With the holiday season approaching, invites for seasonal celebrations ahead are bound to start filling up your inbox. As fun as the end-of-the-year festivities may be, navigating what to wear during such a busy time can be an exhausting feat. To make the process less painful, celebrity stylist Erin Walsh, who’s responsible for Anne Hathaway‘s iconic, head-turning looks, is sharing her top styling tips to curating a chic and functional holiday wardrobe with ease.
When it comes to styling her clients, including Kerry Washington, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Jameela Jamil, the New York City-based stylist has mastered the art of polished playfulness. Whether it’s eveningwear like a voluminous Christopher John Rogers gown or a casual airport look like neutral-toned separates under a black peacoat, Walsh has the unique ability to fuse elegant silhouettes with eclectic accents to reflect the wearer’s personal style.
Her approach to dressing up for the holidays also embodies this ethos. Instead of following trends or traditional fashion rules, she advises to opt for styles, colors, and silhouettes that put you in a celebratory mood and “use unexpected accessories to make any look feel fresh.” And as the Style Expert of luxury boot brand La Canadienne, one of her favorite hacks is pairing the brand’s “combat and chelsea boots with party dresses” to add instant edge to any ensemble.
Ready to get your seasonal party wardrobe on point? Walsh shares more styling gems ahead.
Related: How to Dress For Your Next Holiday Party, Based on Your Zodiac Sign
Getty / Daniele Venturelli
Do Sequins Your Way
It’s finally the season to break out the glitz and glamour, starting with a vibrant sequin dress that will instantly put you in a party mode. For a fresh take on the ultra-femme style, skip the stilettos and try pairing it with a chunky heel, like the Nina Dorcas Satin Platform ($99), “so it feels effortless and a bit more modern,” instructs Walsh. Earlier this year, she styled Hathaway in a Barbiecore sequin Valentino minidress with sky-high, patent platforms that served as the perfect contrast.
Getty / Araya Doheny
Elevate Your LBD
If you receive a last-minute invite or just don’t have time to shop, chances are you already own a simple black dress, like the LNA Clothing Orla dress ($105.60) that’s easy to elevate. Simply think of the wardrobe staple as a blank canvas that you can switch up to match the dress code of each event. For a hint of drama, Walsh suggests experimenting with “bold accessories and fun pops of color or texture” like Vanessa Hudgens, who transformed a sleek LBD with high-shine emerald boots and bold makeup for the ultimate party vibe.
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Nail Corporate Chic
Selecting attire for an office party can feel limiting, due to the demure dress code, but if you stick to timeless pieces with luxe details, you’ll always look professional. To add some flair, try an oversized blazer like Hailey Bieber. The Frankie Shop Maya blazer ($294) instantly adds a sartorial twist to an otherwise minimalist look. For a festive accent, Walsh says, “Instead of a standard pump, choose an embellished shoe style. I love the La Canadienne Arnold heeled loafer ($450) that is functional enough to wear from day-to-night. It’s a very ’70s masculine-feminine take on power dressing.”
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Go With the Flow
For casual at-home gatherings, layer on your softest knits and stretchiest fits, like this Mango Perkins sweater ($80) and gathered knit skirt set ($80), that ensure you still look presentable if you’re expecting company. Walsh insists, “Comfort is key, especially for family events. A sweater dress or a stretchy two-piece requires minimal styling, perfect for low-key nights at home.” And if you feel like leaving the house? Follow Tessa Thompson’s lead and rock a soft, shimmery set with Western-inspired boots.
