Warm light emanates from scented candles all around. Friends and family mull about, laughing cheerily amongst themselves. The savory aromas of roasted turkey and mashed potatoes mingle delectably with the sweet scents of apple cider and cranberry sauce. The scene is halcyon, perfect— almost. There is one thing unfit for the occasion: you, or more specifically, your outfit.

Let’s start up top. Button down shirts are basically a necessity. Depending on the formality of the event and your own personal taste, vary the color and pattern appropriately. Jewel-toned colors such as burgundy and navy blue are preferable, as you will likely fit nicely with the decor. Warning: if you are an avid Thanksgiving eater, a loose-fitting shirt is advisable.

You have a lot more freedom with outerwear. Anything from a nice sports coat to a cardigan or v-neck sweater will work; just be mindful of the color scheme of the rest of your outfit. If you have trouble pairing colors, dark brown, black and heather gray are often safe, neutral colors.

Unlike tops, pants are much more event-specific. If you are at a more casual family outing or party, khaki or brown chinos may be appropriate. However, more formal events may call for a pair of classic denim, dark wash jeans without fades or rips. Tip: straight or pin roll cuff jeans and chinos to create a clean connection between pants and shoes. Lastly, the most formal of parties may require a nice pair of slacks.

Keep in mind that choosing an outfit is analogous to shooting in manual mode on a camera. Just as many different settings of ISO, aperture and shutter speed may do the job, many combinations of shirts, outerwear and pants can work. However, this also means that many will not; the key is to try them on beforehand and ask fashion-oriented friends and family members for input.

After working so hard to put together an outfit, do not ruin your look with a casual pair of Vans or sneakers. A nice pair of loafers, chukka boots  or oxfords are perfect in this situation, but dark dress shoes are always a viable option.

Now that the basics of clothing have been covered, we will now talk accessories.

A belt is a necessity as you will most likely be tucking in your shirt. Belts do well to tie together an outfit if you find the right balance; make sure your belt is visible to the viewer, but not noticeable to the point where it draws attention. A brown canvas belt or a black leather belt often achieves this appropriate look.

Although it is commonly thought that socks do not matter as they “will not be seen”, socks are one of the subtle things that can complete an outfit. Semi-formal attire often calls for darker socks, but socks with subtle patterns or highlights of color that match the rest of your outfit are ideal for less formal events.

While belts and socks are required, there are many optional accessories that may work well if done carefully. Watches or rings can add some “bling” to your outfit while scarves serve as a stylish statement while simultaneously keeping you warm.

Depending on the event, a tie or bow tie may be appropriate. For casual parties, bow ties provide a playful way to express yourself while semi-formal events often require ties. Ties must be color-coordinated with a shirt, as badly matched pairs are very obvious. Even if not required, consider wearing a tie as it pulls together disparate elements of your outfit with a splash of pattern or color. New trends in ties include skinny ties and carpet ties, each featuring a plethora of styles for every individual. Mastering the art of the tie is very difficult, but if you manage it, you will have dressing right all tied up.

Disclaimer: following my advice may not  will not turn you into the Justin Timberlake or Kayne West of fashion. However, hopefully it gets you planning for the upcoming holiday season. If you find yourself staring at a shabby or empty closet, now’s a great time to start shopping!