Do try to find clothing and holiday decorating items at Goodwill that reflect your glowing personality.

Don’t put everything but the kitchen sink up to decorate without any rhyme or reason. Just as in fashion, editing is the key to chic decorating.

Do look for sparkling pieces of jewelry, like rhinestones necklaces, bracelets, and pins to add vintage glamour to your party attire. This is the time to go over the top with shine and glitter, so wear all of it at once if you like and you’ll give off more glow than a Christmas tree!

Don’t wear a t-shirt and old ripped jeans to any holiday affair, no matter how casual it may be. Guys should always have a nice sweater and dark wash jeans at the very least in their wardrobe to always look presentable; it is a sign of respect to your host/hostess.

Do look for rich fabrics like velvet, wool, cashmere, and others that have the luxury feel that makes dressing up for a party special.

Don’t wear an old puffer coat over your nice holiday party duds! Instead look for a trench coat, or wool dress coat that will really make an impression when you arrive. Goodwill has a large variety to choose from.  Tip: Find a coat that will accommodate whatever you plan to wear it with.  A larger coat will have plenty of room to go over a suit coat, blazer, or bulky sweater, so keep that in mind when trying it on.

Do look for seasonal colors like red and green in pieces that can be mixed and matched with items you may already have in your closet. Extra points for finding a perfect red dress, or a wonderful green satin blouse that will make you festive and fashionable at the same time.

Don’t wear an ugly Christmas sweater, unless you are going to an ugly Christmas sweater party. I know that grandma’s say they like them a lot, but in reality, they can be pretty frightening sometimes and should definitely stay in the realm of costume wear.

Do wear seasonal attire that suggests the season, like solid green, red, gold, or red and white stripes, plaids, and other patterns instead of literal interpretations like snowmen and reindeer.

Don’t wear anything that looks like it could be mistaken for a tree skirt. I know that a red and green poncho can look festive, but someone might think you stole one of his or her decorations. My mom once received a tree skirt, and inadvertently thought it was a poncho. Good thing I caught her before she left the house!

Do remember that pops of red here and there can create a holiday feeling with almost any outfit. For example, using a red scarf, tie, vest, brooch, earrings, shoes or other accessory will amp up the yuletide look.

Don’t forget to get a gift for your host or hostess at any big event you go to.  What would be more perfect than a Goodwill gift card in any denomination?  Not only will you let them know you care about them, but you can also feel great knowing that you helped support community programs that are vital to our area, especially at this time of year. So drive your sleigh directly to the Goodwill Store & Donation Center near you and start getting that “holiday feeling” for you and your family!