the sunday brief | classic holiday outfits
are you wondering what to wear to your holiday office party this year? or maybe it’s a neighborhood cookie exchange penciled on your calendar. it could be a christmas brunch you need a special outfit to wear to, holiday concert, or, my favorite, the annual nutcracker performance. you name it, there’s a variety of activities to attend once the holiday season arrives.
the holidays can be stressful enough without stewing over ‘what to wear.’ there are menus to plan houses to decorate, and gifts to wrap. through the years i learned that if i keep several wardrobe staples on hand, i can mix and match to my heart’s content, knowing i can throw a holiday ootd together in minutes. it’s a list of holiday wardrobe basics that make life a little easier this time of year. what made the grade? let’s find out.
velvet blazer – a beautiful fabric that happens to be on trend at the moment. similar here, here, and here.
fur trimmed cardigan – a cardigan is a beautiful third layer that’s a wonderful alternative to a blazer. it keeps you warm and stylish. similar here, here and here.
faux fur jacket – this little number looks gorgeous popped over a dress or a skirt. similar here, here, and here.
velvet skirt – just like its hard-working counterpart, the velvet blazer, a velvet skirt is a must-have in my closet. add a flannel shirt for an unexpected pairing. similar here, here, and here.
sequins – a little shimmer come the holidays is always a good thing. sweaters, skirts, dresses, even pants all make the grade. similar here, here, and here.
crepe pants – want instant holiday glam? wear a pair of crepe ankle pants that go with everything. and i mean everything. similar here.
little black dress – when in doubt reach for the little black dress. it always works. i promise. look for interesting details that will set your dress apart from all the others. similar here, here, and here.
jacquard pants – love, love, love the shimmer and shine from jacquard pants. if there is a perfect holiday fabric this just might be it. there is always a pair of brocade pants hanging in my closet. always. similar here, and here.
faux fur vest – this sweet little number can be dressed up or down. but it’s always ready to party. similar here and here.
satin pumps – for extra pizazz slip into a pair of satin pumps. similar here and here.
lace top – while lace is a welcome addition to your closet any time of year it gives that extra special flare come the holidays. similar here and here.
tuxedo – inspired by the boys but oh-so-feminine a tuxedo jacket is an elegant addition to the holiday wardrobe staples. it’s those satin lapels. similar here, here, and here.
Separates! duh! You put outfits together beautifully! I’m making a list to start looking for! I have 2 faux fur vests (one black, one brown), black velvet blazer w/detail, black faux fur crop jacket that I love… need to look for velvet pants, (just gave away a velvet skirt), brocade, etc. LOVE all your looks! I live in Northern Ca so nights can be quite cold &/or wet during the winter… don’t wear stillettoes but I do have some cute shoes…((;
BTW, I love the pic of the blue/purple wrap with faux fur @ neck…you & the wreath!
I recently discovered your blog and I love it. You are inspiring me in many ways. Could you possibly do a post about the proper length for different styles of pants? I was trying to pay attention to the pants lengths in this post and I think I am wearing my slim legged pants too long. Yours seem to be a couple of inches shorter than mine. I am 5’2″ and pants are always either too long or too short.
These are all such good looks. I have a few pieces that I wear year after year, but I mix them with different things each time. They stay fresh. I have always been a big fan of velvet and jacquard fabrics–they’re just classics. I have those same pants, and I get so many compliments on them. Happy Sunday!
Shakes her little blonde head at all this loveliness. What a gift you are to all of us!
Wow that feminine tux is my fave! Just two weeks ago while shopping I came across a bowtie and told my husband I was going to buy it for me and he gave me an odd look… then he bought it for himself. Luckily he did so I can still “borrow” it.