind and avoids unexpected stress.

8. If you need to shop, do it smartly.
   Consignment, thrift stores and resale boutiques can have great options without requiring a big spend.

I invite you to take 10 minutes today. Look at your calendar and start thinking intentionally about what you want to wear and how you want to feel. We show up differently when our outfits reflect who we are, feel good on our bodies and support the presence we want to project.

If you want personalized help creating outfits that work for your real lifestyle, your evolving body and the woman you are becoming, I would love to support you. Here is what my client Heather shared after her recent session:

"I used to think looking put together required a natural style gene or tons of effort. Lauren broke everything down into specific criteria that I could immediately apply. Having those clear guidelines works for how my analytical brain processes things. Suddenly, I understood what flattered me, why it worked and how to recreate it over and over again. That clarity was a game changer."

If you are ready to experience that kind of confidence, clarity and ease with your wardrobe, you can book your Style Strategy Session here. It also makes a thoughtful holiday gift.

If you are new to my work, “Spilling the Tea on Corporate America: Through the Lens of a Fashionista” is my storytelling series that explores presence, perception and power in corporate spaces. It looks at how style influences visibility, how women are judged and underestimated, and how our wardrobe becomes a strategic tool when it aligns with who we are and how we want to be seen. The full series, including the final chapter, will be shared soon.

To get early access, exclusive insights and style guidance you will not find on social media, I invite you to join my Signature Style Notes community. It is thoughtful, practical and created specifically for midlife women who want to show up with confidence and presence.

Thank you to everyone who continues to support me, connect, and book my services. I appreciate you.

With style and gratitude,

Lauren