Wearing Holiday Cheer, Five Ways.

By Erica and Karen

Would you buy—and wear—an ugly Christmas sweater? They have always seemed to us too big a commitment. A really ugly sweater takes up a lot of real estate in your closet, and most of us really don’t want to wear something intentionally ugly too often.

But we do like the idea of seasonal, slightly goofy, holiday adornments. On everyone. Our philosophy with holiday earrings is: go big, go gaudy, or go home.

Earrings.

Over the years we have worn many fine holiday earrings—ornaments that light up, dancing snowmen, sparkling stars, green elves.

Here are some good ones for this year:

• Etsy has excellent offerings, including, Christmas trees, like these multi-colored acrylic numbers, and these, made to order, from glitter and resin. (Made to order for $9??? Sensational!) How about joyful glass gingerbread people? How cheery!

• EBay is also a great source. You can find excellent Betsey Johnson snowmen, with jeweled carrot noises, and a pair of rather smug red jeweled Santas. Perhaps you’d like two dangly sleighs, pewter and red enamel, piled high with presents?

• If you are looking for something more classic, red ornaments with snowflakes and ribbons, dropping from (imitation) pearls, are always in good taste.

• And if it is too late for Christmas, how about a pair of diamante champagne bottles spouting jeweled bubbles for New Years Eve???

Shoes and Boots.

This year we turned our attention to shoes, not expecting much but discovering that we had really been missing out.

• Of course you can find funky red and green slippers. And crazy socks. But you can also find rather artistic footwear. Here are some red combat boots delightfully adorned with Santa and snowflakes. Vegan, too. Another pair of combat boots, in red canvas, is imprinted with all kinds of seasonal things.

• If combat boots are a bit much, perhaps you would feel the season wearing red Santa sneakers. Or you might invest in red glitter Converse sneakers, suitable for year-round wear. For Christmas, wear them with green socks.

• And if there are little ones in your entourage, perhaps some Santa rattle toe slippers.

Leggings

Then there are leggings, which can be really fun.

• How about some red and green sequined ones, maybe to wear with a sheer green tree skirt festooned with baubles? Mrs. Claus would be proud.

• If that is too aggressive, try some candy cane leggings. Sweet!

Dogs

• You can even dress your dog up as Santa, or as a wee reindeer. Of course your dog may never speak to you again. And your cat would not even think of letting you do this.

Men

• Finally, maybe a man in your life needs a Scrooge top hat, or a light up elf hat. If those are too formal, maybe a festive baseball cap.

Whatever you do, or don’t do, to decorate yourself, enjoy the season!