FashBlog.com

By Brandi M. Seals

Some people love to show their holiday spirit by wearing bright red Christmas sweaters adorn with tiny presents or a big orange shirt with a mean looking black cat in the center. Face it, at some point we all have worn a holiday themed item.

These items are not only usually terribly tacky; they can only be worn once a year. They are one-task outfits, and are only good for a few days each year. If you don't have a lot of money to spend or just cannot wrap your head around the idea of buying something to wear just once a year, consider an alternative. There are, however, a number of ways to show your holiday spirit through your wardrobe without investing once-a-year clothing. Buy everyday clothes that can change into holiday wear by simply pairing it with holiday color inspired items.

If you love a good holiday sweater, why not buy one in a solid color that goes with the season? There's green for St. Patrick's Day, pink or red for Valentine's Day, red or green for Christmas, and black or orange for Halloween. And if you opt for a nice rusty orange sweater, you can wear it for Thanksgiving too. These colors will work year round in your wardrobe and can be spiced up with a festive colored button-up shirt underneath. Picture the orange collar of you favorite blouse peaking up over the top of your favorite black v-neck sweater. That shows Halloween spirit and you do not eve have to wear some deranged looking cat shirt.

If sweaters are not your thing or the climate you live in is not sweater friendly there are plenty of different options to explore. Pair a star-shaped necklace with red shorts or skirt and a casual white top. Everyone will notice your 4th of July inspired outfit and hey you managed to put one together that does not have a billion tiny flags covering every bit of your body.

For a night on the town around Halloween, pair your little black dress with some orange pumps if you have them or some amber jewelry. I suggest avoid buying bright orange items if you can't see yourself wearing that color often, opt instead for more earthy orange tones. If you are just going to the office, you can still look the part. Pair your black skirt from your suit with a rust-colored cardigan or wear the suit but put it with a gorgeous little camisole that shows your holiday spirit.

When heading out for dinner on Valentine's Day, why not skip the cutesy heart top and choose a more appealing look. Try a simple flowy skirt or dress. Make it something sweet and simple paired with a pink or red cardigan. Or, skip all the fuss with the clothes and wear a strategically placed heart-shaped clip in your hair or a gorgeous heart-shaped locket around your neck.

While men do not have much of a reputation for falling for holiday-themed clothes, they can learn a few ways to look terrific this holiday season. Guys, why not hit the bars on St. Patty's day without those tacky four-leaf clover ties or kiss the Irish pins? Wear your favorite khakis with a green polo top or button-up shirt. Choose any shade you like. From mint green to Kelly green, all green will convey your love of this holiday in March. If you are going somewhere a tad fancy, try a gorgeous green top under your suit jacket.

While not everyone can break their fascination with holiday-wear so easily, there is a solution. If you really cannot bare the thought of giving up all the holiday inspired gear, there is always underwear. As a last resort for those that just have to have something with Christmas presents, pumpkins or some other holiday image depicted on their clothing rest assured that you can pick up a pair of holiday themed underpants. Go as crazy as you want down there. Only your partner will see just how tacky you want to be.

With these new thoughts on holiday-wear, I am sure everyone can find something to wear that not only reflects their holiday spirit, but also shows that they put a little extra effort into it. Anyone can go buy a star spangled top, but not everyone will think to use what they already have to create the perfect holiday getup.