One Easy Piece

With as many holiday events as we have on our calendars, it can be challenging to have a wardrobe that keeps up with the pace. We don't have the time, not to mention, the budget, to shop for a whole new wardrobe just to attend holiday recitals, open houses, and dinner or cocktail parties. So wouldn't it be great if we could give our old standbys a lift by adding just one piece to our closets?

This season the one item you should consider adding to give your clothes a festive punch without spending a fortune is a great jacket. Which jacket you choose depends on several different factors.

First of all, you want it to be a little more dazzling than what you'd normally wear - after all, it is the holidays. BUT you also don't want it to be so memorable that you're dubbed a nickname because you had the jacket that lit up, or was covered with candy canes. Go for something chic and alluring, yet subtle. A brocade is a great choice, or something in a satin. You want something that subtly says "holidays".

Second, this jacket should work with at least three outfits (more is even better). Think of something that pairs well with your favorite black trousers, a velvet skirt (in any length) and will add polish to a simple dress. Beyond the dressier outfits, think also about how it will work with jeans for a more casual, yet still festive, occasion.

How much you spend on a jacket is up to you. If it lifts your wardrobe and makes it look like you have a closet full of new clothes, then by all means, go for it! But there are fabulous jackets out there to be had for less than $50 (heck, less than $30, even). So give a jacket a try and see how it can stretch your wardrobe and take you to muliple occasions while making each outfit look brand new!

*Click on any of the above images to find it.