The holidays are a time for a lot of things: family, gifts, parties, and—our favorite—dressing up. (Sorry, dad.) If, upon hearing that, your mind went straight to velvet and sequins, do yourself a favor and reel it back in. Sure, the holiday season can be an opportune time to debut all the festive fashions you’ve acquired over the year, but it doesn’t have to be. If you prefer to err on the minimalistic side of the style spectrum, there’s another way to still impress from now until New Year’s Day, and it all comes down to accessories.
In my experience, the simplest outfits can be transformed with the help of a few strategic add-ons, be it a fun hat, an eye-catching piece of jewelry, or a conversation-starting purse. If shoes are your kryptonite, so be it. Throw on a baby-pink pair of Alaïa round-toe shoes with jeans and a button-down shirt or some animal-print loafers to excite a classic pair of black trousers. With the right accouterments, any ensemble can win you best dressed at your next holiday soirée. From jewelry to eyewear, headgear to handbags, the 29 covetable accessories below are just what your outfits need this season. Plus, the entire forthcoming list makes for a great hint for everyone you’re expecting a gift from—just saying.
Gucci
Oval-Shaped Sunglasses
To get a proper holiday look, you can’t go wrong with Audrey Hepburn as your inspiration. Follow her lead in Charade with these oval-shaped Gucci sunglasses.
Heaven Mayhem
Julia Necklace
A pop of the holiday season’s most beloved color never hurts a simple turtleneck or cashmere sweater.
MANGO
Bow Hairclip
I mean, duh.
Alaïa
Le Teckel Medium Bag
This new colorway of Alaïa’s cult-favorite Le Teckel Bag feels very winter coded.
Banana Republic
Leather Opera-Length Gloves
Trust me—any coat can benefit from a pair of leather elbow-length gloves.
MANGO
Cashmere Scarf
I adore this color when it’s paired with a chocolate-brown or charcoal-gray wool coat.
TOTEME
Shearling Pillbox Hat
Excuse my drooling. I can’t help it when I look at this thing of beauty.
LIÉ STUDIO
The Mary Silver-Tone Jade Necklace
Skip the dainty gold jewelry and opt for baubles with a little more oomph.
KHAITE
Elio Croc-Effect Patent-Leather Belt
From the croc print to the patent leather to the statement (but not too statement-y) gold buckle, everything about this belt is unquestionably desirable.
COS
Leopard-Print Silk Triangle Scarf
Throw on a little bit of leopard print, why don’t you?
COACH
Brooklyn 39 Shoulder Bag
Bella Hadid can’t get enough of this sleek carryall.
cartier
Panthère de Cartier Watch
This Panthère is more like a work of art than a piece of jewelry, if you ask me.
MANGO
Tortoiseshell-Effect Headband
Didn’t have time to wash your hair before the next party on your holiday agenda? Don’t fret. Get Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s signature look with this tortoiseshell headband and a slicked-back chignon.
LIÉ STUDIO
The Vera Gold Vermeil Earrings
Good earrings go such a long way.
Charvet
Circle Medallion Silk Tie
Saint Laurent has the fashion world scouring the internet for cool ties to style up their suits with.
Saint Laurent
Jeanne Oval-Frame Acetate Glasses
Speaking of Saint Laurent, these glasses by the French fashion house have your name written all over them.
TOTEME
Suede Belt
Brown suede is the moment this year, especially for the colder seasons. Try it in belt form with this stunning double-wrap add-on from Toteme.
Massimo Dutti
Long Cashmere Gloves
Me? Shopping for cashmere? How odd.
Bottega Veneta
Teen Lauren 1980 With Chain in Barolo
Rihanna has been loving this intrecciato masterpiece.
Charlotte Chesnais
Bo Lasso Ear Cuff
If you plan to wear an updo this holiday season, please, I beg of you, add this sculptural ear cuff.
Massimo Dutti
Animal Print Penny Loafers
Everyone I know is willing to claw their way to a pair of animal-print loafers right now—no matter what it takes.
tory burch
Sublime Thigh Highs
These Tory Burch tights stirred something in me when I first saw them on the runway. I’m just so smitten with their subtle, sheer print.
Laura Pitharas
Oversized Branded Safety Pin
A modern-day brooch.
Reformation
Oversized Patrizia Bag
When I tell you I was shocked to find this perfect green suede Patrizia bag in stock, I’m not kidding. It looks like a Margaux for a fraction of the price.
Ben-Amun
Exclusive Tort Cuff
When in doubt, add a thick cuff. It’s never failed me.
Toteme
Satin Triangle Scarf Ecru
There are so many ways that you could style this satin scarf. The possibilities really are endless.
Jeffrey Campbell
Hinted Pointed Toe Flat
Get the Loro Piana look that every fashion person is hoping to achieve with these $150 Jeffrey Campbell almond-toe flats.
Lelet
Glossy Arch Pony Cuff
Even the messiest ponytails can be dressed up with one of these.
GIGI BURRIS
Sharina Wool-Felt Cap
I’m telling you to become a hat person. You’ll never turn back.
