I think most of us have moved beyond the time when we dressed up for holiday parties looking like a glitter ball wearing sequined micro mini spaghetti strap satin dresses with 4” strappy sandals.
But we still deserve and want to glow and sparkle at this time of the year. So here are some budget-friendly ways to do this. They might even make you want to put on your dancing shoes and kick up your heels. (And then break out the menthol rub tomorrow morning.)
The Holiday Textiles
Before listing some tips, let’s start by explaining what kind of “bling” we’re talking about. We’ll start with textiles.
Velvet and Satin are both glow-y and “romantic” holiday fabrics. Velvet has a glow to it, but it’s one that draws the eye in. It reflects but then retreats. It speaks of mystery and magic. Satin has a different kind of glow. It emphasizes and reflects sensuously, drawing attention to what is underneath. (That’s why you need good underwear when you wear something that clings to your curves).
Velvet Blazer Jacket at Nordstrom
Women’s Notched Lapel Vintage Office Button Front Velvet Blazer
Tilda Velvet Midi Dress form Boden
Velvet isn’t as prevalent this year in stores as it was in the past. But frankly, I feel it’s a winter holiday staple. Also, the offshoot – velveteen – is a little more current and hip for more casual family holiday events.
Satin will hug and emphasize your curves, so make sure you have the right underwear or body shapers for whichever style you choose.
Quince Washable Silk Skirt $59.90
H&M Mama Satin Slip Skirt $27.99
And then there are silver or gold colored pants and skirts. Silver is a little more on trend this year. If in a leather-like textile, they are edgy but fun, as long as you have the personality and style to carry them off. Just let them be the one flashy item and keep the rest of your outfit simple. A colorful turtleneck sweater and matching ankle boots will complete the look.
Express High Waisted Metallic faux leather modern straight pant, $70
Metallic Faux Leather Midi Skirt
If there is any style detail that in itself is the definition of bling it has to be sequins. They could be on a tank or camisole, jacket, a short or long-sleeved top or, yes, a skirt. If you still have great legs and can rock a semi-mini (just a few inches above the knee) go for it! But for the rest of us, a longer version would do just fine.
Express high Wasted sequined midi skirt
Sequined tank top Mango Outlet $14.99
And of course, bling-y can mean almost any kind of gemstone or shiny metal.
Budget Tip #1 Shop Your Own Closet
Year after year, regardless of trends, those are the textiles and finishes that pop up at this time of year and that will never go out of fashion. If you ever bought a simple sequined top, a pair of velvet pants, a velvet blazer, a satin slip skirt, satin camisole, satin pussy bow blouse, you’re in luck. Just pull any one of those items out of your closet and voila! You have the basis of your holiday look.
You can take something like wool pants – either solid color or a weave – and add your softer textile blouse (satin or charmeuse), a pair of simple pumps or flats, a blazer, and there’s a great holiday look.
For a more edgy look, you can wear a pair of your darkest wash jeans with a sequined short jacket and satin or charmeuse cami and a pair of slingback low heeled shoes.
Or, if you still have a sequin mini or maxi, a long-pleated chiffon skirt, or a midi-length satin slip skirt add something unexpected, like a cotton button-down blouse from your wardrobe. But choose something in a brighter color, like one of your reds or even a chartreuse or hot pink! Add a pair of strappy low-heeled sandals or pumps and a longer winter coat… because no matter how great your legs are, if you’re in the Northern Hemisphere during the holidays, “baby, it’s cold outside!!”
Sequin Lace Mid Rise Midi Skirt by Land’s End on Nordstrom
Adding one of these types of garments to what you already own will not only save money but you will be preventing more “fast fashion” from ending up in a landfill somewhere in the 3rd World.
Budget Tip #2: Accessorize With Bling
OK. The obvious accessory here is jewelry. But let’s save that for a bit. It deserves a separate analysis. So, let’s just talk about adding some sparkle and shine to an outfit inexpensively.
Handbags
This is one area where you can do a “soft splurge.” That means shop in places where younger women buy their accessories because they will be a lot less expensive than designer bags. And, frankly, many of these types of bags look as pretty as the “real” deal. Since they will get rare use they won’t look worn. And honestly, nobody (at least nobody you want as a friend) is going to ask, “Who’s the designer?”
Just as with the addition of a brightly colored cotton blouse to a satin, sequined or chiffon skirt, you can add a small shiny textile bag in a pretty color to a simple outfit. A blue satin clutch worn with your favorite LBD and black satin heels would add an alluring and festive touch. If you have sapphire-colored drop earrings, that would complete this type of outfit.
Nina Women’s Satin Clutch at Macy’s $65
EleQueen Women’s Silver-tone Cubic Zirconia Teardrop Bridal Dangle Earrings
Belts
If you still want to show off your waistline, there are two ways to do this. Here’s the first. Just as with inexpensive bags, there are sequined and rhinestone belts on many lower-end fashion sites that you aren’t likely going to make a regular part of your wardrobe. But they can be the very thing that makes your holiday look. (Although I have an adorable friend in her 50s who wears a rhinestone belt with her jeans regularly.)
Tip #3: A New Kind of Hair Bling: It’s a “Thing”
Several months ago, I saw a woman at the gym about my age who had mostly gray hair. Woven through her hair were strands of pink and silver tinsel. It was absolutely magical and angelic. I’ve been coveting that look ever since. It’s a craftsy do-it-yourself trend and the tutorials are on the internet.
But since we’re talking about hair, an easy way to add some holiday sparkle – and another little crafts project – would be to buy an inexpensive fabric headband and glue on some strategically placed rhinestones (not a whole rhinestone headband unless you want to look like a queen). You get extra points by matching the color of the headband to your blouse or bag.
Dreshow Braided Headband $6.99 on Amazon
Terse Velvet Headbands $8.88 on Amazon
Tip #4: Re-Purposing Jewelry
Of course, a fun pair of drop earrings in gemstone colors or a diamond-like necklace will add festive bling. But there are some fun tricks adopted by fashionistas that can make your jewelry multi-purpose.
First of all, if you have a long necklace – pearl, chain, gemstone (faux is better for this purpose) – consider using it as a belt. It’s a very “Chanel-type” thing to do, btw. If it’s very long – long enough to wrap twice around your waist – you can make one of the lengths drape slightly. You can also fasten it in such a way that part of it hangs down. Or you can secure the looser section with a decorative pin.
Gorgeous Pearl Camellia Necklace For Woman Holiday Necklace. Camellia Flower Necklace
Idokawa simulated pearl and gold necklace $24.99 on Amazon
Another tip I learned from a friend and that I recommend frequently, is to look for some costume jewelry clip-on gemstone earrings at your favorite thrift shop. Clip them to the middle top of simple flats or heels. Instant bling! You can also attach one to a fold-over clutch bag.
So, unless you’ve been invited to a royal ball, there’s really no need to go into debt just to stay visible and sparkly for the holidays.
Let’s all raise a glass of bubbly for peace, good times, and a bright 2026! Happy New Year!
Please Join the Conversation:
How are you adding some bling to your holiday outfits? What will you be wearing for New Year’s Eve? Have you found some great bargains on sparkly things for the holidays?
