How to Level Up Holiday Outfits With Simple Ways to Dress Up

How to Dress Nicely for Holidays Simple

Huge thanks to Gap for sponsoring this post

The holidays give you a great reason to dress up and feel fancy, so let’s make it fun and easy! I know a lot of you want to be able to dress up in a way that’s really unfussy and simple—without being boring. So, I thought I’d talk through a few ways to level up holiday outfits with elevated basics, and I’m partnering with Gap to do it!

Gap has some great pieces, and I especially like to shop at Gap for basics and elevated basics that are super versatile but have subtle details that add a lot more style, which makes it a lot easier to look polished and put together without having to put in extra effort. I also like that Gap carries a good range of sizes, including straight, petite, tall, and plus options and denim in sizes 24 to 35. They also have programs towards sustainability efforts, such as making products responsibly with their Washwell program which reduces water usage and waste, making garments with 100% organically grown cotton or 100% recycled polyester which reduces waste.

Also, Gap’s Friends and Family promotion is happening now, and you can get 40% off everything from 11/3 until 11/9!

Now, let’s talk about how to dress up and elevate your holiday outfits! The key is really, like I always say, choosing the right pieces. The right items make a bigger impact and add style without having to pile on more things. I want to show you several ways that you can choose elevated pieces and utilize them to create statement-making outfits that are super easy to wear.

SIZING: I’m 5’6” and usually S/M or 6 in clothes and 8.5 to 9 in shoes.

 

Holiday Outfit: leopard print blouse + black flare pants + black pointed toe boots + maroon satchel bag + gold initial pendant necklace + gold earringsHoliday Outfit: leopard print blouse + black flare pants + black pointed toe boots + maroon satchel bag + gold initial pendant necklace + gold earrings Gap

1. Pair basics with a statement piece.
One of the simplest outfit formulas you can use to create a dressy outfit is to pair black pants with a statement blouse. Black pants dress up an outfit and serve as a solid and versatile base that you can pair with nearly any blouse. To elevate your outfit from basic to standout, opt for a statement blouse with a print or pretty details.

This top has a mock neckline and stylish print that together add visual interest. The satiny feel adds a richer texture, makes it seem more luxurious, and dresses up the entire outfit even more. The top has so many elements to it that it does all the hard work of looking dressy so that you can just throw it on and look stylish instantly. It comes in 5 really great prints, and I honestly have a hard time choosing a favorite! See them HERE. I wear size S.

Shop the Outfit:
Top: Gap (exact—wearing size S)
Pants: Gap (exact—wearing size 6)
Shoes: Gap (exact—wearing size 9)
Necklace:
(similar)

 

Holiday Outfit: green long sleeve top + black flare seamed pants + black pointed toe suede booties + cheetah print clutch + gold leather earringsHoliday Outfit: green long sleeve top + black flare seamed pants + black pointed toe suede booties + cheetah print clutch + gold leather earrings side viewHoliday Outfit: green long sleeve top + black flare seamed pants Gap + black pointed toe suede booties + cheetah print leather clutch + Nickel & Suede gold leather earringsHoliday Outfit: green long sleeve button up collared shirt + black flare seamed pants + black pointed toe suede ankle boots + leopard print clutch bag + gold leather earrings close up

2. Go for elevated versions of basics.
Elevated basics are basics with a twist or with a few special characteristics that take them up a notch from standard basics. The special characteristics do the work of making your outfit stand out morewhich means you don’t have to work as hard to achieve that.

For example, a solid button up is a classic basic, but one with a satiny shine like the one I’m wearing here is dressier and more eye-catching. This top has a silky feel and can be styled with jeans for a night out or dressed up even further with black pants like I’m doing here. It comes in 7 colors, HERE. I’m wearing size S in the color Green Pine.

Another is example is these pants, which are 🤩! Black pants are a wardrobe basic, and you could certainly do this outfit with a standard pair of black pants for a more classic outfit. But if you want to kick it up a notch, go for ones with an interesting silhouette like these flares, which add so much to an outfit and make much more of a statement!

BTW, these pants are awesome! They look tailored and polished, and they are thick enough to help you feel secure, all while being STRETCHY and comfortable! I love clothes that make you look sharp while being comfortable. You can wear these pants with any outfit that you would typically wear with standard black pants, but these will elevate your outfit and add a ton of style. I wore them here with another elevated basic and in the previous outfit with a statement top, and they added extra style to both outfits! Find the pants HERE. I’m wearing size 6.

If you’re looking for another comfortable pair of black pants that have a more subtle flare, try this pair of crop kick flares. They are also stretchy and comfortable. I wear size 6.

Go for elevated basics for standout pieces that are still super versatile!

Shop the Outfit:
Top: Gap (exact—wearing size S)
Pants: Gap (exact—wearing size 6)
Shoes: Gap (exact—wearing size 9)

 

Holiday Outfit: dark floral long sleeve top + tan corduroy straight leg pants + black suede booties + maroon satchel bag + gold initial pendant necklaceHoliday Outfit: dark floral long sleeve top + tan corduroy straight leg pants + black suede booties + maroon satchel bag + gold initial pendant necklace looking down Holiday Outfit: dark floral long sleeve top + tan corduroy straight leg pants + black suede booties + maroon satchel bag + gold initial pendant necklace close upHoliday Outfit: dark floral long sleeve top + tan corduroy straight leg pants + maroon satchel bag + gold initial pendant necklace close up viewHoliday Outfit: dark floral long sleeve top + tan corduroy straight leg pants + black suede booties + maroon satchel bag + gold initial pendant necklace side view

3. Opt for pieces with texture to add dimension and visual interest.
Pieces with notable textures add depth, dimension, and a richness to outfits, which helps dress them up. I’ve mentioned a couple of times how the satiny tops add richness. Other textures that you can play with are velvet, leather, and corduroy.

If you’re in the market for straight leg corduroy pants, these are worth checking out! They are comfy with some stretch, and they work over these boots with a high shaft to keep your ankles warm. You can style them in casual outfits with sneakers or pair them with a satiny top like this one for a dressy casual outfit. They come in sizes 24 to 35, in regular, tall, and petite lengths, and in 4 colors! Check them out HERE. I wear size 6/28.

Other pants worth checking out that have different textures are these faux leather straight leg pants and these velvet flares.

This top looks similar to the leopard print blouse from the first outfit but is slightly different. It’s really comfortable with a soft, satiny feel and a flowy fit. It has a crew neckline rather than a mock neck, and you can adjust the neckline with a tie in the back. Also, this print is gorgeous! I love the combination of this texture with the corduroy, but I’ve also gotta say that this top looks 🔥 fierce with the black flares from the other outfits, too! The top comes in 4 prints, HERE. I wear size S.

Shop the Outfit:
Top: Gap (exact—wearing size S)
Pants: Gap (exact—wearing size 6/28)
Shoes: Gap (exact—wearing size 9)
Necklace:
(similar)

4. Finish it off with a sleek shoe.
The booties I’m wearing are a great option to finish off dressy casual outfits, and they go with a lot of outfits. The pointy toe sharpens up and polishes up looks, and the high and fitted shaft allows the boots to fit under straight leg pants. Check them out HERE. I wear size 9.

Those are three tips for how to level up your holiday outfitswhile keeping it fuss-free and simple. Pieces like these do all the hard work for you, so you can simply throw them on and look stylish and dressed up for your holiday events this season! Be sure to check them out while they’re 40% off!

 

Kids’ Holiday Clothes

Also, there are some really cute kids’ holiday clothes that would go well with these outfits that are worth noting during the Friends & Family Sale! Check out my favorites in the widget below:

Holiday Gifts

And last, if you want to get on top of the holiday shopping, here are some great holiday gifts to check out during the sale!


The PMT Holiday Gift Guide is LIVE! Head over to get 150+ tried & true favorite gift ideas all in one place.

New items will be added in the Fresh Finds section through out the holiday season, too, so you can come back to it over and over for new ideas!

See some of our very favorite products for women, men, kids, families, home goods, beauty and accessories, and more. Head to the PMT Holiday Gift Guide!

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