Raye Bella Velvet Shoes, $158 at Anthropologie

Every year when November rolls around, the clock starts ticking on the preparations for your holiday outfits.

Many women I know and have worked with put this off. It’s too overwhelming, and maybe they simply don’t have the time.

This year, resolve to schedule some time for yourself for just this purpose. Think of it not as buying a new dress or restyling one you already have but of doing some self-care. Because that’s exactly what this is: putting things in place that make you feel great, because when you look great, you automatically feel great — or at least, all things being equal, better.

Back to the question of buying versus restyling. You likely have the building blocks of a great holiday outfit (or two; or more!) already in your closet. Skip the dusty and probably dated velvet or velour dress hanging at the back of your closet and look instead for the pieces you have that are shiny and/or luxe (silk, satin, taffeta, velvet) and/or black. Those are the underpinnings of your holiday outfits.

Then you’ll need to add some sparkle and fun stuff to create a great holiday outfit. There are many places to look for these things, starting in your own closet and dresser. (Make sure to check your jewelry stash especially.)

Stuart Weitzman NearlyNude Ankle Strap Sandal, $398 at Nordstrom

You may also choose to supplement what you already have with one or two purchases. This year, velvet is particularly on trend, especially velvet shoes. Note that even though these are trendy, they should still look good for a few seasons, not just this year. And they’re available at every price point.

Sam Edelman Lior Loafer, $199.95 at Nordstrom

Adding a shoe like this pink loafer, or any festive velvet shoe, will turn your basic black satin slacks and ivory silk shirt into something special and holiday ready.

What do you think of velvet shoes? Will you add them to your holiday outfits this year?