November’s coming to end and we all know what that means. Yup. That’s right. Holiday events and parties. Whether for business or pleasure, most people’s December schedules are filled with lunches, dinners, cocktail parties and get-togethers. So how do successfully manage to stay on top of all these events, knowing that you’re going out looking your absolute best?

Here are 5 ways to ensure that you’re well prepared and looking fabulous for any and all of your Holiday festivities:

1. Admit You Have an Event

Sounds pretty ridiculous doesn’t it – admitting you have an event? But you’d be surprised how many people know that they have an important event coming up, stare at the reminder on their calendar for weeks, then are completely shocked the day of. How do I know this? Because I do it. All the time. The key is to admit it’s coming, deal with it head on and be prepared.

Get all your info ahead of time too. Find out either who will be there or the type of people that will be there. Is it a networking event that’s quite business focused or a holiday party with more of a festive theme? What is the dress code or what will you be expected to wear? Finding out ahead of time can often save you from some embarrassing moments  – like showing up inappropriately dressed.

2. Plan Your Look

Now that you know what you’re up against, it’s time to plan your look. What sort of impression would you like to make?

If you’re not sure how to figure it out, imagine yourself walking into the event fashionably late. Most of the people are already there and they turn to look at you when you walk in. Other than the crowd thinking, “Oh there’s Susan, stumbling in, late again,” consider what you’d like others to see.

Do you want them to see the boss looking ever so chic? The life of the party, finally arriving in her slinkiest, sexiest, most daring number? Or maybe you’d like to be seen as a well dressed, approachable person looking like she’d fit right in? The choice is yours.

3. Know the Forecast

The next step is to know the weather forecast for the day of your event. As we all know, this is something you can plan for but not always rely on. But if your event is in the middle of December and you living in Winnipeg, you can pretty much count on it being cold. And even though you’ll probably be inside a nicely heated room, a summer outfit just wouldn’t quite cut it. Awkward.

4. Start Pulling Pieces

All right. You’ve admitted you have an event, you know the look you’re going for, you’re prepared for the elements (probably), so now it’s time to pull some outfits.

Take a look at what you have in your closet that would work. Does it still fit? Does it have any tears or stains? Do you have all the pieces you need to accessorize it? How about the shoes? Are they in good shape or do they need some TLC?

If you’ve got all the pieces and everything looks good, fits and is ready to go then you’re good. But if something needs altering, cleaning or if you need to do some shopping then make sure to leave yourself enough time prior to the event to get it done.

5. Put It All Together

It’s the day of the event, you’re well prepared and now it’s time to put it all together. If you’re planning on doing any prep work, like hair, nails, shaving or waxing, leave yourself enough time to get the job done. All these little things take time and add up. You’d hate to run out of time and find yourself doing your nails in the cab on the ride over.

And one last final piece of advice. Enjoy! Revel in the fact that you planned ahead, were well organized and came out looking fabulous.