Today I’m excited to participate in a collaboration with six other bloggers on holiday looks. We’re kicking it off to get you in the mindset for festive dressing. There is always some event you’re going to want to get a bit more fancy for. Today I put together three different looks that you can shop your closet for, or just add a few key pieces and pull a chic look together!
First apologies for the photos. I had a busy week and I had no photographer, but I hope you get some idea of what you can use in your own closet or what standout piece you might need to add that you can use multiple ways for dressier occasions….
Look 1- Casual Luxe Appropriate for the casual holiday lunch, Christmas open house, your kid’s holiday concert, holiday brunch with girlfriends, the class party, etc.
You are a step-up from the usual. This look I combined my favorite black Madewell jeans, a Rag & Bone Velvet top I have had for a few years, suede mules and dangly earrings.
Recipe- Add velvet, silk, angora or any luxe fabric to a black jean, plus a suede shoe or boot, and festive earrings with a hint of sparkle and you are good to go. This is why I keep two velvet shirts in my closet even though they get worn about once a year. I can rely on them to add that spark of elegance.
Look 2- The Evening Suit– Appropriate for holiday work dinner, cocktails, holiday dinners out, and even some fancier holiday parties.
Recipe – This look is simply black pants and any dark blazer you own. A silk camisole like I mentioned in this recent post is perfect for underneath or you can button the jacket up and wear a dark bra, something I did a lot in the 90s, and it’s pretty sexy. I added some sling-backs here that were in the closet, but any pump will look great. Again I’d go for some sort of drop earring and a clutch or flat bag with a chain.
If you don’t own a black or navy blazer you should. Mine is a dark navy and I have these simple Zara cropped pants . We underestimate how elegant this look can be, especially if you once wore a suit for work all the time, but it’s a matter of fit here, these pieces should skim the body and it’s okay to show a little lace and skin.
Look 3 – Retro Evening – or I call it, Nancy Sinatra at the Sands- appropriate for hosting your own holiday shindig at home, your neighborhood progressive dinner, tickets to the Nutcracker, Rosh Hashana or New Year’s at the home of friends.
Recipe –Vintage look cropped Jacket that I wrote about that has a collar that can be slightly rolled off the shoulder, add a shimmery top, the same black crops, vintage costume jewelry or brocade touches and sandals with stones like these Steve Madden ones.
I used a brocade Trina Turk clutch I own and my mom’s crystal bracelet and earrings from the 1960’s that I love.
I’m not very good with hair, but a twist or half-up bouffant sort of look really works with this along with the sparkly slides. It feels like you need to swan around with a vintage champagne coupe, yet it’s still comfortable.
Thanks for suffering through with my grainy photos, but I hope this will give you some ideas for making outfits of your own. Personally, I hate going to the store right before an event and trying on dresses. I almost always end up with something I usually wear once. By browsing your closet you can come up with something more unique. You may need to add some holiday go-tos, like the black crop trousers, velvet tops, blazer or jacket, and suede or sparkly shoes if you don’t already own them. These are things you don’t need to wear all the time, but they make for a well-rounded wardrobe of options when you have them in there!
Cool things you can add that will make you chic during this season are vintage costume or family jewelry. I love standout earrings, pins on lapels (that’s back again), and cocktail rings. Vintage clutches or bags with some sparkle are cool. Don’t forget a swipe of a pretty lip color and a little glimmer on the cheek and collarbones!
Just fun this season, and don’t overthink it!
Now pop on over to these other blogs and see what fashion ideas they have conjured up for the holidays! I’m honored to be included with these talented women…
Kim
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Oh my gosh you are a genius and an incredible multi-tasker. I love every one of those looks and your hair looks adorable up! Thank you so much for the amazing lunch and company. Your house is absolutely stunning. I am in awe of your talents. I feel so lucky we have become friends. You are the best!! Can’t wait to pin these looks. No one will ever believe you are over 50. You look like a teenager!
Cindy, Thanks so much. I was so excited to do this! I had the best time with you yesterday. I was a little worried about having you all over as you are a designer and have created so many gorgeous spaces. Thanks you made me feel good though it still needs a lot to be done! I am the lucky one Cindy to be in your circle. I admire how you style your life and all you do!! Can’t wait to read you post!! xo
Love these outfits Kim and your formulas make putting them together seem very easy!
I’m still unpacking boxes at my new house but yesterday I found an old red wool skirt suit from JCrew that I forgot I had, definitely wearing it with leopard pumps and a white silk camisole for a Christmas party.
I think your photos are perfect and no photographer needed!
xxx
Dani you are going to be gorgeous in that and I want photos. If you have vintage J.Crew it’s got to be gorgeous. You are so nice about the photos. I was struggling to get this out and felt so sad about the look of it all. I have to say you, of all people, inspire me to shop the closet and add cool pieces to treasure. Isn’t it funny how moving unearths things you haven’t seen for a while? As I moved twice last year I purged and found lot that was still cool I had forgotten. Hugs Dani. xoxox
Great outfitting Kim! Thanks for the ideas and I loved the suit! So long since I’ve worn a suit, especially now living here in California for 3.5 years 😉
Tammi, I honestly hadn’t put anything like this together for years. Mostly I wore my jackets with jeans, but seeing all the cute suits that went down the runway this year, I was really nostalgic for that look again and I think it really flatters most people! I agree living in California will slowly suck all the suit out of you. You become one with the jean and there is no fighting it. This is so easy though and uber chic. xo
kim love all these looks and you are gorgeous! ps – love your pool too! x
Janet LOL the pool !! Sad I cannot do a proper fashion post! You always do it so great and I am popping over now to see what you’ve done! xo
This is such great advice. I have the suede shoes but I need some new black crop trousers and a velvet top. You are so talented! Love your hair up. Going to try that.
Thank you for our time at your home yesterday. I left feeling loved and energized.
Mary Ann
Oh my gosh Mary Ann you are so sweet. I LOVED having you here and only wish we had more time- it went too fast. I don’t have good hair game, but thank you for the sweet note. Yes the velvet shirt is the go-to thing. I will try to link to some here. Can’t wait to read yours. xoxo
Those are all winning looks. Beautiful!
Thanks so much Jen. xx
NAILED IT!
THE WOMAN WHO CAN DO IT ALL AND MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HAIR UP MORE OFTEN PLEASE !!!!
YOU are READY for any PARTY that comes knocking on your door!!!!!!!!!
LOVED Seeing YOUR HOME after all these years!AND MEETING your SON!!!BONUS!
I too wish we lived closer but do you know YOU are ONLY 45 Miles away!!!NOT THAT FAR REALLY!
Must skip to the others…………….THANK YOU AGAIN!
XOXO
Elizabeth, I finally had you here after way too long. Thank you for encouraging me. I admire you so much and feel so lucky to call you my friend. Yesterday was a treat for me. Love you gals. Do I look older with the hair up? I kind of feel like my mom, but I will try it more. xoxo
OK, how do you do it? You look like a kid.All the outfits look ready to party in. Thank goodness putting a pin on your lapel is in again. I was just in london and bought tons of pins. You really look great in all of these looks. You know how to put yourself together.
Oh Sandra you are too kind. I love that you bought pins! London is my favorite spot in the world. Where did you shop? Make sure you wear your pins this holiday! I will look for them. Thanks for the sweet word. xo
Kim! You look stunning in every look! I love that you are wearing your moms crystal bracelet and earrings, And I love your hair up,…you’re very good with your hair! xo
Annie, You are kind with the state of these pics. Thank you. Well, I am so very lucky to have this bracelet and earrings… The hair isn’t my strength. Good thing I just had boys. I can’t make a ponytail to save my life without bumps, but I try. I wish I could do better updos. Thanks Annie!
Kim, I love your ideas. I’m right there with you. Love your idea of adding unique accessories. Your recipes are easy to follow and I’m heading to my closet now. xx
Aww thanks Brenda. It was fun and I am just playing with this stuff compared to you! xx
Hi, Kim – I love the way you think when coming up with outfits! You’ve got great laid-back elegance. Thanks for these outfit recipes – Angie, http://www.yourtrueselfblog.com
Angie, Thank you so nice of you to say that. This was fun.