It’s rush week for holiday parties, and figuring out what to wear can be a challenge. Most magazines and clothing stores will dazzle with an array of sequins and ball skirts designed for lavish parties. But most of us aren’t going to super fancy parties – we’re going to our friend’s house for dinner, or going to a staff Christmas party. The last thing you want to do is overdress for the occasion, but you still want to look festive. Here are three items that can help you look your best without overdoing it.

The Black Blazer

Black blazers are an easy way to be elegant without going over the top. BCBG and Alice & Olivia are the kings and queens of blazer royalty in my opinion. They tend to offer a variety of lengths and cuts that flatter different body types. If you want to keep it simple for the holidays, don a black blazer with an angled cut and pair it with simple black slacks (or gold ones if you want to stand out). Choosing a blazer with a touch of satin adds panache, but you can alternatively use jewelry as a way to punch things up. I personally own a version of this blazer from BCBG. It’s got side panels made of jersey for added stretch and comfortability.

Another way to rock the look is to go with a topper jacket and let that be your entire ensemble. This one by BCBG is both feminine and flattering, and the jacquard print makes it festive.

Bold Jewelry

The awesome thing about jewelry is that it can change a look in seconds. You can wear something to work that looks totally professional, and change the entire tone of your outfit just by adding a bold piece of jewelry. If you’re going to an afterwork event, this is probably your best bet. Wear something to work that is simple – a black shift or blouse and slacks. When it’s time to go to the party, add a long necklace with a touch of glitz. Ann Taylor is great for elegant, special occasion jewelry. If your purse strings are heavier, try a Judith Ripka piece. Ted Baker has also been on my radar lately – they have a pearl cluster necklace that would pair nicely with any dress.

Subtle Sequins

One way to stay glitzy but pare down the glare is try a sequin dress with muted colors. Rachel Roy is great at this, as she tends to design in a neutral palette but overlays those colors with clear sequins. I purchased a dress like this from her last year and used it for all of my holiday parties. I always got compliments, but never felt overdressed. You can tone it down with an above mentioned blazer if you want, or wear it by itself. The one thing I would say about accessorizing this type of dress is that you should keep it simple. Don’t pair it with complicated hair and makeup – just add thin eyeliner, a clean lip and a simple hair style. For shoes, flats or heels will do equally depending on the cut of the dress.

…Or You Can Just Go For It

No one says that you have to be appropriate all the time. If ball gowns and sequins are your thing, go for it!