This is the holiday party formula you are probably most familiar with: dressing up jeans. There are many ways to dress up jeans, and this outfit formula focuses on pairing denim bottoms with a fancy sweater. Extra comfy, cozy and easy. It deliberately leaves out dressy blouses and shirts, and leaves off the jacket. The idea is to wear a coat over the outfit if you need an extra layer. 

Choose any colour palette. Here are the components: 

Jeans: Choose a favourite pair of jeans in any wash and colour. I’ve chosen faded denim because I like that shade of blue, but dark blue, black, white, grey, or waxed denim options are just as fab. Choose skinnies, straight legs, bootcuts, trouser jeans, boyfriend jeans, moto jeans, or bell bottoms. Any style at all. 

Festive Sweater: You’re after a pullover that is more than a basic. It’s embellished or texture-rich in some way, and there are many options. Sequin sweatshirts, fuzzy cropped pullovers, drapey tunic styles that sparkle, and sweaters with built-in neckline bling will do the trick. Or wear a fashion forward digital print sweatshirt and pile on your own bling with a large chunky necklace. Wear the sweater untucked, or faux tuck with a dressy belt. 

Footwear: The footwear is key to making the sweater with jeans look festive and party-appropriate. Choose dressy and feminine shoes to offset the casualness of the outfit. Pumps, dressy flats and refined booties are great options. I vote leave off the rugged boots. Bring a pair of pretty shoes to swap into once you’re back indoors if you need to wear weatherproof boots outside. Wear nude knee-highs for warmth. 

Accessories: Clutches are fabulous with dressy shoes. Choose a party clutch and you are set. Remember that clutches can be practical if you choose one with a strap. 

This type of outfit needn’t be reserved for casual holiday parties. Wear it on date night, gals night out, evenings out, to dinner with friends, entertaining at home, or even on Casual Friday in some work settings.