by Kelly Moser

Created on: October 11, 2008   Last Updated: October 20, 2008

Sparkle and shine this holiday season without busting your budget. Search for holiday clothing and accessories at your local thrift and consignment stores to add holiday cheer to your existing holiday apparel. You may even find expanding your holiday wardrobe is well within your budget. Shop early and often to find the best selection of seasonal styles at your local thrift and consignment shops.

Go shopping in your own closet before you hit the stores. Gather your seasonal accessories and party apparel. Try on clothing and examine accessories to determine if your existing wardrobe fits your current figure, style and lifestyle. Think about your holiday wardrobe needs. Work parties or social events may require different styles than family holiday gatherings. Estimate how many and what type of holiday outfits you will need this season. See what still works from years gone by and start thinking about how a new festive blouse or seasonal jewelry could update your existing wardrobe to fit this year's holiday needs. Make a "Must Find" list, grab your wallet and begin to shop.

Look in the formal wear section of your local thrift store to find party dresses or skirts. Consider purchasing a long or short black velvet skirt for the winter party season. A change of sweater or blouse will transform a single skirt into numerous holiday outfits. Look for a satin blouse that a pair of glittering earrings and a holiday necklace will sparkle at any work or social event. Remember, a simple change of accessories will transform your new holiday blouse into everyday work or evening apparel.

Do not forget a fun holiday sweater for more casual occasions. A seasonal sweater adds holiday style to anything. A holiday sweatshirt or vest is an even less expensive method to add holiday style to your wardrobe. Visit your local thrift store early in the season to find the best selection of sweaters, vests and sweatshirts. While these items can only be worn during the holiday season, nothing brings cheer to a gathering like seasonal, and yes even silly, holiday apparel. Remember, you will be able to wear your holiday gear next year. Think of it as an investment in the future.

Remember, shop in your own closet before you begin to hunt for additions to your holiday wardrobe. Think about your wardrobe needs during the holiday season. Buy clothing that serves as a foundation for several outfits to extend your wardrobe while staying within your budget. Look for clothing that you can accessories for the holiday season and still use during the rest of the year to get more out of your holiday purchase. Enjoy the season and find the holiday style that is right for you. A simple pair of Santa earrings or a snowflake sweatshirt will add seasonal cheer to your wardrobe this holiday season.

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