Everyone loves a gracious guest. How can you be one? “Bring your holiday spirit to the party,” says my co-author, Janna Beatty. Besides a hostess gift, nothing says I’m so glad to be here more than dressing for the party.

Janna says, “Every occasion has its own personality.” It may be a casual neighborhood gathering, a festive holiday luncheon with the girls, a family get-together with loads of kids, or an evening soiree with company clients. The important thing is to know the affair.

In Quintessential Style, we stress the importance of dressing with intention. What does that mean?

What is the atmosphere? Who will be there? What do you want to express through your appearance?

Janna recently appeared on ABC with Ann Harder to talk about holiday dressing. Click HERE to view the segment.

What’s Your Party’s Personality?

Janna says,” You always want to look like you. So where can you go to find clothes that are exactly your size, exactly the style you love, and exactly the colors that complement you? ANSWER: YOUR OWN CLOSET!”

Determine your party’s personality, then shop your own closet FIRST.

Baking Christmas Cookies with the Kids

Don’t limit yourself to red and green. Here, Diane wears an ice-blue sweater with casual jeans and boots.

Notice how she layers her necklaces to add interest to a simple cowl neck.

(Layering is Diane’s style trademark.)

Christmas Shopping with the Girls

Neutrals can look interesting when you vary textures as Diane does here.

Tans, ivories, and browns are brought to life by layering.

Switch out Pieces to turn Casual into Elegant

For a holiday lunch on a cold afternoon, Diane layers a vest with accessories and casual fur booties.

(Her trick to keep leggings tucked in: Pin wide elastic on each side of the hem. No one will ever know!)

Diane wears the same leggings, but switches out the top and accessories for a dressier evening look.

See how Diane changes the look of her neckline by opening up the collar? (Secure with invisible dress tape if needed.)

Christmas Sweaters Don’t Have to be Ugly

Details matter. The back of the sweater is just as cute as the front!

Diane mixes classic pearls with a whimsical Santa to match her festive sweater.

To recap:

• Consider the pulse of the party or occasion.
• Shop your own closet FIRST for holiday apparel.
• Don’t restrict yourself to only red and green. 
• Layer your accessories.
• Add texture to neutrals for a more interesting look.
• Don’t be afraid to mix classic pieces with funky, whimsical ones. 

Remember, these are the holidays. ‘Tis the season to have fun with dressing.

Thank you, dear Diane Jordan for modeling for us.

All the jewelry pictured here was created by Janna Beatty.  To find out more about her Studio and Open Houses, sign up for her newsletter at Makeovers4U.com.