Festive Without the Fuss
Here’s the thing about December: most of it isn’t black-tie galas and sequined cocktail dresses. It’s casual dinners. It’s hosting family. It’s a glass of wine or eggnog by the fire while the lights twinkle.
And yet—we still want to look good.
The best casual Christmas outfits for women over 50 combine festive elements with comfortable, classic pieces you already love. No costume. No overthinking. Just elevated versions of what feels like you.
Today I’m sharing two of my go-to casual Christmas looks—one with classic plaid for hosting at home, and one cozy-chic option that takes you from errands to evening. Real clothes. Real life. Let’s dive in.
Look One: Festive Plaid for Hosting at Home
There’s something about a red plaid blouse that just is Christmas to me. No explanation needed. It’s in the DNA.
This Ralph Lauren tie-neck blouse has been in heavy rotation since it arrived—and I love how the bow detail adds a feminine touch without trying too hard. Plaid can go full lumberjack fast. This doesn’t.
I paired it with black velvet jeans from Ann Taylor. Because velvet? It’s having a major moment this season. And honestly, these feel like pajamas but look incredibly polished. The slight sheen catches the light beautifully—especially by candlelight or a crackling fire.
For shoes, I kept it simple with black slingback heels, also from Ann Taylor. Comfortable enough for an evening of hosting. Dressy enough to feel put together. Done.
Best for: Christmas Eve at home, casual dinner parties, holiday brunch, Christmas morning before the chaos
Shop the Look
Beth Style Tip: Velvet jeans are your holiday secret weapon. They bridge the gap between casual and dressy—and they photograph beautifully. Win-win.
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Look Two: Cozy-Chic for Holiday Errands and Gatherings
Not every December day calls for plaid and velvet. Sometimes you need an outfit that can take you from last-minute Target run to casual lunch with friends—and still look like you have your life together.
This is that outfit.
This sherpa jacket from Ann Taylor is the definition of cozy-chic. The lady jacket silhouette keeps it polished. The teddy texture makes it warm and inviting. It’s giving “I woke up like this”—but in a good way.
I layered it over a cream turtleneck from J.McLaughlin for that classic combination I come back to again and again. The jeans are my beloved Madewell pair—you know I’m loyal to a good vintage flare jean. And I finished with these tweed slingback heels from J.McLaughlin that tie in beautifully with the warm camel tones.
The gold hoop earrings are from Electric Picks which is having 20% off sitewide. Just enough sparkle without competing with the texture of the jacket.
Best for: Holiday shopping, casual lunch gatherings, tree lighting events, neighborhood drop-ins
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Beth Style Tip: Don’t underestimate neutrals at Christmas. Not everyone feels their best in red and green—and that’s perfectly fine. Camel and cream are just as holiday-appropriate.
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What Makes a Great Casual Christmas Outfit After 50?
You’ll notice both looks share a few things in common. That’s intentional.
The best casual Christmas outfits for women over 50 have these elements:
Classic silhouettes that flatter rather than trendy pieces that overwhelm. We’re not chasing the algorithm here.
Quality fabrics like velvet, cashmere, and sherpa that signal “special occasion” without screaming it.
A festive palette that doesn’t look like a holiday sweater exploded. Think red, emerald, burgundy, camel, cream.
Comfortable shoes you can actually stand in for hours. Slingbacks are my go-to—they feel more secure than a pump and look elegant with everything.
One statement piece rather than competing elements. The plaid blouse is the statement. The sherpa jacket is the statement. Everything else supports.
At this stage of life, I’ve learned that the best holiday outfits are the ones that make you feel like yourself—just a slightly more polished, seasonal version. You don’t need to reinvent your style for Christmas. You just need to lean into what works and add a few festive touches.
Beth’s Style Tips for Holiday Dressing
Tip #1: A tie-neck blouse does the work for you. No necklace needed—the bow becomes your statement piece. Feminine, classic, and perfectly festive.
Tip #2: Slingbacks are the comfortable heel solution. They feel more secure than a pump, look elegant, and work with both jeans and dresses. I reach for mine constantly during the holidays.
Tip #3: Texture adds instant interest. Velvet, sherpa, tweed—these fabrics elevate a simple outfit without adding jewelry or fuss.
Tip #4: Stick to one color family per look. Notice how Look Two is all warm tones? Camel, cream, cognac. That intentional cohesion is what makes it look polished rather than thrown together.
FAQs About Casual Christmas Outfits for Women Over 50
What should a 50-year-old woman wear to a casual Christmas party?
Elevated basics in festive colors or luxe fabrics. A silk blouse in red or emerald, velvet pants, or a cashmere sweater with tailored trousers all work beautifully. The key is choosing pieces that feel special but are still comfortable—you want to enjoy the party, not spend the evening adjusting your outfit.
How can I look festive without wearing red and green?
Easily. Metallics like gold and silver feel celebratory. Rich jewel tones like burgundy and navy work beautifully. Luxe textures like velvet and cashmere signal “special occasion” without relying on traditional holiday colors. My camel and cream look is proof that warm neutrals are just as holiday-appropriate.
Are jeans appropriate for Christmas gatherings?
For casual gatherings—absolutely. The key is to elevate them with your top and shoes. Dark wash or black jeans paired with a beautiful blouse and heels look perfectly appropriate for most holiday get-togethers. Velvet jeans bridge the gap between casual and dressy especially well.
What shoes are best for holiday parties when you’ll be standing a lot?
Slingback heels are my go-to because they feel more secure than pumps and often have a slightly lower heel. Block heels are another great option. If you’ll be on your feet for hours, a chic pointed-toe flat or loafer can look just as polished when paired with the right outfit.
How do I add holiday sparkle without looking overdone?
Choose one element to shine. Statement earrings, a metallic belt, or a sequined top—but not all three at once. For daytime or casual gatherings, subtle sparkle like gold jewelry or a hint of shimmer in fabric works best. Save the full sequin look for evening events.
🎁 Holiday Gift Card Raffle — Win a $100 Amazon Gift Card
To celebrate the season — and to thank you for being here — I’m hosting a Holiday Gift Card Raffle!
December’s prize:
✨ A $100 Amazon Gift Card ✨
How to enter:
Just leave a comment on today’s post and share what you loved about this post or what you love about SaaCA.
Boom — you’re entered!
Winner announced:
📅 January 1
I can’t wait to read your comments!
Closing Thoughts
Here’s what I want you to take away: casual Christmas dressing doesn’t require a complete wardrobe overhaul or a trip to the sequin section. It requires intention. Good fabric. A few festive touches. And a woman who knows that comfort and style can absolutely coexist—because they can, and they should.
So wear the velvet jeans. Layer the sherpa jacket. Pour yourself a glass of wine and enjoy the season.
The goal isn’t to look younger. It’s to look like yourself—comfortable, confident, and very much present tense.
So tell me, Grit and Glam Club—which look are you trying first? Drop it in the comments. We’re all in this together.
For More Holiday Style Inspiration:
•Best Winter Dresses for Women Over 50
Love the suggestions for holiday clothing ideas. Great idea just be yourself and wear what is comfortable.
I always feel more confident after reading your suggestions.
Beth, you always look fabulous and inspire me so much. I am tall like you and appreciate all your looks because they are so necessary for the tall woman! Thank you for all you do, and Merry Christmas.
A couple of years ago, I bought some velveteen jeans from Talbots. I love them and now have 3 pairs. They are the perfect solution to dressing with intention without looking overdone. And that plaid blouse! Beautiful! Looks great with the black velvet.
Your shoes always add another level of elegance. I am intrigued by your recommendation of sling backs for winter…and have a request: aggressivefoot care at home for extremely dry feet this winter!
Love your over age 50 picks! I also love that you this time had some Amazon dups for those of us with, er, limited means.
Thanks! I’ve upped my game, thanks to you, Beth.
Pat
Ann Taylor and Ralph Lauren were both my go-to when I worked in a Corporate setting. Now I still search them out but for a more less formal retirement wardrobe. Love the AT Lady Jacket. That’s definitely my style! Love your posts. Aging doesn’t mean frumpy.
I love how this blog unites middle age to 60+ as well as different body styles. You’ve both inspired me to step outside the box and not be so “boxed in” with fashion choices. In your blog, you truly embrace, growing old gracefully, with style with out being too trendy but newer frumpy! I love it! Keep up the great styling advice and Merry Christmas to all!
Great advice for the season. My statement piece was a pair of wide leg pants paired eith a soft sweater and statement holiday earrings. Comfortable and current.
Great advice for the season. My statement piece was a pair of wide leg pants paired with a soft sweater and statement holiday earrings. Comfortable and current.
Such great ideas as I have an upcoming early dinner with gals from high school I haven’t seen in 65 years!!! After reading this, I’m thinking dark blue jeans, black boots, and a black velvet trimmed sweater.
Thanks for the ideas!!!!
I love the idea of dressing casual yet chic! I want to be festive and definitely DON’T want to wear a Christmas “costume” as you so aptly said. I do love red and think I will seek to incorporate some red tartan plaid into my holiday outfit. That is lovely and practical at the same time. I can wear it beyond the holidays, dressed up or down! Thank you for reminding us that we can be festive, comfy AND classy all at the same time!
Dear Beth, You have been an inspiration to me for years. I appreciate and admire your style! You always look great no matter what you wear, and you show women how to look their best at any age and at any price point. We all need those tips and inspiration! Your past articles on grief also helped me when my Mother and Sister passed a couple of years again within 15 months of each other. I even saved your posts on grief and have reread them. They were so helpful, and I am sorry for your loss then as well. Thank you again, take care and have a wonderful holiday! Teresa
Beth,
Those tweed slingbacks — lovely and so versatile!
RED is definitely an excellent color for you!
Two beautiful outfits! Very helpful holiday fashion advice.. Thank you.
SaaCA is the best! I love Beth’s style and recommendations. Kelly’s recipes are wonderful and I have tried many.
I really enjoyed this post as all of our Holiday gatherings are very casual.
Happy Holidays to everyone at SaaCA!
The red and black blouse with black velvet slacks say it all.
Beth,
Your posts are so helpful. There is no Nordstrom close by, so I’m trying to “love the ones you’re with”- Talbot’s (and Chico’s- not so much). Since you feature a wide range of stores and ideas it makes sorting though the “meh” so much easier. Thank you and Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones!
Sling backs. I don’t have any right now. That needs to be on my shopping list. I love that even jeans are great with the right top and shoes.
I loved this post. Because some of us no longer have sparkly fancy celebrations to attend, as we did in our earlier life. But, still want to look festive wherever we go to enjoy the holidays.
I went to a casual family party in black jeans, a simple black and red buffalo plaid blouse and black Mary Jane shoes. I felt festive and most people were in Christmas tshirts so I was actually “dressed up”.
Love the casual chic outfit! All of our Christmas festivities are casual this year, but I still want to look put together. Thanks, Beth, for helping me find outfits that look chic and make me feel comfortable and cozy!
Love the red plaid, velvet and the Sherpa jacket. Thanks for the tips and Merry Christmas!
My “special” holiday outfit is black wide leg slacks with a red silk blouse, sparkly jewelry and metallic sandals. My casual outfit is just change the slacks for dark wash jeans.
I have learned how to make even casual outfits special from reading Beth’s tips. Thank you !
Comfort is the key…thank you!🌲
Appreciate the Amazon options you showed! The casual outfit ideas are a great help!
Love your suggestions for casual holiday wear. It’s the middle of December but 82 here in the SoCal desert and I eye your beautiful wardrobe and try to translate into lighter fabrics. I just returned from a Christmas lunch where we were asked to wear a red top & black bottoms; I wore a red cotton crew neck sweater with a holiday sparkling scarf at the neck, black ankle length pants & velvet loafers sans socks. It’s super casual here all year round! Merry Christmas & thanks for all your hard work! Been following you for a very long time!
Beth, you are SO RIGHT about not all (or even any) of our holiday dressing involves cocktail or black tie outfits—but I must admit, I do love to ogle those gorgeous clothes in the stores! Thanks for reinforcing the comfort, ease, and elegance of intentional casual dressing which fits most appropriately into most of our lives. I love how you feature all price points, yet emphasize quality with staying power over quantity—a mantra we all need to hear often! Thank you for bringing us great styling ideas and we are all looking forward to seeing what you have in store for us in the New Year!! Merry Christmas!
I love the plaid blouse by Ralph Lauren. It is so cute, but sold out!
Thank you, Beth, for giving these tips for simple, but festive dressing.
My favorite “dress up” pants are black velvet in a side zip, flat front style from Talbots. Great fit and just the right amount of stretch for comfort… a real classic! I’m hosting my bookclub this month and will pair those with a lovely green watch plaid, tie-neck blouse. Most of my guests will wear red and black for our Christmas party, so I want to be a little different.
I like the advice of sticking to my authentic self with just more polish. Most of our entertaining is done at homes where shoes are removed. Any advice for my feet? Special slippers?
I love the inspired looks and the tips for classic looks that keep me feeling modern. Would love tips for other figure types ( I am an Apple working to change that waistline)