I wear dresses almost daily, but when it comes to getting dressed up for holiday events, even I jump at the chance to take it up a notch. In fact, I start mentally planning my outfit the moment an invitation arrives in my mailbox! By the time the party arrives, slipping into my outfit of choice and adding just the right accessories becomes one of my favorite parts of the evening. Along with the chance to take a few of my fancier dresses for a spin, I think what makes holiday dressing unique is that this is my favorite time of year for festive accessories. I certainly don’t shy away from beautiful ones throughout the year, but on a day-to-day basis, I keep things very simple–my delicate everyday jewelry, one of my go-to totes or small handbags, and perhaps a scarf and a pair of sunglasses. Come December though, everything from the store windows, to the light-draped trees, to the snow outside (if I’m somewhere that boasts white Christmases) sparkles, so I find myself looking for ways to sparkle a little extra too.

My holiday party style runs the gamut, from whimsical and charming (like this), to sophisticated and chic (like this), to elegant and ladylike (like this). One thing all of my holiday looks have in common, though, is a standout accessory, whether that means a statement pair of shoes, a faux fur stole, a classic bag, or a special piece of jewelry. Investing in heirloom-quality accessories has its perks (I love imagining the thrill of a future granddaughter when I gift her my favorite pieces someday!), but since you may wear these items less frequently, it can also be a good category to seek out budget-friendly items for. I was inspired to share a few of my favorite accessories to wear with dresses from the November Gal Meets Glam Collection for today’s Gal on a Budget post, in the hopes that you’ll be able to pick up a few pretty new things in time for your holiday soirées!