The holidays are not just times for celebration, but also festive times and occasions that require you to dress well. From work events to holiday parties, there are numerous opportunities to, well…dress well. However, it’s also a time when financial constraints are multiplied, which can significantly reduce one’s fashion budget.

As a self-proclaimed fashionista, the holidays are my favorite “fashionable” times. Yet, since it’s also a time when budgets tend to get tight with gift-giving and festive occasions, I’ve had to find ways to dress well with less money.After making my own not-so-fashionable mistakes over the holidays, and learning along the way, here are my tried-and-true tips to dress well for the holidays on a budget:

 

1. Shop your closet

How many times have you found yourself thinking you have nothing to wear, only to dig out a piece of clothing you had all but forgotten about from the depths of your closet? I know I have, which is why I recommend shopping your closet first. It’s amazing what you can find in the depths of your closet when you’re not thinking about it.

 

2. Re-purpose your workwear

Your workwear is a great and “fashionable” dressing source for the holidays. Consider re-purposing it and adding more festive jewelry or fancier shoes for the holidays. I have used a number of my work sheath dresses, such as this Michael by Michael Kors mixed media dress. I’ve paired them with fancier heels, like these Head Over Heels Ashleigh bow pointed heels from ASOS, and great jewelry like these Kate Spade New York Glitzville Statement stud earrings for

holiday parties.

 

 

 

Related: How to re-purpose your workwear over the holidays

 

3. Take advantage of sales

The holidays are also a great time to take advantage of sales. From shopping Black Friday sales to scouring reduced items, there are countless opportunities to shop for festive holiday wear on a budget. One of my favorite go-to’s for sales is the women’s fashion department of Target,which always offers unique styles and pretty deep discounts too.

 

4. “Merchandise” it

Sometimes, all it takes to create a great outfit is to “merchandise” it, or upgrade it with great accessories. Back in my “Sex and the City” days, I remember Carrie used to call it “merchandising” your fashion…Some of my favorites include fun and funky brooches such as this Banana Republic balloon brooch pin, or this Josie Natori Hammered metal cuff.

 

 

 

 

5. Rent clothes

 

Got a special occasion for which you need something absolutely unique? Online services such as Rent the Runway, LeTote or Gwinnie Bee for instance, offer stylish, designer pieces you can rock on a budget to the next black-tie work affair or your boss’s daughter’s wedding.

 

6. Swap clothes

Consignment shops that allow individuals to re-sell clothes in good condition are also a great source of inexpensive, and original, holiday wear. Online shops such as The Real Real,Poshmarkor even eBayare my favorite go-to’s for high-end, lightly used fashion.

7. Have fun!

Last but not least, don’t forget to have fun with dressing well over the holidays. I find that every time I enjoy the process of dressing up, especially on festive occasions, the result is always great fashion that doesn’t break the bank. Go ahead and mix patterns and trends to create holiday wear that is uniquely you, and most importantly, brings you and others joy and fun in this season!

 

Happy Holidays!

 

The Corporate Sis.