Forget the Dress — the Best Holiday Looks Include Fashion's Favorite Staple

POPSUGAR Photography | Maria del Rio
POPSUGAR Photography | Maria del Rio
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It seems like a great idea at first, that sparkly sequin dress paired with those heels you never wear — 'tis the season to get fancy, after all. But then the day of your holiday dinner arrives and, ugh. You'd so much rather wear jeans. Well, what if we told you that you can, so long as you keep on scrolling? Ahead you'll find five ways to dress up your favorite pair of denims, making those babies chic enough for every family and friend-related gathering. Now you can kick back, relax, and look stylish doing it, making it, quite literally, the most wonderful time of the year.

If You're Having People Over . . .
POPSUGAR Photography / Maria del Rio

If You're Having People Over . . .

The beauty of having people over your house? You don't need to get fancy — especially if you're running around cooking and entertaining. Keep things casual yet stylish with loose boyfriend jeans, a lace-up sweater, and a cool pair of kicks.

Current/Elliot The Fling Slim Boyfriend Jeans ($210), Lovers + Friends x REVOLVE Rocky Sweater ($158), Converse Chuck Taylor ($50)

If You’re Visiting Family . . .
POPSUGAR Photography / Maria del Rio

If You’re Visiting Family . . .

You don't want to be the only one who dressed up, but you still want to look nice. Keep things neutral on the bottom with black skinnies and booties, then opt for a ruffled statement top and take things to the next level.

Levis Wedgie Icon Jeans ($98), H&M Chiffon Blouse With Lace Yolk ($25), Loeffler Randall Greer Booties ($395)

If You're Visiting Your SO's Family . . .
POPSUGAR Photography / Maria del Rio

If You're Visiting Your SO's Family . . .

It's possible you know and love these people like they're your own flesh and blood, but if you're not at the chill-around-in-PJs stage, you might want to play it safe. Cropped jeans and a structured top create an elevated, no-fail combo, while block heels are the happy medium between laid-back and dressy (not to mention way less risky to walk in).

Frame Le Crop Mini Frayed Jeans ($245), SEA Ruffle Collar Blouse ($250), Stuart Weitzman Cordon Lace-Up Ballerina Pump ($398)

If You're Headed to a Friend's Place . . .
POPSUGAR Photography / Maria del Rio

If You're Headed to a Friend's Place . . .

You're the stylish one of your friend group, so even though you'll be kicking back with a glass of wine, you still want to dress to impress. Pull on a trendy pair of cropped flairs and tuck your hair into an oversize turtleneck. Then add a little bit of oomph with some wild leopard-print loafers.

MiH Jeans Lou Cropped Flares ($271), H&M Cable Knit Turtleneck Sweater ($40), Topshop Kendall Leather Buckle Loafer ($92)

If You’re Going Out . . .
POPSUGAR Photography / Maria del Rio

If You’re Going Out . . .

If you've opted out of cooking and made reservations for the holidays, just keep it sleek and simple. Go with your favorite pair of skinnies but style 'em with a cutout top. Once you finish off your look with a pair of beige pumps, people might even mistake you for a model.

BLANKNYC Skinny Jean ($88), Bardot Edie Bell-Sleeve Cutout Blouse ($79), Kate Spade New York Licorice Pumps ($298)