Martha Stewart Stars in American Eagle Holiday Campaign (Exclusive)

Martha Stewart knows a thing or two about a stylish holiday season.

The 84-year-old lifestyle guru has built an empire on her eye for design and exquisite taste, especially when it comes to all things festive. So, it just made sense when American Eagle asked her to be the face of its Give Great Jeans Campaign holiday campaign, spotlighting denim as a universal gift that never goes out of style.

In a playful take on the sentiment, Stewart sports head-to-toe American Eagle denim while posing amid a set wrapped entirely in denim. The host and author tells PEOPLE that she found the concept “delightful.”

“I have spent decades helping people create beautiful holidays — from setting the perfect table to trimming the tree to finding that last-minute gift that saves the day,” she says. “So when American Eagle approached me about being part of their holiday gifting campaign, I was immediately intrigued.”

Stewart continues, “The concept of an all denim world was playful, smart and whimsical: an entire gift-wrapping workshop constructed from denim, complete with bows, garlands and wrapping paper.”

The campaign also speaks to the practicality of denim.

“Denim is a universal gift that works for everyone on your list,” Stewart explains. “Jeans have always been a staple in my wardrobe, and giving a great pair of AE jeans is always a nice gift to give. I’m constantly moving between decorating, cooking and, most importantly, wrapping gifts, and I need to make sure I have an outfit that is comfortable and stylish.”

American Eagle denim, she explains, fits the bill entirely.

“The beauty of AE jeans is their versatility and ability to move with you throughout the day. They are flattering, sleek and soft enough to make wrapping gifts or hosting a dinner in them effortless,” she says.

In the campaign, Stewart wears the AE Stretch Skinny Jean with the Cropped Jacket. She also threw the Classic Crew Neck Sweater over her shoulders “for a comfortable yet polished look, perfect for holiday entertaining.”

And yes, you can wear denim for your holiday gatherings — Martha Stewart says so!

“Let the denim do the heavy lifting,” she says. “It’s one of those remarkable fabrics that goes from casual to quite sophisticated with just a few thoughtful touches. A well-fitted pair of jeans forms the foundation of a look that can go from casual to refined in seconds.”

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To find your perfect jeans, Stewart emphasizes that “the fit is the most important.”

“You can have the most beautiful fabric and impeccable construction but if the fit isn’t right I’ll never wear them,” she says.

Shopping for jeans should be a mindful and intentional experience, the lifestyle expert explains.

“This is not a decision to be made in five minutes when you’re exhausted from holiday shopping,” Stewart says. “Try multiple styles, rises and washes until you find what flatters your body and suits your lifestyle. Once you find the style you like, don’t just stand there. Make sure to move around, test them out, make sure they work with your life. If they do not feel good in motion, they aren’t right. You want to make sure you can live in them.”

For Stewart, nothing is more important than comfort when it comes to hosting during the holidays, which is why she relies on her AE styles (she prefers a high-waisted, fitted silhouette) all throughout the season.

Her other essential? Having a plan.

“It’s vital for a stress-free holiday, along with a focus on three main areas: preparation, cooking and atmosphere,” she explains. “This means starting early, ordering ahead and preparing in advance.”

Stewart adds, “When it comes to the actual meal, stick to tried-and-true recipes. The holidays are not the time to test-drive an unproven recipe.”

Stewart has also learned to embrace the chaos that the holidays always inevitably bring.

“Truthfully, I find joy in the hustle of the holiday,” she says. “I see the time as an opportunity to try new things and have new experiences.”

The key, she explains, is balancing new traditions with time-honored ones. “Certain things like making homemade treats for my friends and family, and decorating my tree with my treasured ornaments are non-negotiables,” says Stewart.