It’s beginning to look a lot like the Christmas party season. For many women—including myself— this brings total glee, but for others it is simply a source of stress. Worries about what level of dressiness a cocktail party requires, if an outfit will be uncomfortable all night and the dread of shopping (it’s a thing!) can really put a damper on what’s supposed to be done in fun. Not to knock the LBD, but one of the reasons we see so many simple black dresses over the holidays is they’re the safest thing out there. Here are a few creative ideas that will easily elevate your style while helping you break out from basic black.

Explore texture

Still pretty committed to black? Hey, I don’t blame you. It’s a classic for a reason and goes with every hair colour, skin tone and event. Keep the cookie-cutter vibes at bay by finding your go-to colour in lace, velvet, sequins or cut-out designs. And if—like this frilly number by Adelyn Rae— your fave find is shorter than the length you might normally opt for at a function, pair it with over-the-knee boots (which are so of-the-moment, they’ve even got an acronym: OTK) and simply show a sliver of skin.

Rock sparkles

You don’t have to lose your cool at cocktail hour. Still-pristine black jeans in your closet—you know the ones— mimic fancy black trousers convincingly when you don a daringly dazzling top like this silver Soya Concept pullover. Really, relying on balance from that non-intrusive pant is a chance for any top to shine. So amp things up, choose a statement blouse that doesn’t get worn nearly often enough and add extra personality to your look with accessories. I chose an edgy cuff and collar by Jenny Bird.

Jump on the trend

An all-in-one outfit not only simplifies the situation but elongates your silhouette and gives you the same freedom of movement as pants. Plus, a jumper is one of the most current party-ready styles. This season, some of the best ones out there have wide, culotte legs and a wrap front that flatters every body shape. This Adelyn Rae cranberry jumper hits every note. And although you can easily repurpose this piece for the office, keep it in party-animal-mode by wielding wild accessories like this sexy snakeskin-print purse—or find yourself some leopard pumps. Either way, the crowd is gonna roar.

Lustre says luxury

From the ’20s all the way to present day, there is nothing that wows like a silky, slinky cocktail dress. This season, you can find them in both light hues like champagne, rose gold and burnt orange and in bold tones like fuchsia and red. The key to a flattering fit in these seemingly structureless slips is two-fold: finding a bias cut that will naturally hug your waist and skim your hips, and choosing a fabric that is either thicker than your average silk or that’s lined. This elegant spaghettistrap dress would not be happening for me without a bra, so I was grateful that this C’est Moi piece checked both boxes.

Add it on

Accessories can say so much or let your outfit do the talking. Dainty touches like delicate gold chains with small spangles, monograms or zodiac-inspired pendants (the ones you spy here are by Tess + Tricia) have rarely been so of-the-moment and serve to make a statement without overwhelming your look. Also, thanks to Saskatoon winters, I’d argue that coats count as an accessory. You’ll be wearing a coat in the lobby as you make an entrance, so let it announce you well. Prints like retro plaids and animal print are my top picks right now, so this Pink Martini leopard longline is making my dreams come true.

So save that LBD for a less deserving occasion—this holiday, you should stand out from the crowd. Merry Christmas, and may you find yourself comfortable—just outside of where you thought your comfort zone ended.

Photos: Joi Photography Makeup: Holly Decker Hair: Abby Sargeant, Visions Salon Wardrobe: Tryst Shot on location at Bon Temps Cafe

(For more than a decade, Maygen Kardash has been a wardrobe stylist for television, music videos, print, and both artist and personal consults. She is also a freelance writer, featured contributor to several local magazines, Brownie leader and, most important, loving mama to three-year-old daughter Petra and baby boy Paris. Sneakers & Lipstick is Maygen’s personal blog on which you’ll find honest posts about style, motherhood and anything in life that piques her interest. Follow along at sneakersandlipstick.com.)

-Maygen Kardash