Festive Outfit Ideas: Dress Up with Ease
Can you believe that we’re just 3 weeks out from Thanksgiving and the start of the holiday season? I always enjoy these last few quiet(ish) weeks before the holiday rush. This year, I swear I’m going to get a jump on my planning and gift shopping. And, I’m going to put together some holiday outfits of my own so I’m not having to scramble at the last minute.
My holiday mantra is “festive, not fussy.” That goes for my home, my entertaining style, and of course, my holiday outfits. I don’t believe you have to sacrifice comfort for style, even for parties and other gatherings. And I’m not a fan of specific special occasion outfits that languish in the closet the rest of the year. Instead, I look for separates that can dial up the festive, but aren’t so precious that they can’t be styled in more casual outfits.
Relaxed elegance in velvet
Today’s holiday outfit idea starts with a relaxed shirt and tapered pants in spruce green velvet from Eileen Fisher. This color is one of the few that you’ll find across multiple seasonal palettes, in this case Winter and Autumn (especially Blue Autumn). As last week’s burgundy holiday outfits worked for the cool seasonal palettes (Winter and Summer), I decided to style this one for an Autumn with warm toned accessories.
Above, a look you could wear for cocktails, dinner out, or a work party. As with last week’s holiday outfit idea, a single color head to toe creates an elegant and polished look.
Lipstick color is “Natural Charm”
For a holiday open house, brunch, or more casual family gatherings, I’ve replaced the pants with dark wash trouser jeans, and added a fun leopard print turtleneck. The shirt can be worn open as a jacket or buttoned. I’ve varied the textures of the accessories to add interest.
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 in velvet…
I’m seeing lots of great velvet pieces this season. If you prefer a more structured look, here’s a velvet blazer and pants from J.Crew. These are also available in Navy, Black and Lilac (Summers, take a look at that one!).
And Talbot’s has some good looking velvet pieces too.
(This Highland Green color looks like cool Dark Emerald, so probably best for Winters)
And J.Jill also has options:
Dressing up for the holidays doesn’t have to require shape-wear and sequins. (Though if you love either, go for the glam! ✨) Color, texture, and accessories can all add a festive ingredient to your holiday outfits. More ideas are on the way, so be sure you’ve signed up for my newsletter to be notified of new posts! (Springs, don’t fret…I’ll be sharing something for you next week!)
What holiday events are you looking forward to?
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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.
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