Thanks to Anne Kline, Madewell, Kate Spade & nOir.
The holidays are in full swing, and when you’re running from office party to Church party to festive theme party to Christmas dinner to New Years Eve, you need outfits that are quick to pull together, while giving you the “I spent all month searching for the perfect ensemble just for this occasion” look. Presenting your holiday style checklist, for practical help and fantastical inspiration.
Here are the pieces you need, the looks you want, and items you can’t live without for the holiday season.
Seasonal Sparkle
Thanks to Chico's, Tory Burch, Theory, Calypso, Anne Klein, Sandro, Anthropologie, & Kate Spade.
Chico’s Edana Necklace
Tory Burch Leslie Jacket
Theory Sequined Jersey Jacket
Calypso Antik Clutch
Sandro Knitted Sequin Sweater
Anne Kline Sequin Sweater
Anthropologie Beanie
Kate Spade Casie Heel
Tory Burch Sequin Arm Sarmer
A little sparkle goes a long way for a festive spin on any look. Donning a top, bottom, dress or shoe with vibrant sparkle lets you balance your look with easy separates already in your closet. Shine gives you an instantly defined look, letting minimal effort on the rest of your outfit take you from the office to your holiday party without worrying if you’re over or under dressed. When covered in shine and shimmer, pieces with a simple silhouette are best; an easy pencil skirt that shines like a starry night from Anne Klein, a classic boat neck top in liquid gold, or the ever-useful cardigan peppered with shiny sequins.
When wearing bold pieces like these, keep the other parts of your outfit neutral in tone and material. Opaque black stockings, cashmere or wool fitted turtlenecks and crew necks, or even a black button down, all give that one special sequin piece its moment to shine. Shoes and bags also got glam this season, with designer brands like Kate Spade making covet-able heels any party girl would love, and Calypso turning out the perfect size party bag in his signature minimalist design and color palette. You don’t always have to wear your sparkle to get that festive holiday glow.
STYLE TIP: Depending on the occasion, it’s the color, not quantity of sequins that can steer your look towards festive casual or party perfect. Lighter hues and casual materials (like the sweater dress shown here from Sandro) are better for daytime, Church functions, and less formal events, while deep golds, navy, and black are made for the evening. When it comes to bags and shoes adorned with sparkle, after dark is their time to shine.
Dashing Through The Snow.
Thank to Ralph Lauren, nOir, Kate Spade, Rag & Bone, Tiffany & Co, All Saints, MUDD, Free People, & See by Chloe.
Ralph Lauren Snow Cape
Noir Snowflake Necklace
Kate Spade Hat
Rag & Bone Grayling Sweater
Tiffany & Co. Snowflake Earring
Kate Spade Scarf
All Saints Caradon Jacket
MUDD Faux Fur Invasion Boot
Free People Pullover Sweater
See By Chloe Reindeer Cape
Baby, it’s cold outside. Keep warm in dreamy white sweaters, shearling jackets, and cozy knits for casual days of holiday shopping and hot chocolate sipping. A pale hue looks fresh for winter, and it’s a perfect antidote to a bleak, chilly day. Bundle up in a trendy fair isle cape or pullover from Ralph Lauren or Rag & Bone, or stand out in comfort and style with All Saint’s suede shearling lined jacket. Pair these casual cool items with denims or slim khaki cargos, and your favorite inclement weather boots for apres ski comfort.
An all white look is best left to fairy tale ice queens and Frosty, so break up a head-to-toe outfit with tones of beige and grey.
A white woolly sweater is a nostalgic holiday season piece, this updated version from Free People comes with pom-poms and dolman sleeves, for easy layering and a bit of personality. Sometimes all you need to get in the spirit of snow is a piece of jewelry that reminds you of glitz and glamour on the slopes. This snowball cuff from nOir for Walt Disney Signature does just that!
Holiday Party
Thanks to Kate Spade, Kendra Scott, Madewell, Carolina Hererra, Ralph Lauren, Fallon, Lulu Frost, & Badgley Mischka.
Kate Spade Be Dazzled Deanna Dress
Tory Burch Necklace
Kate Spade Plush Clutch
Kendra Scott Berry Ring
Carolina Herrera Evening Gown
Madewell Gatsby Bow Cuff
Ralph Lauren Velvet Puff-Sleeve Dress
Fallon Tulle Swirl Necklace
Lulu Frost Long Earrings
Tory Burch Clutch
Badgley Mischka Heels
Holiday party season can present a problem when teeny tiny dresses or skirts are all you can find to wear to a New Year’s bash. Mature, conservative party dressing is all about length; long hemlines even long sleeves have made a comeback in a major way, and the stylish options available this season are endless. There is nothing more elegant than a long evening gown, and these pieces exhibit all the drama and glamour without the fussy fit.
Opt for maximum impact with modest dresses in holiday colors. The above fuchsia patterned gown from Carolina Herrera is a more playful take on the floor length trend. Its fitted sleeves, waist line sash, and mini train are hallmarks of formal dressing from a bygone era. Together with the color and styling (over the top accessories are the only way to go with a dress this loud), the look is a perfect balance of conservative and modern.
If a color seems too overwhelming in a piece with so much material, try a simple black velvet from Ralph Lauren. The boat shaped neckline draws the eye down toward the elbow length sleeves that are cut loose, just like the body of the dress. This has the magical, almost trompe l’oeil effect of perfect posture-the main ingredient for achieving elegance. Add diamond drop earrings, a shimmering clutch, a bauble ring, or a single strand mid-length necklace. Simple never looked so stunning!
STYLE TIP: Be cautious of the material you are wearing. It might seem tempting to try to belt a long silk dress, but the material will not distribute evenly and it will wrinkle in no time. Plus, a belt on a long dress will look too bohemian for a holiday party. Trust in jewelry (and a great clutch!) as your best accessories.
Holiday style is about ease and fun. Stepping out in looks you feel comfortable and elegant in is what makes the season’s crazy schedule worth while.
Whether you’re wearing a super sparkly shoe, a beaming set of earrings, or a sequin covered clutch, there are multiple ways to spice up a formal black cocktail dress or streamlined gown. If you want a full on look of attention grabbing sparkle, there are cardigans, dresses, and shimmering satin evening looks to suit your holiday fancy.
Let the holidays be your time to shine!
