6 Budget-Friendly Ways to Look Great This Holiday Season

Hit the festive party scene in both comfort and style.

By

Kim Marcum

 
Published December 05, 2024
photo collage of different budget-friendly outfits to wear this holiday season
AARP

It’s hard to eat, drink and be merry during holiday parties when you start off being uncomfortable. Shape-shifting undergarments. Sky-high heels. Curve-clutching silhouettes. Yes, there are invitations to balls, galas, corporate hobnobs and the like that require these, of course. But the rest of the time, we can embrace something more comfortable — dressing down while looking dressed up.

Because we’re all pressed for time right now, we’ll get right to it with six easy, budget-friendly ways to look great and stay comfortable throughout the coming festivities.

Shine On

Satiny finishes are the Swiss Army knife of the season, capable of doing anything and going everywhere. They also are the fastest way to look dressed up with minimal effort. These lustrous fabrics are fashioned into everything from shirts, pants, skirts and dresses to trench coats, shoes and purses. Thanks to the current trend cycle, you can wear satin separates throughout the day to keep you and your wallet both comfortable.

When it comes to party time, sprinkle in as much or as little shine as you like. The Silky Relaxed Trouser ($48-$60, bananarepublicfactory.com) or satin effect midi skirt ($46, zara.com) can team up with a sweater or coordinating top already in your closet. Or flip the formula with a fluid, satiny shirt ($36, zara.com) or the feminine ruffled Goldie top ($60-$98, jcrew.com) atop dark-wash jeans or a leather skirt. For an all-over glow, satin reigns at night as a soft pink halter dress ($70, zara.com), sophisticated shirred-side midi dress in navy ($60, bananarepublicfactory.com) or flirty midi with side slit from the ZW Woman Collection ($90, zara.com).

Maxed Out

The current popularity of maxi and midi lengths epitomizes comfort and simplifies so many things — walking, sitting and grooming among them. Longer lengths also make any party dress immediately fancier. The loose-fitting Crinkle Effect Midi Dress ($70, zara.com) and Crystal Pleated Midi Dress ($70, bananarepublicfactory.com) capture this harmonic convergence of casual elegance.

Slip dresses ($50, bananarepublicfactory.com) are another sure bet for a dressy yet comfortable option capable of playing multiple roles. This quick-change artist can look silky and sophisticated in a maxi length ($99, quince.com) at one party. Take on an edgy vibe with the addition of a leather jacket and boots for another celebration. Or make it appear as a skirt by layering a sweater over it for a more casual gathering.

Dynamic Duos

What’s as easy to wear as a dress but can mix and match with other pieces you already own? If you pick a matching set, you get bonus points. For the holidays, these sets feature pants and range from tailored to relaxed.

In the tailored camp is the Satin Double-Breasted Blazer and coordinating Ryan Straight Pants in black or cream ($55-$100, bananarepublicfactory.com). For a more relaxed look, make your entrance in the crinkled satin shirt and flowing pajama pants to match ($46-$50, zara.com). If you prefer something in-between, there’s the crinkled, sparkle blazer in a sand color that ties to one side and pairs with loose, matching pants ($46-$70, zara.com).

Breathing Room

The pinched and cinched waistline is a definite party buzz kill. Instead, pull on any of the dozens of skirt options with the built-in ease of an elastic waistband. Worried they won’t look dressy enough? Not to fret. Even a former fashion editor is extolling their virtues.

For the holidays, fancy-looking skirts with stretchy comfort can be found in budget-friendly satin midi slip styles ($12.50-$24, oldnavy.com), washable silk maxis ($80, quince.com) and twirl-friendly Gwyneth pleats ($60-$128, jcrew.com). Crafty, DIY partygoers can take inspiration from the elegant, lace-trimmed Tilda skirt in black or pink ($60-$98, anthropologie.com) and add their own chic touch of lace to a hemline.

Toeing the Line

A trio of shoe trends earn this holiday season a standing ovation for comfort. The classic Mary Jane flat with its roomy toe box and thin strap keeps your foot secure and comfortable. Festive offerings like the Steve Madden Vinetta-R glisten with rhinestone studs ($100, shoemall.com), the Nine West Platy Mary Jane Flat with silver sequins ($85, dsw.com) and Aerosoles Perry Mary Jane Flat in gold patent ($100, dsw.com). For something subtler, consider the fan favorite Elsey Flats ($120, sofftshoe.com) in versatile black leather or patent.

Ballet flats also deliver twinkling toes ranging from Bandolino’s metallic Prity Ballet Flat ($70, dsw.com) to Zara’s brown sequin ballet flats or silver-studded ballet flats ($50-$60, zara.com). A more traditional take in Italian leather ($70, quince.com) features a bow, grosgrain ribbon detailing and cushioned arch support.

Rounding out this trio is the sure-footed block heel, which provides both height and stability. Stylish options include the bestselling and highly rated LifeStride True modern Mary Jane) with double straps and the silver Kenneth Cole Reaction Lindy slingbacks ($65-$80, shoemall.com) with squared toes.

In the Bag

Small handbags started their comeback a few seasons ago and are well-suited to mature shoulders that need a break from hefty hobos and everything-but-the-sink satchels. If you’ve already joined the petite purse club, pull yours out for party time, especially in dressy black or a bold color that accents your outfit.

If you’re looking for a refresh, several sleek styles like the Violetta Trapeze and Aubrielle Metallic Buckle ($66-$73, charleskeith.com) do double duty, converting from a top handle for evening to a crossbody by day courtesy of a second longer strap. While leopard is the animal print of the season in fabrics, it’s all about the reptiles in accessories. You can rock the croc in black ($46, mango.com) or the hot chocolate and fuchsia of the Fae style ($89, jwpei.com) or opt for the snake-embossed Structured Three-in-One Italian Leather bag in black or sassy silver ($89-$117, jcrew.com).

And that’s a wrap! Which reminds me — I have some shopping to do for holiday gifts. In the meantime, lean into these suggestions to look great and stay comfortable all party long!

 

What store do you think is best for older, stylish women? Let us know in the comments below.

As a fashion editor in Dallas, Kim Marcum covered the international ready-to-wear collections in four fashion capitals and interviewed iconic designers from Giorgio Armani to Ralph Lauren. Later in her journalism career at the Orlando Sentinel, she was the senior editor on a Pulitzer Prize finalist in Local Reporting (2013) and on a project that earned the 2013 Diversity Award from the Freedom Forum/American Society of Newspaper Editors. In 2014, she joined Orlando Health, where she is the corporate director of strategic communications. She has two adult daughters and a grandpuppy.