It’s time for our monthly style report with Cindy and Sarah. For December’s Signature Style, we are naturally talking about festive attire. I have some easy strategies for you to use what you have to create a fresh and fun looks for all your holiday events!
Well the past few years have put a damper on holiday gatherings, and I think the shiny bits that live in the recesses of the closet have gotten few outings..So any chance I get to fly my glitter flag, I relish! I try and use treasures like my mom’s Christmas pins, and crystal bracelets, and my grandma’s sparkly clip earrings with everyday things in the month of December and if you have such things you should too! You don’t need the excuse of a holiday party. Nothing is cuter than holiday pin on your coat or vintage earrings with a sweatshirt..Get those pretties out and about this month!
Before you think about buying ANYTHING…go to the closet and survey. I know I have said this before, but you forget what you have. It’s way cooler to be creative with your wardrobe and mix in older pieces and it is certainly more stylish than buying all new.
If you own no velvet, satin, shiny or vintage jewelry, then maybe it’s time you added a few of these pieces to your closet!
Strategy 1- Throw a furry jacket or coat over nice jeans or black pants.. This is instant glam. I have a few of these affordable jackets. Nothing makes you feel more old movie star than one of these. Add a holiday pin or earrings, and shoes according to event. Don’t be afraid to wear your coat/ furry jacket as the top.. This is a particularly fun and casual look for the holiday coffee, or out to lunch or dinner with girlfriends for a gift exchange. I just bought this Chanel shaped faux shearling number on sale and added my grandmother’s pin. Love it with a camisole and zipped up as a top.
Strategy 2- Top a sequin or satiny dress or skirt with a soft sweater. Maybe with hair up or pinned back and a cocktail ring and cute clutch? Dress it up or dress it down with a small heel or a bootie..
I paired an older sequin slip dress with a cashmere turtleneck, kitten slingbacks and a patent clutch. All items sitting in the closet. With a heel it’s perfect for a holiday dinner or cocktail shindig. I like sparkly hoops with turtlenecks. Last year I did the same with a satin bias cute skirt and short boots..and vintage drop pearls. ( My slingback pumps here only now in suede and patent but just as cute.)
Strategy 3- Wear a sparkly or velvet top – this is the simplest over denim or slim pants. Make it easy and pull your hair up, add a statement earring or bracelet and go. Last year, below – I wore a sequin top with these AYR jeans to a party. I loved it. I found this cute sequin top and this one at if you don’t own one! They’re great to have for New Year’s Eve too. I also have a few velvet T-shirts that I love.
Strategy 4- Go for plaid, gingham, or taffeta. A skirt or top in this sort of fabric or print paired with a white blouse, sweater can be holiday enough!
I love this wool skirt I bought last year on Amazon. I’d been searching for a long one that reminded me of ones my mother wore win the 70’s. The holidays are a perfect time to wear it. My Veronica Beard blazer gives over a black silky t-shirt gives it some edge vs a sweater..and I added black leather sneakers because it’s more like me.
Strategy 5- Go with a luxe one color monochrome look with sparkly accessories. Black is the easiest way to pull this look off. The same goes for a soft grey or cream or taupe. All one tone looks luxe, just add a pretty vintage pin, a vintage bag and it’s enough.
I went for a Prada feel with a pleated skirt and my Vince sweater (one of my most favorite things.) Shoes are newer and have a ballerina/classic look and hey- shout out to my 30+ year old vintage Furla bag that mimics a new Khaite bag they want $2,000 for! This is a very Olsen sister look. (The almost exact pull-on skirt as mine, is now 50% off at J Crew here.
If you’re missing some pieces from your holiday closet these are good additions to consider..
-This Vince sweater I have received for Christmas gifts in two colors, and they truly are the BEST thickest most luxe cashmere sweater ever. They are boiled cashmere, and I want to live in them in winter and they are on sale now here. A good gift to ask for yourself.
I you’re missing a clutch with some sparkle this option at Anthro comes in 7 colors and has a chain too.
Quince has affordable silk bias cut skirts in 7 colors.. These Jane flats will make any outfit and update what you have..so darn cute.
For those who asked.. this pleated J.Crew pull on skirt which is nearly identical to mine.. and 50% off.. and the slingbacks below..
And and if I had a special party to attend and needed a frock..these two would be in contention. This Vince velvet mock neck is elegant and modern.
This Rails pleated dress is gorgeous in person and body skimming- not hugging at all! A medium was too big on me. It’s a flattering dress and a fantastic addition to the closet… I am considering getting it for the future. Rails also offers the pleats look in a top and this satin cowl which is a lovely great piece and on sale
This Shine Top at Anthro is adorbs and comes in a pretty green and black also..These pave earrings are a fun option also if you need sparkle.
I hope you found some inspiration to glam up a little for the holidays, even if it’s just for yourself! Get festive and make the most of this time where glitter, velvet and shine is welcome.
I also wanted to say this is Sarah’s last post with us. She is taking time to be with her family and move to the seaside this year, so she has a lot happening, and I get that..Blogging takes a lot of your life. This collaboration has been wonderful to do with someone from another part of the globe. Love the perspective and insights always from Sarah. She is stylish smart and grounded, something you don’t always find on blogs. It won’t be the same without her and I wish her well and look forward to following Sarah on Instagram still….
…Now please stop by Cindy and Sarah’s posts and to get their takes on holiday style!
Thanks for stopping by!
Kim
November’s Signature Style was ‘Does Your Home Reflect Your Personal Style?
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Awesome inspiration and tips, Kim!!!
Thanks Mary Ann. x
Gorgeous post Kim. I love that you wear pieces from your Mum’s wardrobe. So special. Great ideas for getting into the holiday spirit.. so very different from the warmer season here. Thanks for being such a great blogging buddy. I will miss joining in with you. Although I’ll be sure to pop in and read your blogs xx
Sarah, I am going to miss you tons. It won’t be the same without you. xoxo
I wish the Jane Flats link was working. I’ve been looking for shoes like these! Great post!! May have to have the Vince sweater!
Leslie that is my fault. This is the link
https://rstyle.me/+UyDCXyaNggf7Zx7AdaKdOw
and I fixed it above. Thanks so much for letting know! Yes the Vince sweater will be your favorite thing ever.. xo
Fly your glitter flag! Yes! A woman after my own heart. I don’t know anyone here who flies the same flag and sometimes I feel a bit out of place, even when mixing sequins and blue jeans. You’ve inspired me to say, “Who cares?” And pull them out again. XOXOX, Brenda
Brenda, Thank you! I love sequins and blue jeans..a classic look! This is our month to so get them out! xo
Really love that glittery slip dress with the black sweater! I would definitely wear that. Also the all black luxe look with sparkly jewelry would be perfect for a holiday or new years. Great ideas!!
Thanks Carol! I can see you in the sequins and sweater. xx
Hi Kim what a great and timely post! I am planning to go through my closet because I have a couple of events coming up and of course have nothing to wear 😂. I don’t have the great pieces you have but I might be able to do a mix and match with a little luck or who knows even find something cool I forgot about! I absolutely love your dressy looks. You have a knack for pulling together some fab looks. That Vince sweater looks amazing and loved the accessories too.
Sparkle on!
Michele, yes she what you can do if you play around with what you own! I hope you find something in there you forgot. Aww thanks so much. Happy Holidays!
Hi Kim, What a great post! Lots of fun ideas to consider. Does the shearling jacket run true to size? May I ask what size you purchased?
Hi Lorri! Sure the shearling jacket ran slightly big. I bought a small and it fits me right. I’m usually more of a medium and 135 pounds and 5’3. Hope that helps.
Kim you knocked it out of the park. I think I need that Vince sweater since you have recommended it so highly. That pleated skirt with the ballet flats. I had a pair like that several years ago. You are enough younger than me that you haven’t seen quite as much as I have. I am wondering about the whole sneaker craze with skirts. Wil we look back on that one and say what were we thinking, or is it something that is here to stay? I have a collection of vintage purses that I use mostly during the holidays. You look so fabulous in everything you wear. LOVED THIS POST SO WELL DONE!
Cindy, LOL I wonder if the sneakers and skirts will stay on? I have a hunch they might. A lot of people like dressing up and don’t want to wear uncomfortable shoes anymore! Why should we? Even the guys look cute with nicer sneakers and a suit sometimes.. I personally can’t barely do heels anymore after years of wearing them to work. These kitten heels and a few wedges are about all I can do. No desire to wear a high pump again ever.
So cool you have vintage purses.Can’t wait to see them. Love that you used the brooches to replace buttons. It looked fantastic as did your whole post!
Love this post. I never met a sequin I didn’t love, but only wear them during the holidays. Then I go all out! Anthro has some great sequin button down shirts this year; I just had to have a couple and will wear them with jeans and boots for casual parties. And, oh my goodness, that Vince sweater! Gorgeous! May I ask what size you take in that? We are similar height and build.
Lisa yay for sequins! I have to go check out the Anthro shirts. The Vince sweater runs big. I have a small. Literally my favorite garment ever. It’s a very heavy cashmere that is super warm and soft. You will love it.
You look fabulous, Kim! Terrific post with lots of inspiration. I love the pleated skirt outfit. So cute, and your vintage Furla is stunning. Where are your skirt and silver bracelet from?
Thanks so much Jennifer. I love a pleated skirt too! My bracelet is a Tiffany T chain and sadly they no longer make it, but you can find some online used like this one..
https://rstyle.me/+Uu8DdSkjsO1xbt_-R7k99g
The skirt is a pull on and lmost identical to this on J Crew which is half off now..
https://rstyle.me/+b_GavYnEIbdQiqwW1-TXmw
xo
Love your holiday outfits!
Fo you have a link or brand name for black kitten slingbacks that you paired with the first outfit?
Hi Melissa, I will update the blog and the exact ones I have are here, but only available online in suede or patent, but both are pretty..
https://rstyle.me/+edbLQVkpCA0Noq2TQqzv6w
I have been looking for a pair of black slingbacks. Yours look very nice. Would you share info on them?
Hi Linda,
Looks like they no longer have them in black leather, but have them in suede and patent and you can find them here: https://rstyle.me/+edbLQVkpCA0Noq2TQqzv6w
Hope that is helpful! xx
THAT SEQUIN DRESS WITH THE TURTLENECK IS AWESOME!
YOU ARE FESTIVE AND FUN TODAY!READY FOR ANY PARTY OR OUTING!
TIME FOR ME TO PULL OUT THE BLING!EVEN IF ITS JUST THE FOOD SHOPPING RUN!
SORRY TO SEE SARAH GO………………
WILL YOU REPLACE HER OR CONTINUE WITH CINDY?
XOXO
Thank you so much Elizabeth! Yes get the bling out! I know you have that amazing tree pin! I think Cindy and I will keep on doing this.. xo
You are a master of the “not trying too hard” school of chic. Thanks for all the great strategies. Time to shop my closet because I am actually going out a bit this year. I think I have forgotten how.
Penelope you are so nice! Yay for you with some events. Good idea..I bet a lot of us lost our party items in the last two years. They may be back in there! Happy Holidays.
I love this post. I was going to do a similar one, but am just running out of time! Next Year!!
I do a similar thing – I have all these holiday pieces that are great on their own but too much together. So I make a list of my festive pieces, what to pare them with, and a list of events/gatherings to attend, and match them up! It’s like my Thanksgiving game.
Merry Christmas Kim!
Gray I hear you about time.. I have a thousand ideas and no time to get to all of it. I haven’t even ordered cards yet. I love that you have your pieces and miss them! It’s so good and you get to wear you festive things.. Merry Christmas!
Well, first of all … I’m sorry to hear this is Sarah’s last post with Signature Style. She’s such a delight and is so creative with her wardrobe. That said … life happens fast and it’s a good thing to make extra time to savor it. As for you … yes, to all these holiday outfit ideas … especially the sparkle and glitter. You reminded me to get out my snowflake brooch … I love to wear it on my coat all winter. And it’s cold enough now, right?! Your plaid skirt is the first thing that caught my eye when I opened Instagram this morning … so fun. And pairing it with your VB blazer … perfection. I also love a pleated skirt and your monochrome look is so good. My favorite look though is the sequined skirt with kitten heel sling backs. Knocking it out of the park … and you’ll be the best dressed party guest. So fun, Kim … I’m waiting for the holiday invitations to roll in! xo
Juliet, she really is such a cool person. It was a joy doing this with her, but I understand! Get out that snowflake brooch. My mom and grandma always had them on their coats at the holidays. Aw thanks so much Juliet. I’m waiting for an invite too! xo
Hi Kim, I always love your style posts and there are some fantastic ideas here – thank you! We don’t really have any events to go to this year, but I will make an effort to dress up for the Big Day at least. (Although I do enjoy staying in my jammies on Christmas morning!)
Thanks Patricia! I don’t have any events either, but will try to sparkle a bit during the month. I’m with you- staying in PJs is how our family rolls. We celebrate on Christmas Eve!
Kim,
I love every outfit! The plaid skirt is my favorite, it looks beautiful on you! I too love sparkle and sequence and wear shirts under blazers with jeans or under a cardigan sweater.
Vintage jewelry that was my grandmothers, or that I have been collecting for years is also out all winter long.
Thank you for sharing your signature and beautiful style!
So sorry that Sara will be leaving, she is one of my all time favorite Instagram accounts.
Elizabeth, I can see you in the plaid skirt! Love that you wear your vintage jewelry! It’s too good to sit in a drawer. Well Sarah will still be on Insta! xo
Hi Kim,
All your looks are so chic and fun and festive! I wish I had a party or two to plan for, there’s an open house at my daughter’s tiny house that will be outside, so no bare legs or sequins they will be just covered up by a coat! But I will pin on a few of my Mom’s rhinestone pins and that will have to do the trick! Maybe wear some dangly earrings. I have a bunch from the 80’s that fit the bill perfectly! Thanks for giving me these ideas.
The next time I’m out shopping and spy items of clothing covered in sequins, I am going to try on and hope to purchase a piece or two. For whatever comes up in my life, a girl’s got to have some glamour in her wardrobe, am I right?
Kim you have such great style I admire you and your tres chic looks!
Xo Heidi
Thanks Heidi, we have no parties this year either! I think people are still a little shy after Covid.. AN outside party sounds fun though.. Just bundle up in your cute hat! Yes wear your sparkles and look for sequins..They are good to have in the closet! xo