I used to be someone who would buy a new outfit for every event – birthdays, holiday parties, weddings, etc. These events were at least few and far between, but it still slowly racked up a closet full of ‘one-time’ pieces that were very trendy and created a lot of clutter. I’ve since removed a lot of that clutter from my closet, and have replaced a lot of it with more timeless, classic pieces that I get more wear out of.
But there are still days or nights where I want to feel special and not so basic. Here are four ways to dress up basics – my tips for how you can take the basic items in your closet to the next level, for the upcoming holiday season or special occasions throughout the year.
1. Add a piece of statement jewelry
My favourite and I think the easiest way to add something extra to a ‘basic’ outfit is with jewelry. I don’t have a lot of statement pieces, as day-to-day I tend to wear more subtle and dainty jewelry. However, having one pair of statement earrings or a necklace can really increase the versatility of your wardrobe. Here I’ve paired a simple black dress with these beautiful handmade earrings by Michaela Foky. They add that little touch that makes this outfit feel more special to match the occasion.
![4 Ways to Dress Up Basics for Special Occasions](https://i2.wp.com/emilylightly.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Ways-to-Dress-Up-Basics-4-of-24.jpg?fit=819%2C1024&ssl=1)
![4 Ways to Dress Up Basics for Special Occasions](https://i1.wp.com/emilylightly.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Ways-to-Dress-Up-Basics-6-of-24.jpg?fit=819%2C1024&ssl=1)
Other accessories like purses and shoes can have the same effect, however I’ve found that they take up a lot more space in my closet and lead to the same clutter problems I had before. Jewelry is a good solution for me because it doesn’t take up a lot of space while it’s tucked away waiting for its time to shine.
2. Wear a bold lip
![4 Ways to Dress Up Basics for Special Occasions](https://i0.wp.com/emilylightly.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Ways-to-Dress-Up-Basics-12-of-24.jpg?fit=1024%2C1024&ssl=1)
Or a bold eye. Or a sparkly highlight. You get the picture! Switching up your makeup seems really obvious, but I still wanted to include it because it’s a very simple way to take an outfit from day to night, or from basic to special.
I’ve always loved playing with makeup since I was young, and although I’ve culled my collection by a lot recently, I will always make sure to have a bold, red lipstick that I can put on when I want to feel a little more glam. One of my favourites (and the one I’m wearing here) is the RMS Beauty Lip2Cheek in the shade Beloved.
![4 Ways to Dress Up Basics for Special Occasions](https://i0.wp.com/emilylightly.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Ways-to-Dress-Up-Basics-15-of-24.jpg?fit=819%2C1024&ssl=1)
3. Create a chic updo
Similarly, changing up your hairstyle can overhaul your entire look. This is the one I struggle with the most, since my hair tends to have a mind of its own and refuses to stay in place no matter how much I pin it. But something like this elegant chignon is pretty simple and easy to do (albeit a little messy). It completely elevates the simple black jumpsuit I’m wearing while also drawing attention to the subtle bow detail on the back.
![4 Ways to Dress Up Basics for Special Occasions](https://i0.wp.com/emilylightly.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Ways-to-Dress-Up-Basics-21-of-24.jpg?fit=819%2C1024&ssl=1)
![4 Ways to Dress Up Basics for Special Occasions](https://i1.wp.com/emilylightly.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Ways-to-Dress-Up-Basics-20-of-24.jpg?fit=819%2C1024&ssl=1)
4. Include a pop of colour
![4 Ways to Dress Up Basics for Special Occasions](https://i0.wp.com/emilylightly.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Ways-to-Dress-Up-Basics-8-of-24.jpg?fit=819%2C1024&ssl=1)
The one trap I always find myself caught in when buying basic items is that I tend to go for mainly neutral colours – blacks, greys, and whites – because they pair well with more and will last longer style-wise. That said, having a few colourful items can really help take your wardrobe up a notch and keep it from being too boring (unless you find dressing all black exciting, which is totally possible and fair!)
For this outfit I’ve paired a jewel-tone sweater with my regular black pieces to brighten it up and make it feel a little more festive. The one I’m wearing is from Frank & Oak and is no longer available, but I’ve included some similar options for you below.
![4 Ways to Dress Up Basics for Special Occasions](https://i1.wp.com/emilylightly.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Ways-to-Dress-Up-Basics-11-of-24.jpg?fit=819%2C1024&ssl=1)
I hope you enjoyed reading this post and that it gave you some good ideas for any holiday parties you have coming up. What’s your favourite way to dress up a more basic piece? Let me know in the comments below!
Until next time,
Emily
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![4 Ways to Dress Up Basics for Special Occasions](https://i0.wp.com/emilylightly.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/How-to-Dress-Up-Basics-Pin.png?fit=683%2C1024&ssl=1)
Great tips, Emily!
So inspiring!
Thank you! 🙂
So obsessed with these looks! I have a holiday work dinner tomorrow and already have my black long sleeve swing dress and a scarf picked out. With some leggings and tall black boots I think I’ll be good to go!
I think black is always a classic (and my favorite) color to wear, but especially this time of year it just looks so pretty with special jewelry or simple accessories.
You look great! I really loved the simple style!!!
Thank you!!