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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