The holiday season is rapidly approaching. Time to start planning for the holiday events, cocktail parties, Friendsgiving, Thanksgiving, and black tie or dressier events to attend. From hosting at home (looking like the best dressed host, of course!) to attending these parties knowing just what to wear. Holidays can be stressful, so planning ahead for what events you have, gifts you need to bring, and what you would like to wear is key to making this holiday season joyful and fun. Here's our tips to destress and look great this holiday season.

Get ready for your holiday parties and events creating a list of what you will attend and host. What is the style of the event (dressy, casual, cozy by the fire, black tie, cocktail, holiday festive), what gift(s) do you need to bring, and what will you wear. The style of the event gives direction as to what to wear when planning your outfits. Creating your holiday party checklist gets you organized for the season, knowing what you need to shop for or add to your wardrobe or gifts to pick up.

Casual holiday outfits don't mean wearing jeans and a holiday sweater or top. Instead choose a holiday color that looks modern and festive and fun. We love emerald green, rich mocha, matte gold, winter white and caramel, and aquamarine shade of blue that truly stand out this holiday season. Avoid black as its a color everyone wears and it does not give a festive holiday vibe. Black also looks flat in photographs so you won't be the belle of the ball in black.

Casual holiday outfits don't mean wearing just jeans and a holiday sweater or top, instead elevate your casual outfit in these easy ways. Look casual, smart layering your look. Whether lounging watching football on Thanksgiving day, at a gift exchange or casual holiday party adding layers gives depth to your outfit. Guys, wear a thin puffer vest over a Henley in a jewel tone color. Pair this with colored denim fellas. This can be navy, mustard, sage green or light gray which are the perfect backdrop for a jewel tone shirt or sweater. Layer a casual button down shirt under a light jacket, relaxed blazer or shacket, or sweatshirt with the hem of the shirt and sleeves out. Ladies, knitwear is huge this season and perfect to slip on knit pants and a top with a long cardigan. You can dress this look up with jewelry or a beaded headband. We love these for a neutral look. These, these and these paired with a cozy cardigan such as this, this print one or this one which is perfect for fall. Sleeveless sweaters are a must-have this season and perfect to wear to a casual holiday gathering. Pair a dress version with knee-high boots or tights and loafers, or a hip length style with leather leggings. Often with an oversized neck, which is perfect to add a bold fall lip color. We love this one, this, and this.

Up your casual shoes to more than furry slippers or sneakers. Neutral boots and loafers you can slip on easily and look pulled together yet be comfortable at your event. These neutral boots for women here, here, and this pop of pearl detail makes us love these boots too. We love these men's loafers, these to slip on with jeans or this pair.