Exactly How to Dress Up Your Jeans For That Holiday Party, Straight From Madewell's Designer

By Hannah Weil McKinley
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When holiday stress gets the best of you, you call in the experts. Enter Madewell's design guru, Joyce Lee — the brains behind the label's cool-girl denim, live-in staples, and adorable seasonal finds. We tapped the designer to talk all things gifting and holiday dressing, like what's on her own wish list, and what exactly does she give those tough-to-shop-for guys in her life. She's got an answer to solve any big holiday dilemmas, starting with what to wear to that holiday party tonight. Read on for all of Joyce's tips and tricks.

POPSUGAR: What's on your wish list this year?

Joyce Lee: "A couple things, it’s hard to choose! Now that its started to get cold I’ve had my eye on a shearling coat. Also on the list would be a statement boot like our Nealy and as a 2017 staple our Lisbon O–Ring mini saddlebag."

PS: Guys are so tricky, what are you gifting the men in your life?
JL: "A cold brew coffee pot. My husband makes us iced coffees every morning, so this will also benefit me."

PS: What's a classic gift that never fails?

JL: "Something unexpected that has a sense of humor, I’m loving the shearling llama bag accessory or the shearling pom poms."

PS: Any tricks for making gifts feel more personal?
JL: "I am obsessed with anything personalized, adding a monogram is the best way to make a gift feel more special. You don’t always have to go with someone's initials; I suggest getting creative and coming up with funny words, phrases, or nicknames like 'OUI', 'YES', 'RAD'."

Getty | Julien Hekimian

PS: How would you style denim for a holiday party?
JL: "To dress up denim for a holiday party I would add little bit of shine. A foolproof way to take a pair of jeans from day to night is to add a velvet top and a pair of heels."

PS: If you're shopping for a fashion-lover, what's the must-have item to gift her for 2017?
JL: "I am really loving a statement earring. We have a few that debuted for the Holiday season but stay tuned for more from us this Spring."