How to Wear Burgundy for the Holidays: 3 Looks from Casual to Dressy
It’s that time of year when our inboxes and social media feeds start to fill up with images of partygoers in fancy attire. I don’t think most of us need to rush out and buy “special occasion” clothing for the holidays. Unless you have a very formal event on the calendar, I encourage you to create festive outfits from pieces that can multitask and work beyond December. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing more ideas for “festive, not fussy” holiday looks featuring separates you can mix, match, and re-wear.
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This article was previously published on November 25, 2025, and has been updated with new images and to reflect current product selections.
Look 1: Tonal Burgundy With a Slip Skirt
Burgundy is widely available this season, and it’s a color that’s rich enough to look festive but understated enough for everyday wear. Burgundy appears in both of the cool seasonal palettes (Summer and Winter) and works well with brighter colors as well as neutrals. To start, here’s a tonal look that feels polished without being overly dressy.
(Click on text in red for links to individual items.)
SHOES | LIPSTICK* | BAG
*color shown is “Red My Lips”
Wearing the same color (or similar) separates creates an elegant and put-together look. Unless you opt for a matched set, varying the textures will add interest and keep the outfit from looking flat. Above I’ve paired the contrast trim cardigan with a satin slip skirt. Accessories can go a long way toward adding festive sparkle, so don’t be afraid to go a little “extra ✨” this season!
Look 2: Velvet Pants for Festive Casual Party Look
If you prefer pants to skirts, or want something party-ready but versatile enough to style casually, these velvet pants are a great option.
SHOES | LIPSTICK* | FRAGRANCE | BAG
*color shown is “Red Juniper”
Here I’ve styled the cardigan with velvet pants and a silky cowl neck top. You can wear the sweater open over the top, or keep the top few buttons unfastened. A sparkly necklace and sequin-trimmed bag add festive touches. Patent leather flats coordinate with the pants, but add another texture.
Look 3: Casual Layers for Low-Key Gatherings
Not every holiday gathering calls for dressing up. For more relaxed get-togethers, or days that blur into errands and meet-ups, here’s an easy casual outfit that still feels intentional.
BRACELETS | NAIL POLISH | SHOES | EYE SHADOW | BAG
Swap out the velvet loafers for sneakers (I like this very comfortable pair!) and the beaded bag for your favorite tote, and you’re comfortably ready for running errands or meeting friends for coffee.
A Mix-and-Match Burgundy Holiday Capsule
When you see the pieces from these looks grouped together, it’s easy to spot a few more outfits. You could wear the satin cowl-neck top with dark-wash jeans and silver flats for dinner with friends, or pair the striped turtleneck with the velvet pants and patent Mary Janes for a casual get-together. The burgundy cardigan works with all three bottoms, and a swap from the floral scarf to crystal earrings can make the same outfit feel a little dressier. And once the holidays are over, you can still reach for the cardigan, jeans, and velvet loafers for an ordinary Tuesday.
Is your holiday calendar already filling up? Will you be traveling or hosting this year? I’d love to hear what kinds of events you’re planning for, and what you’re thinking of wearing. Share in the comments!
Looking for holiday gift ideas? Be sure to check out my “Comfort & Joy” gift guides!
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Baggallini sequin bag? I love it!
Thank you!! Such good ideas for the “winters” !
I think your approach to holiday dressing is so spot on. I’m still working, yet I constantly have to remind myself about how casual my lifestyle has become. I see other bloggers and wonder where are you wearing those fancy clothes and are you really wearing heels? (I know it’s just for the camera!) The winter delegation thanks you for the burgundy post! (I think autumns could pull off that burgundy that is close to brown!)
Could an autumn wear this cardigan?
A Blue Autumn could probably wear it, but it may be too cool for Autumns on the warmer/brighter side. Here’s a better color option for Autumns in a cotton cardigan: https://go.shopmy.us/p-101344090 (“Forest Green,” which looks close to Moss in the Autumn palette.)
For several years I have been wearing burgundy pants with Eileen Fisher cassis and JJill fig and basic burgundy cotton tees and sweaters and jackets. And black tops and jackets. I have garnet and gold earrings and garnet necklaces and a burgundy and black scarf. Mix and match. I never thought of wearing jeans with the tops…. Great idea!
I love how you mixed and matched the different tones together since there are sooo many shades of this beautiful rich color! Well done and such a help to those of us who grew up in the matchy match eras!
This Burnished Sultry Winter (per Susan’s expert analysis 🥰!) LOVES these looks and capsule. And I already own many similar pieces! Thank you for making it so easy to get dressed and look great.
Burgundy could be my colour if it hasn’t got too much blue in it. Only, like always, the burgundy that is fashionable again is one with a lot of blue. So not my colour. It is the same when green is in fashion; it is always a teal green, never a moss green. I am frustrated.
Greetje
I have a casual burgundy monochromatic outfit picked out for Thanksgiving. Love the look of the capsule you have created!
I know this is not on topic, but my daughter moved to the LA area and I’m visiting for Christmas! I come from a much smaller market area with limited retail options. I’m sporty and a Golden Spring. Do you have any suggestions for great shopping in your area?
Hi Jen, it depends on where in LA you’ll be, as it’s a pretty large area. I’m mostly familiar with shopping spots on the Westside, so I’ll share those. For a variety of stores and brands, I’d start with Westfield Century City mall. You’ll find J.Crew, Madewell, Banana Republic, Aritzia, COS, Marine Layer, Sandro, Maje, ba&sh, Ralph Lauren, & more. Also Nordstrom & Bloomingdales (which has a lot of brands in store normally only available online). In Beverly Hills nearby, skip Rodeo Drive and head 1 block over to Beverly Drive, where there’s a ME+EM, Veronica Beard, and other mid-range brands. And finally, on Abbott-Kinney in Venice you’ll find Ruti, Vince, Everlane, Madewell, and several others. Hope this helps!
Thank you for your help! I look forward to visiting and this list gives me plenty of options that I don’t have at home.
Such a sensible approach to dressing over the Christmas holidays. You have some pretty outfits featured, but for me,it will be summer, so a different wardrobe approach is needed. My sister arrives from the USA next week and puts on a lovely Thanksgiving for our family, around 30 people of all ages. We have a swish Christmas Party to attend, but will wear something I own. I am hosting a formal Christmas Eve dinner, she will do a casual seafood Christmas Day Lunch and Boxing Day is a casual outside affair at her home, right next to the beach. Plus there is Christmas concert for my niece’s little boy and a street party. Oh no, I now think I might need to treat myself to a little something new.