The best holiday outfits are the ones that bring out your positive features (toned legs, voluptuous chests, etc.) with the right amount of sparkles and glam.  It’s that one time a year where you can play dress up and reward yourself for the hard work that you’ve done all year!  So, why not go a little out of your comfort zone to try something different while still be you? 

You don’t have to do a lot to look like a million buck and you certainly don’t have to spend a fortune either.  It’s about maintaining the right balance, knowing how to accentuate your body with the right clothing and accessories, and matching the appropriate outfit for the right occasion. 

Both Scarlett Johannson (left) and Taylor Swift (right) look stunning not only because they have the best designer clothing or perfect bodies, but because they know what to wear to flatter their body shapes and understand how to style for the right occasions (or at least they hired the right stylists.)

“Looking Your Best for Holidays” has 3 mixed scenarios, and I am offering some suggestions for stepping out in your best styles to match your body shape, the type of event, and location.  From outfits to shoes to makeup, there are some great ideas for you to surviving the holidays looking your absolute best.  Are you ready to party? 

Pear shape girl to an evening cocktail party

Busty girl to a corporate / business party

Curvy girl to a New Year’s Eve party 

Do you know how to create the right balance of holiday sparkles and glam?

But since we’re all in a budget nowadays, how can you smartly update your wardrobe so you can still be part of the fun?  What should you spend the money on and where should you save?  Here are some suggestions next time you go shopping.

Boyfriend Jacket

You should certainly spend a little extra money to get a well-tailored jacket.  Why?  Because a boyfriend jacket can be very versatile and will be a good addition to your wardrobe.  You can wear it with skinny jeans or leggings along with ankle booties for a rock n’ roll look that is so hot this season.  Or you can wear it with a cocktail dress for your next dinner party to look polished.

Left:  Rachel Bilson is wearing a boyfriend jacket with a graphic printed dress.

Right:  Try a versatile black boyfriend jacket like this one – Ponte Knit Boyfriend Jacket, Studio 148, Nordstrom, $298

Sequins Pieces

Whether it’s a sequin dress, jacket, shoes, or accessories, I think you should save.  The main reason is that you will not be able to use them as much.  First it doesn’t make sense to wear sequins during the day unless the sequins are lightly scattered onto a sweater, for example.  And if you wear a sequin dress, you probably don’t want to wear it to every holiday party.  So, spending $400 on a sequin dress is totally not worth it.

Left: Taylor Swift looks super glamorous in asequin mini dress at the Z100’s Jingle Ball in New York.

Right:  You don’t need to splurge.  Get the budget-friendly version for your holiday party.  Square sequin dress, Forever 21, $29.80.

Motorcycle Jacket

Pick one that you like (black or brown) and feel good about spending the extra money.  I purchased a Coach leather motorcycle jacket back in 2007 for $400 (it was originally $1000) and I am still wearing that jacket every winter.  It has the perfect fit and goes with casual or fancier outfits.  Yes, I think it’s a little pricy but considering that I use it so much every season, it costs about a penny a day.

Left:  Rihanna is looking tough in a black motocycle leather jacket.

Right:  Pair this leather jacket with jeans or a dress and play with the style.  Leather biker jacket, William Rust, Shopbop.com, $480.

Fur

If you’re eco-friendly, faux fur is the way to go.  First, you’re saving innocent animals and second, many faux fur garments look and feel so real that you almost cannot tell the different.  Having that said, this is one fashion piece where you can save.  The fur vest is so hot right now that I got mine at Forever 21 for $28!  It’s a fun piece without the price tag.

This is not the same vest that I bought but it is very rocker chic!  I would recommend wearing a belt because the vest can make you look chunky.

Featured:  Faux fur studded vest, Forever 21, $39

Featured – from Left:  Halle Berry, Amy Adams, and Cameron Diaz

The Perfect Bra

You don’t think about it but what you wear inside is sometimes more important than what you wear outside.  The right bra can really take you the distance.  Lift up the twins and create a sexy cleavage.  Push-up bras are my favorites because if you don’t have the cleavage, you can always fake it.  Depending on the dress itself, the bra that you use will need to work well with the neckline of the dress.  You don’t want the bra to peek out.  If you are not sure, take the dress with you so when you shop for the bra and try them on together.

Left:  Jennifer Aniston – Perfect cleavage with the right support

Right: Versatile and sexy; try the Plunge Multi-way Bra with Gel-Curve, Victoria’s Secret, $50 – 53

The Perfect Body Shaper

Every woman should own at least one good body shaper.  For most occasions, you can use body shapers like Spanx.  They will offer you enough support along with smooth lines when you wear your evening or cocktail dress.  But if you plan to use it for your wedding, you should purchase one that is strapless with bonings.  A shaper with bonings will ensure that it doesn’t roll down your body.  A nude color is better than white because some times white undergarments can show throw white or light color dresses.  Shapers come in many different styles.  Some only support your torso while others support your glute and thighs.  Everyone should at least have a full body shaper that combines the bra and torso support in one.  A good body shaper can be pricy but it is well worth the money.  You can wear it under any dresses and it is not something that you need to purchase often.

Beyonce Knowles has the perfect body support – smooth lines and a flat tummy.

Left:  SPANX “Hi-Rise” Body Smoother, Nordstrom, $68

Right:  If you want the best support, try a strapless body shaper with boning.  Jezebel Caress Bustier, Ella Park Bridal, $56.99

The Perfect Heels

Once you have the perfect dress, the perfect bra, and the perfect body shaper, you should also have the perfect heels.  Depending on your comfort level, you should always have a pair of heels that will work for all type of dresses.  From my experience, a 2.5” to 3” black or nude heels are the best but any neutral color heels are great investments too.  They will elongate your legs and force you to stand up tall.  Whenever I wear heels, I will get a boost of confidence to anything that I wear.  If you are not used to wearing heels, start with 2” and slowly work up to 3”.  Although 4” plus heels look very alluring, they are usually not comfortable and can cause problems for your feet.  I am guilty of owning a few 4” plus heels but I only take them out for a walk once in a while.  Well, it’s hard to resist their charm.

Left:  Taylor Swift and Lisa Rinna wearing the perfect sexy high heels.

Right:  Try the 3″ peep toe pumps –  Pippa Patent Peep Toes, J.Crew, $198