Festive Not Fussy: Casual Holiday Party Outfit With Jeans
Holiday gatherings are more casual these days, and often more impromptu. Before the holiday season kicks in, I’ll go through my clothes and accessories, and put together a few combos that can dress up my basics at a moment’s notice. Here’s a simple, casual holiday party outfit with jeans.
Jacket | Top | Necklace | Necklace (c/o) | Ring (c/o)|
Bag (similar) | Jeans | Shoes
I’d wear this to meet friends for drinks, or for an open house at the neighbors’. To dress it up a bit more, you could swap the jeans for some tuxedo trousers. (Or Black Watch tartan, or slouchy silk pants). And the oxfords for some Fancy Flats or a kitten heel pump.
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The navy velvet blazer was purchased last year. It’s what I call a Goldilocks piece…not too soft, not too structured, perfect fit and a gorgeous color…Just Right. I think a good velvet blazer or jacket can be a Hero Piece in your wardrobe. Here, it adds a subtly luxe element.
Someone asked recently whether I’m still wearing French Kande…and the answer is “bien sûr!” I’m especially loving the gold pieces they’ve added this year. I wear the “Miel” (bee) necklace often with more casual outfits, but it dresses up nicely too. The longer necklace (gifted) with Swarovski crystals is from the Saint Sulpice Holiday Collection and is a really lovely piece that looks fantastic on its own or can be layered with other pieces.
And this gold ring (gifted) has the prettiest grey opal Swarovski crystals!
I’ve found that a subtle metallic shoe can be one of the most versatile in my wardrobe. It adds some punch without clashing or being too focus-pulling. I’ll admit, I’ve been stalking these shoes for months, hoping they’d go on sale. They did, but only in the Clergerie boutiques. I got SO lucky…the local Beverly Hills boutique happened to have one of the last pairs in my size. I didn’t dither. These are fun, funky, and incredibly comfortable.
Here are a few more comfortable metallic shoes to consider:
Do you have a favorite piece in your wardrobe that you rely on for festive casual outfits?
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I would wear this whole look…love it! I still need to get one of those leopard clutches…I have wanted one ever since you showed this one way back! Have a great day, Susan.
Waist up, yes!! Waist down, hard pass! I am 5’1″ and the bottom half would make me look visually ‘stumpy’. The heavy shoes and the cut and length of the jeans would not be on my agenda. I only wear ankle length pants but I find that narrower looks more proportionate, for me a wider leg needs length.. Frankly, I don’t find that thick a sole comfortable ( I tripped and had a bad fall wearing a similar shoe but not as thick a sole…size 9!!! I very much appreciate your alternative suggestion for the bottom half.
The upper half is just beautiful, she wore blue velvet…the jewelry is so pretty and elevates the look to festive status,the addition of the leopard clutch…inspired.
Agree with a pass on lower half, especially shoes. They are too chunky for me. After a fall resulting from spiral fracture of femur, titanium rods I will never wear “rubbery” shoes ever again. The fall is too hilarious to talk about but changed everything. Now I wear cowboy boots, hard soles, some heels and have never been better. As my surgeon pointed out, if you live in padded shoes your feet have a hard time knowing where they are……………Love the new color palette!!
Susie, that is such an interesting idea–that wearing hard soles makes balancing easier. It makes so much sense. I too had a bad fall (while wearing chunky soled Ugg slippers, now in the trash) and have been struggling with shoes ever since. You’ve given me something to think about….
I am even careful when wearing runners/sneakers etc. Some of the bottoms are so thick and you just can’t feel your foot..I prefer runners by Cole Hann as they are so very light and I feel much more stable..Also I ditched the wedge and much prefer an inch or so heel on a boot which also makes me feel more stable. Just my own personal preference..
have to add to my comment that I love love velvet in anything..jeans..leggings etc. I really hope it stays around a little longer…
Hi susie, actually these soles aren’t squishy…there’s some cushioning in the insole, but the platforms themselves are pretty solid and stable and easy to walk in. I get that some don’t like the look of them, which is fine, personal preferences.
I love the shoes!! They are classics with a modern twist. Whole outfit is on point!
Beautiful manicure! Could you share the nail polish brand and color? Thanks!
Thanks, Pat! It’s Essie “Prima Ballerina.”
As usual, only size small Eileen Fisher jackets left. In the USA, I guess there are more large than small women so large sizes always sell out the quickest.
Hi Julia, this jacket was from last Fall’s collection, so yes, sizes may be limited. Sometimes smaller sizes sell out first, just depends on the item.
I concur with others. Pass on the bottom half. As for me, a slimmer cut pant. I love the idea of the metallic shoe but would choose a less chunky one, perhaps more of a ballet flat. Love the jewelry and the manicure. Very classic color.
Those shoes are da bomb! Well done you.
I, too, am not a fan of the chunky shoes. I’ll take a nice sleek loafer or “smoking slipper” instead. And please allow me to reiterate how much I’m OVER cropped & ankle pants. I really love the J Crew black watch plaid pants, but they’re super short, and the “tall” lengths are sold out in most sizes. Attention clothing manufacturers: therefore I’m not buying!
Rant over! Love the velvet jacket. I have a navy velvet blazer that I wore a lot last year, and picked up a flowier green velvet jacket at Nordstrom Rack at the end of last winter. Haven’t worn that one yet but am looking forward to it.
Hi Jill Ann, there’s also a longer pair here: http://bit.ly/2KMDXLh but sizes are limited. Apparently you’re not the only one looking for longer pants! 😉
I love longer pants, I have shorter legs, and higher waists as I have a long rise, I’m 5’5”, and realize I’m not in the norm, just my two cents. I just had my colors done ( summer, gamine) by Gillian Armour in Sacramento, Ca. She was wonderful! So now my process starts! Thanks, for starting your journey with us!
I love your mix of textures, but I feel that the jacket sort of swallows you up. I’d like it to be shorter and less boxy.
This is my absolute favorite look you’ve shown in awhile. It’s clean, fun, elegant, and unlike some of the others – I adore the shoes. I bought them last year in both white and black, and am tempted by the metallic.
That velvet jacket is lovely! I love velvet tops and jackets as a way to elevate jeans. I have a brown velvet jacket with frog closing that I often wear for fall festivities. I would prefer a metallic flat rather than a chunky shoe but that’s just me. You look so happy in this outfit.
Love this outfit head to toe. It has the whimsical, gamine look you’re going for – classic holiday, but with a wink – definitely my style. I’m enjoying seeing your personality emerge as you navigate your wardrobe transformation. Longer pants and flats, as others have mentioned, would look fine, but predictable. This is more fun.
Now that I’ve seen you in all those yummy colors, it’s an adjustment seeing you back in dark clothing again. Please keep up with color, as it’s a helpful guide for those of us whose skin and hair tones are getting lighter by the year.
Metallic shoes are so good for the festive season. Pewter is my favorite. The shoes can be more comfortable, yet still look dressy because they’re metallic.The lighter, brighter tones are for summer, IMO.
Love your outfit, especially the navy jacket. You look wonderful in navy. I also like the shoes, but would not/cannot wear thick platforms. They make me feel unbalanced and afraid of falling. I wear sneakers most of the time and have for several years (since a foot injury). I assume my sneaker soles are some kind of rubber material, but have never had the problem others describe. Sneakers were highly recommended by my orthopedic surgeon. As for ankle length pants, I am never buying another pair. They are useless here (NYC) in the winter.
I love the entire outfit. However, I would definitely have to try on the shoes before consider them. I hate “heavy” shoes and much prefer loafers or slip on shoes without any laces. Since I have plantar fasciitis, I am very particular about my shoes and comfort. The jeans, the top and especially the velvet blazer are get a “YES” from me. The leopard print bag is a big maybe, since I prefer a bag with straps. Love the jewelry too.
The outfit is lovely. I love the blazer, jewelry, and shoes. For me, there is something not quite right about the proportions. Either the jacket should be a bit shorter or the jeans a bit longer. But that’s just me. You look fabulous as usual. And the tip you gave about having some outfits lined up for impromptu invites over the holidays is brilliant.
Love those shoes! And velvet is amongst my favourite fabrics. I think I’d do different jeans but it’s a great combo overall.
I love the necklaces. Do you feel comfortable mixing finishes (gold, silver, brass) when you wear two necklaces? Or do you stick to one finish? Thanks!
So sorry about your pup Susan. I know it is gut wrenching sadness. Thoughts are with you and family.
Indeed you have a velvet jacket as well! And a beautiful one. Congratulations with this lovely piece. And with the funky shoes. I am sure you will use them a lot.
Do I have favourite pieces? Haha.. too many.
Greetje