It really is the most wonderful time of the year, especially for fashion.

From the beginning to the end of cocktail season, and all the festive holidays in between, nothing is off limits in my closet. With outings and events on the calendar again this year, it’s been so exciting to finally get back into statement dressing and embrace a little bit of opulence. In fact, I will opt for a glam look whether I am running for coffee, shopping for presents, or attending a performance at the Kennedy Center. It feels great to get out the clothing and accessories that I haven’t been able to wear or that feel a little extravagant for every day. My friends have been encouraging me to dress up with their stylish outfits, in addition to all the inspiration I’ve been feeling from the return of Emily in Paris! Since it’s the season of sparkle, I say let’s go for it.

If you haven’t been making the most of your outfits during this season yet, there’s no better time than New Years Eve to justify some glamour. And if (like me) you’ll be shopping your closet for what to wear tonight, it’s not too late!

Here’s a few ways to bring a little excitement into your outfits during this festive time:

Trade in jeans for a skirt and tights. This one may seem simple, but wait until you put those jeans away and realize how many outfit options you just created with this single switch. I’ve personally never been a jeans girl, but I used to be a serial leggings wearer until I re-discovered tights just a few months ago. Full length or footless, tights can elevate any skirt and top combo to the next level. Try a tweed knit pencil skirt with a silk blouse, a hip hugging leather skirt with a fuzzy sweater, or a tight ribbed jersey top with a pleated satin skirt. If you take these tops and pair them with jeans, you lose all the impact and transitional benefits of going from day to night. Throw on some heels, booties, or knee-high boots and you are ready to go from shopping to dinner. 

Layer on that silver and gold. One thing I love about winter dressing is the ability to wear heavier, statement jewelry again. And lots of it. Adding these pieces to a plain, solid colored top or bottom elevates your look while keeping your jewelry the focus of your outfit. Break out those long pendant necklaces, layering chains, thick bangles, and crystal earrings. If you’d rather have an understated look, trying wearing one larger piece of jewelry with a few daintier items. If you want to go all out, layer your necklaces, rings, and bracelets for a bold statement. And, don’t forget about my personal new favorite - chain belts! With their recent revival, chain belts add some glimmer to even the most minimalist look. (Pro tip - take a long chain necklace with a clasp or pendant, and easily convert it into a high waist belt). Mixing and matching metals is another way to add some depth and complexity to your outfit. Try silver with rose gold, in addition to all three metals together. I am guilty of wearing mostly black or gray in the winter, so adding jewelry is a easy way to bring in a bit of color.  No sequin dress for tonight? No problem - just layer on the jewels, friends.

Don’t shy away from sparkle, glitz, and glam. It goes without saying that sparkle and glamour are in this time of the year. I always look forward to bringing out my sequin dresses, full skirts, and gold lame come November. One thing I frequently hear is that it’s hard to wear these types of pieces outside of an actual holiday party or big event, but that is not true. The key is to mix and match. You can incorporate these statement items within almost any day or night time outfit. For a glam day look, pair a blazer with a tight lace tank and a metallic skirt. For drinks or dinner, wear a lame dress with knee high boots or a sequin mini with a silky top. Another glam style that I have been wanting to try is the tights-shorts-top-heels combo. It’s a edgy, French girl look that works for day (with a chunky sweater) or night (with a gem tone sheer blouse). And, don’t forget about the myriad of glitzy accessories that have made their way into stores, magazines, and social media posts this year. Encrusted mini bags, clutches, belts, and shoes are an eye catching addition to a classic winter outfit. During the daytime, I love wearing my navy glittered loafers from M. Gemi to elevate my outfit. For nighttime, I have personally been lusting after one of Prada’s little crystal bags. And we all know how much I love belts, especially those that have detailed hardware…they can pull any outfit together while serving as your outfits focal point.

However you decide to dress tonight or for the remainder of this season, here’s the main thing to remember - nothing is off limits! We have a tendency to refrain from wearing certain items that seem “too much” for every day, even though we love them. But we should wear them as much as we want because we do love them, they make us happy, and feel good. Since you have a free pass this time of year and New Years Eve is upon us, trade in your hesitations for some festive flare. 

For some outfit inspiration and ideas for tonight, keep scrolling! Happy New Year, everyone!