Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on November 2009

If you find yourself getting flustered about what to wear this holiday season, relax. While Tokyo shops are notorious for their high price tags, it’s possible to create a winning style for all occasions without having to dig too deep in your wallet—if you have a few basic elements in your wardrobe. With the right accessories, bags and shoes, a simple dress can be transformed into an outfit that’s worthy of Christmas dinners and New Year’s Eve parties. To offset the cold, pick warm colors that reflect the holiday spirit. Natural fabrics such as wool, cashmere, fur, velvet and suede work equally well with casual and formal outfits. Tomorrowland’s new winter collection for men and women offers basic yet sophisticated coats and pants, along with dresses, skirts and tops in a versatile palette of gray, winter green, wine and midnight blue. Their angora/wool blended cape (pictured) can be worn with jeans and boots as well as a dress. Guys can also easily swap styles by switching from jeans to dress pants, worn with a blazer and a classic button-down shirt. John Bull Private Labo carries smart casual wear with lots of knitted vests and sweaters. Their three-piece tweed suit works for those formal evenings, but can easily be adapted for casual situations by using just the pants, or wearing the vest in combination with a button-down shirt. With a few wise choices, you can stay warm and fashionable throughout the holiday season.

Tomorrowland: 1-23-16 Shibuya. Tel: 03-5774-1711. www.tomorrowland.jp
John Bull Private Labo: 6-10-11 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-3797-3281. www.johnbull.co.jp