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When the holidays roll around, other people decorate the halls—I organize my closet. Maybe it’s nostalgia from my mom dressing my sister and I in matching red velvet dresses when we were little, but I really like matching outfits for this time of year. ‘Tis the season to break out the sequins, fur, heels, and jewelry to add some festive flair to your winter wardrobe. Whether you’ll be sipping champagne with a festive party, eating cookies with your loved ones, or a little of both, we break down five holiday outfit formulas to recreate in your wardrobe.
5 Holiday Outfit Formulas for All Occasions
No matter where I go or what I do, between Thanksgiving and New Years I always look forward to dressing up a little more than usual. It’s a nice change of pace from my everyday jeans and white t-shirt look, but I still like to keep things simple and casual—meaning, you don’t need to drop $500 on that red, furry, show-stopping outfit. a coat you will only wear once in December.
The best holiday outfit ideas are made from pieces you already have. You’ll be surprised how much red lips and shiny shoes can transform your wardrobe, so from movie marathons to happy hours, read on for all the wardrobe staples you need this season.
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Holiday Stuff Formula #1: GNO Cookie Swap
My favorite types of girls’ nights of the season include two things: gingerbread and glitter. For a festive, yet comfortable look for a cookie exchange or gift exchange, try pairing a crisp white button down with a sequin skirt (or shorts or pants) and a pair of slingbacks. You will be relaxed and look down to earth, while embodying the spirit of the holiday. Dress up this holiday outfit formula with a red lip and a sleek back bun, or keep it simple with natural waves and chunky bangles.
Holiday Outfit Formula #2: Office Holiday Party
The most anticipated or dreaded holiday party can be one of the most difficult holiday events to dress for. Whether you’re an employee of the month or you’re hooking up with one of your coworkers, you can’t go wrong by reaching for a pair of stylish pants. Since a white Christmas is out of the cards where I live, I always like to incorporate winter whites into my holiday wardrobe, and I’m obsessed with a clear separation of black accessories to break up the look. Pair the dress with the perfect shade of green for a frosty-outside-but-I’m-happy-with-it glow, and let your accessories do the talking.
Holiday Outfit Formula #3: Couples Potluck Dinner
Even if you celebrate in the comfort of home, I always like to dress up a bit more this time of year. For an easy, fun home holiday outfit formula, start with your favorite chunky sweater and swap your go-to pants for a monochromatic silk maxi skirt. Add in tonal boots and vintage-inspired statement earrings and create a casual, yet eye-catching holiday outfit. Brown is the color of the season, so I would look for deep chocolate tones and recreate the “espresso” look with a shimmery bronzer and eye shadow.
Holiday Outfit Formula #4: Holiday Movie Marathon
Some people prefer their popcorn stuck on their tree, but I prefer it in a bowl on my lap. Although my guilty pleasure is watching Holiday in the summer, I dream of sitting on the sofa with my loved ones and indulging in all the holiday moments that will never fade. For a nice, cozy, and foolproof movie marathon outfit, a matching set of sweats will never fail. Keep your feet warm with some practical—yet cute—simple socks, throw your hair in a bun (to easily fill your face), and wrap up in your favorite dress.
Holiday Outfit Formula #5: Evening Happy Hour
For events on your calendar that may require a little more glitz and glam, there’s nothing classier than a chic black mini with bright tights. If you’ve just been watching Nobody Wants This on Netflix, pair this outfit with an oversized coat to show off Joann’s powerhouse outfit in the first episode. You’ll be turning heads on the chilly walk from the car to the front door and sipping a spritz by the cozy fire inside. This is the kind of clothing formula that lets your accessories shine, so don’t hesitate to take out your eyeshadow and give your favorite metal clutch a moment to shine.