The holidays are right around the corner, and you know what that means—it’s time to start thinking about adding a little sparkle to your wardrobe. I know it might feel early, but the best pieces always go fast! Today’s Holiday Style Guide is your first look at what’s new from Ann Taylor and LOFT—two brands that always deliver timeless style for the season ahead. Ann Taylor’s new arrivals deliver timeless polish with a festive twist—think velvet, shimmer, and classic tailoring—while LOFT’s Friends & Family Sale is the perfect opportunity to stock up on cozy-chic layers that still feel elevated.
Whether you’re dressing for a holiday party, brunch with friends, or simply enjoying a cozy evening at home, today’s post has inspiration for every occasion. Let’s take a look at what’s new, what’s on sale, and how to style it all with confidence and joy.
✨ Here’s What You’ll Find in This Post
It may feel early, but holiday style is already arriving — and the best pieces don’t stay in stock for long! This first edition of my Holiday Style Guide features timeless classics and cozy favorites from Ann Taylor and LOFT, designed to help you get a head start on the season. Now is the perfect time to shop with the Friends of Ann Event and LOFT’s Friends and Family Sale in full swing!
Here’s what’s inside today’s post:
- ✨ A first look at Ann Taylor’s holiday arrivals — velvet, shimmer, and elegant tailoring.
- 🧣 The best of LOFT’s Friends & Family Sale, featuring cozy-chic knits and festive layers.
- 🧥 Beth’s tips for mixing classic and casual pieces for every kind of holiday occasion.
- 🛍️ Four styled collages with Beth’s curated picks from both brands.
- 💡 Shopping links and FAQs to help you shop early and smart this holiday season.
“I always reach for timeless pieces that can work year after year—Ann Taylor makes that easy with fabrics that feel special but still classic.”
✨ Beth’s Style Tip
Holiday Arrivals at Ann Taylor
Ann Taylor’s new holiday collection has arrived, and it’s everything we love about the brand—refined, feminine, and elevated. The palette this season is rich with jewel tones, winter whites, and a dash of shimmer that feels festive without going over the top. If your calendar’s filling up with gatherings and celebrations, this is the perfect moment to invest in a few polished staples. Think velvet trousers, faux fur jackets, and metallic knits that can easily mix and match with your wardrobe favorites.
Whether you’re hosting at home or heading out to dinner, these looks transition beautifully from day to night with just a change of shoes or jewelry.
’Tis the season for a little sparkle! I love pairing a velvet blazer with a satin skirt or dressing up a metallic top with tailored pants for an elegant evening look. Don’t forget the statement earrings and a beaded clutch—they’re the perfect finishing touch.
Shop Beth’s Picks
Woven Metallic Clutch | Metallic Leather Slingback Pumps | Double Pearlized Drop Earrings | Skinny Sequin Scarf | Plaid Twist Sheath Dress | Sequin Column Midi Skirt
Pearlized Heart | Drop Earrings | Floral Jacquard Top | Side Zip Pant in Floral Jacquard | Faux Fur Crew Neck Jacket | Beaded Drawstring Mini Clutch | Block Heel Buckle Pump | Plaid Nip Toe Pump
Lace Modern Blouse | Pointed Toe Embellished Suede Flat | Metallic Square Buckle Belt | Mixed Media Halter Sheath Dress | Crystal Bobby Pin Set
Winter Whites & Luxe Layers
No holiday season feels complete without a few soft neutrals and cozy textures. Ann Taylor’s winter whites collection this year is full of luxurious layering pieces that work from office to celebration. A tweed jacket over an ivory sweater, paired with camel trousers, feels polished yet effortless.
And nothing says “holiday sophistication” quite like monochrome dressing—keeping tones neutral but playing with texture: silk, wool, velvet, and boucle.
✨ Beth’s Style Tip: Winter white is one of my favorite ways to keep things fresh and modern, even in the middle of the season.
/Chic, timeless, and so easy to style—this winter white palette is all about layering texture and tone. Pair a tweed blazer with cream trousers or a wool coat over a pointelle sweater for understated elegance.
Shop Beth’s Picks
Embellished Collard Cardigan | Crystal Stone Drop Earrings | Pointelle Mockneck Sweater | Tweed Belted Blazer
Faux Fur Baseball Cap | Patent Leather Buckle Pump | Patent Rectangle Clutch | Belted Everyday Coat | Horsebit Leather Slingback Pump | Faux Fur Mini Crossbody
Greenwich Blazer in Metallic Jacquard | Jayne Trouser in Metallic Jacquard | Bow Sweater Cardigan | Weekend Cable Sweater Jacket | Crepe Blazer Wrap Midi Dress
LOFT’s Friends & Family Sale
While Ann Taylor brings the glamour, LOFT is delivering all the cozy charm this season. Their Friends & Family Sale is one of my favorites—it’s the perfect time to scoop up soft knits, fun prints, and casual layers for weekends and relaxed gatherings.
This year, the collection leans into texture and warmth: Fair Isle sweaters, plaid skirts, chunky sweaters, and puffer vests that make every outfit feel like a warm hug. With most styles 40–50% off, it’s an ideal moment to refresh your everyday winter wardrobe.
Recreate Beth’s 2024 Look for 2025
✨ Beth’s Style Tip: I always stock up on sweaters and layering pieces during this sale—they’re perfect for mixing with my dressier staples.
From fair isle sweaters to plaid scarves, LOFT’s cozy styles are made for the season. Add suede booties and a shawl collar coat for an easy, festive look that’s still weekend-ready.
Shop Beth’s Picks
Faux Suede Jacket | Low Profile Sneakers | Colorblock Fair Isle Sweater | Western Hat | Oversized Suede Clutch | Bouclé Shirt Jacket
Tipped Patch Pocket Cardigan | Eyelet Suede Belt | Fair Isle Cowl Neck Sweater | Block Heel Chelsea Boots
Fringe Lapel Jacket | Spotted Calf Hair Belt | Shawl Collar Belted Coat | Suede Hobo Bag | Wide Leg Pants in Stretch Velvet
Mix & Match: Classic Meets Cozy
One of the things I love most about shopping at both Ann Taylor and LOFT is how beautifully their collections work together. You can easily pair a LOFT chunky sweater with Ann Taylor’s sequin skirt or wear LOFT jeans with an embellished blouse from Ann Taylor for an elevated casual look.
Holiday dressing doesn’t have to mean head-to-toe sparkle. Try mixing tailored pieces with relaxed fabrics for balance—it’s the best of both worlds.
✨ Beth’s Style Tip: “Style should feel effortless, even during the holidays. A great outfit is one you can actually move, laugh, and celebrate in!”
Shop Beth’s Mix and Match Outfit Inspiration
Shimmer Relaxed Everyday Sweater | Sequin Column Midi Skirt | Croc-Embossed Pumps
Patch Pocket Kick Flare Jeans | Embellished Perfect Shirt | Tweed Penny Loafers
Sophia Pant in Plaid | Lace Polo Top | Modern Slingback Flats
Lace Maxi Skirt | Ribbed Turtleneck Sweater | Suede Kitten Heel Pumps
Frequently Asked Questions
Holiday Style & Shopping Tips
Q1: When is LOFT’s Friends & Family Sale?
The Friends & Family Sale is currently underway, offering 40–50% off sitewide. It’s the best time to grab your favorite winter essentials.
Q2: What’s trending this holiday at Ann Taylor?
Velvet, sequins, and winter whites are key this year—classic materials with modern cuts that transition from day to night.
Q3: How can I mix dressy and casual pieces?
Try pairing a dressy skirt with a cozy sweater or denim with a silk blouse. Mixing textures gives your outfit visual interest.
Q4: What are Beth’s must-have pieces this season?
A velvet blazer, fair isle sweater, cream trousers, and a pair of statement earrings—each one timeless and versatile.
Q5: How do I style winter whites without looking washed out?
Layer different shades of white and add contrast with gold jewelry or camel accessories for warmth and dimension.
Q6: Are Ann Taylor and LOFT true to size?
Both brands tend to fit true to size. If you’re between sizes, check the fabric composition—stretch blends tend to offer a bit more room.
Closing Thoughts
Holiday Style Guide
The holiday season is the perfect excuse to refresh your wardrobe and add a touch of sparkle to everyday style. Whether you’re drawn to Ann Taylor’s timeless polish or LOFT’s cozy charm, there’s something special waiting for you this year. Here’s to dressing with confidence, warmth, and joy—because no matter the occasion, style is always worth celebrating. If you missed yesterday’s post on Leather Style for Fall, it’s full of outfit inspiration for cooler days.
About The Author
LEAVE A COMMENT