Relaxed Elegance: Velvet Holiday Looks for Women Over 50
As we count down to Thanksgiving and the start of the holiday season, I’m savoring these last few calm(ish) days before the festivities kick in. Every year I promise myself I’ll get a jump on planning, gifts, and yes, figuring out what I’m going to wear to the various gatherings on the calendar. Over time, I’ve learned to put together a few holiday outfits early so I’m not scrambling at the last minute.
Festive, Not Fussy: Why Velvet Works for the Holidays
My holiday mantra remains “festive, not fussy.” That applies to my home, my entertaining style, and of course, what I wear. I don’t think anyone should have to sacrifice comfort for style, even for parties. And I’m not a fan of one-off special-occasion pieces that spend the rest of the year tucked away. Instead, I gravitate toward separates that feel elevated but can also be dressed down for everyday looks. I’ll be sharing more of my own holiday looks soon, and will also continue to create collages (using curated pieces I don’t personally own) to illustrate outfit ideas for other palettes and styles.
Holiday Outfit Idea: Relaxed Velvet Separates
Today’s holiday outfit idea starts with a relaxed shirt and wide leg pants in “Ink” (navy) velvet from Eileen Fisher. Though each seasonal palette has its own version of navy, I find most navy shades can work for most palettes. The pants are also available in black, and the shirt in multiple colors. (I’ve lightened the images below slightly to better show details.)
Look 1: Polished Velvet for Cocktails or Work Events
For cocktails, dinner out, or a work gathering, a column of color (as with this holiday look) creates instant polish. Head-to-toe velvet keeps the outfit elevated but still comfortable, and the accessories add a hint of warmth and shine.
Look 2: Casual Velvet Layers for Brunch or an Open House
For a holiday open house, brunch, or casual family get-together, I swapped the pants for dark-wash trouser jeans and added a playful leopard-print turtleneck. The velvet shirt can be worn open as a jacket or fully buttoned. Mixing accessory textures keeps the outfit interesting without overpowering the look. (Though many save their lighter colored bags for the spring and summer months, I think a white or off-white bag adds an interesting pop to fall and winter outfits.)
Look 3: Cozy Velvet for the Day-After-Thanksgiving
One of my favorite holiday traditions is getting together for leftovers the day after Thanksgiving. Maybe there’s a football game to watch. Comfort is key. Here I’ve styled the pants with a funnel-neck cashmere sweater, metallic flats, and added a scarf for color and pattern.
More Velvet Picks for the Season
Click on the image to shop! If you’re reading me from your mobile phone, keep scrolling down the list to see all the items.
Holiday Style Tips for Effortless Dressing
Dressing up for the holidays doesn’t have to mean sequins or shapewear (unless you love them, in which case, shine on! ✨). Color, texture, and thoughtful accessories can instantly elevate your look. More festive outfit ideas are on the way, so be sure you’re subscribed to my newsletter to catch new posts. What holiday events are you looking forward to?
Need some holiday gift inspiration? Visit my Comfort & Joy Gift Guide.
Note: this article was previously published on November 7, 2024, and has been updated to provide new and relevant product selections.
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Wow, each one of those outfits is stunning! Great job, thank you.
I always wear loose leg velvet pants for holidays! I wear them with either a matching sweater or soft, drapey blouse.
I’m always on the hunt for them… especially because I wear petite xs. I’ve had luck on ebay, but need to make sure I’m getting stretch velvet, not velour. And no crushed velvet, bkz I think it looks tacky. Even the expensive styles. No skinny or tapered legs either so they never go out of style.
EF velvet pieces are the only clothing I consider a true investment. Unlike wool, they don’t get holes. Unlike cotton, they don’t fade. Unlike linen, they don’t need ironing or any special care. I have several EF velvet tops and jackets — and one very special black velvet shawl — that I’ve had for at least a decade, and they look as good today as they did when I purchased them. They are the workhorses of my festive winter attire — and can be found, esp off-season, on resale sites for pennies on the dollar. Such a great buy!
I bought an EF velvet shirt 6 or 7 years ago. I had it folded on a shelf in my closet and it faded along the fold line! I don’t know what to do. I’m afraid to dye it. It’s such a gorgeous shade of blue, and I think it would lose its luster if I did dye it.
Tracy, if you don’t consider the shirt to be wearable as-is, then you’ve got nothing to lose by trying something creative, either to disguise the line, or make it look intentional. You didn’t say where the faded line falls on the shirt, but I’m picturing it across the mid-section. Maybe a bit of embroidery with matching thread, or go bold with metallic thread. Just some wild ideas to consider. Try googling “visible mending” or check out Wren Bird Arts for some ideas. A tailor or sewist might have more ideas.
Bette (or anyone) – I love EF for the same reasons – can you recommend any good online resale sites specifically with EF items?
I buy on eBay only. After trying Poshmark, I found I much prefer the format and reliability of eBay. A few caveats, though. I buy only from sellers with 100% positive feedback (unless there’s negative feedback for some random issue like a USPS delay) and who don’t use AI to generate their text. I know my measurements, my EF sizes, and my preferred colors, and I take a very close look at the seller’s photos. Once I purchase, I don’t ask for returns unless there’s an issue — I simply resell if I don’t like what I got. I would say 90% of my purchases have been perfect!
Bette–I appreciate your reply with helpful feedback–thank you!
Are the two lipsticks you featured ones that you wear as a spring? I am spring too and looking for good lipstick shades without so much shimmer. Thank you
Hi Barb, the Spring colors from Chanel I wear are Rouge Coco in “Coco” and “Arthur.” Coco is a coral red, and Arthur is a warm Poppy red. Both of the colors featured here should also work for Springs.
On the same subject, Susan, would the Chanel Fabuliste nail color be great on a Spring?
Yes, it works for Springs too.
Sadly, Arthur has been discontinued as I recently found to my dismay. Why oh why do cosmetics companies discontinue popular items? Bah humbug!
Hi Elizabeth, I was just told by an associate at a Chanel beauty counter that they are bringing back this lipstick line next year! (fingers crossed)
Thank you for the excellent ideas and resources! I love the variety of options you’ve shown for coordinating these festive looks to dress up or down; and there are several items that I can integrate into my capsule.
Thanks very much, PJ!
I love the way you made such a variety of outfits out of those two velvet pieces. I don’t have much need for dressy clothes, but these are very appealing to me. Maybe because they look so comfortable? Can’t wait to see next week’s post for Springs!
Thanks, Wendy!
We only have Christmas left and that is not going to be too difficult, I suspect. Mum is no longer with us, so no visit to her and bonusdaughter will get her second child in a week or so and already announced she was not “doing Christmas this year”. Which I totally understand. But if I were having a party or occasion to dress up for, I am with you. Comfortable, festive and not fussy. The years of suffering to look awsome are far behind me.
Greetje
I bought the Chanel lipstick in color Michele because it’s my name. The color is described on Chanel’s website as a pink brown but it turned orange on me! The formulas was very nice and not overly scented.
I love todays post and the looks you are showing. I have many velvet shirts and blazers that I use each year for the holidays. With a pair of nice jeans they go anywhere I need to. Happy Holidays!!
Lovely choices. Velvet is such a nice alternative to all the sequins for the holidays. I have nice jewelry I rarely wear but with velvet you can add your own bling.
Great ideas esp. Look 3 for me- love everything about it! Varley is not a brand that I’m familiar with, but I really like their relaxed elevated styles.
I love these looks! Comfortable, festive, and elegant. I am trying to buy fewer new pieces and concentrate on thrift and vintage shopping and mixing them in with my own pieces. Sites like Poshmark and eBay are full of festive pieces, and it’s easy to search by Brand, i.e. Eileen Fisher velvet. And the prices are much better!
Really lovely! Thank you for sharing your beautiful inspirations.
I have three velvet tops and I love them. The first two I purchased two years ago, but I added a print with some red in it this month. I wear with denim, and I love wearing with black cords or black ponte. I feel dressed up just enough. Another item that I love is a black cashmere sweater with pearls sewn in at the neckline. I always feel dressed up when I wear it.
Love your “festive not fussy” ethic, Susan!
Last year I bought a green velvet pant and v neck pullover set for the holidays. I received a huge number of compliments and comments. It was delightful to wear! Will be wearing it again this year for sure.