Stylish and Comfortable Casual Holiday Looks
Several of you have asked for more “shopping my closet” posts. So I thought I’d show you how I’m putting together casual holiday outfits this year with items already in my wardrobe.
Among my family and friends, holiday celebrations tend to be pretty casual gatherings. But that doesn’t mean I don’t want to look and feel festive. Some simple tweaks can add a party touch to just about any look. Think color, texture, and a bit of sparkle and shine.
Today I’m teaming up with Cindy at Cindy Hattersley Design, and Jennifer at A Well Styled Life to share our favorite holiday outfit ideas. I can’t wait to see what they’ve both come up with!
Casual holiday outfit ideas
The holiday season will be here before we know it! Rather than fussing at the last minute, I decided to go through my closet and “pre-build” some holiday outfits for the types of events that usually come up. Many of the items I’m wearing here are from prior seasons and no longer available, so I’ve linked to current similar styles.
Thanksgiving
Whether hosting or guesting…
This outfit feels put-together and festive, but doesn’t compromise on comfort. The split-neck cashmere sweater was from Madewell, and was purchased last winter. The dark brown coated denim trousers are from last fall, and were one of my best purchases in 2023. I’ve included them in two travel wardrobes (HERE and HERE)
Brunch with the girls
Just catching up over espresso martinis, and plotting to overthrow the patriarchy… 🍸
The Talbot’s bouclé jacket was an early fall purchase, and it’s one I think I’m going to get lots of wear from. (Shown previously HERE.) The sparkly sweater is from Boden, purchased last year. I haven’t worn it much, an oversight I plan to rectify. Jeans and loafers are both from earlier this season.
Holiday open house
One of my favorite types of gatherings…festive without the formality.
Sweater – Medium
Cashmere sweater is current season from J.Crew. The color is “Belvedere Red,” which is a slightly warm-leaning red. In this style, I like to size up for a less fitted look. I purchased these corduroy pants from Ruti last year, and haven’t worn them much. I’ve held onto them because they’re comfortable and I love the color. So I’m going to continue to play around with styling them. The Austrian crystal necklaces and bracelet from French Kande add some sparkle to the mix.
And don’t underestimate the impact a bold lipstick color can have! 💄 I’m wearing By Brian “Madame B” which is a warm, bright red. For those of you with cooler palettes, try “L’Opera” or “Primaria.” These creamy formulas have a satin finish and won’t dry out your lips!
Having a few casual holiday outfits pre-planned can eliminate a scramble when the invitations start to arrive. A little color, texture, and sparkle can go a long way to making outfits look and feel more festive. Looking for more holiday outfit ideas (casual or more dressed-up)? Be sure to check out these holiday capsules:
Festive Outfit Ideas for the Holiday Season | Festive Outfit Ideas: Dress Up with Ease
A special promotion
Just in case you’ve had your eye on any French Kande pieces, they’re having a special promotion this month:
I have a few more festive outfit ideas in the pipeline, so be sure to subscribe for updates. And please go visit Cindy Hattersley Design and A Well Styled Life for more holiday style fun!
What events are already on your holiday calendar?
Stay in touch
Sign up to be notified of new posts and updates from une femme d’un certain âge.
… “plotting to overthrow the patriarchy” . Good on you.
Greetje
I liked that line too 🙂
Me too!!!!
Best reason to have a brunch
Best reason to meet for brunch, I think
Love it! ❤️
Thanks for this post, Susan. Even in Michigan, our weather has been much warmer than usual — our gardens are still blooming in mid-November! So I am struggling a bit, fashion-wise, trying to figure out what to wear in a period of transition. Too warm for boots, but sandals look weird this time of year.
I also struggle with styling wide crop pants, which looked cute in the summer with open-toe sandals, but somehow frumpy (on me) with loafers and other flats. I do like them with boots. I’d appreciate a post on this, if you’re inspired to. Thanks!
Agree!
I love the red sweater with those cords and touch of sparkle! My lifestyle is so casual these days I don’t need much glitz to feel festive.
You look great in the brighter colors!
Thank you!
First, I am with you in spirit on the patriarchy plotting. Good plan.
These outfits all look good, I especially liked the third one. There is something so appealing about the way the colors of the sweater and pants go together. They just sing. And I loved seeing the jewelry in all three.
I looked at the alternative corduroy pants links. I noticed the Anthropologie link shows pants that come in petite in all the colors, not just the most basic like black and navy. Hurrah!
Love the ideas, thanks Susan!
Terrific post! Love your ‘tools, not rules’ and shopping my closet FIRST!! Way to be sustainable and STYLIN’!! Thanks, Susan!!
Agree with all the comments- the Ruti pants look great on you. Am steadfastly with you in your plotting!
I love that boucle is a thing this fall/winter. I bought a gorgeous deep green barn coat from Land’s End this year that I’m loving.
What I’m struggling with is finding tops and sweaters that are in colors that flatter my warm olive skin. I’m a dark autumn and it’s been a running theme for years that I’ll find a top that fits well, but out of 10 color option I can only wear one.
I’d love to see some affordable options in rich and deep colors if you come across them. I have found a few inexpensive but lovely sweaters in rich reds, warm caramels, deep greens and wine purples on Amazon. I hope this color palette becomes more widely available as opposed to a trend.
Thanks, for the inspiration!
Yes I also agree.., And I love your style. I no longer wear dresses and work from my closet for holidays. I have sparkles and cashmere and statement jackets I can use for most occasions. Please keep doing what you do! We appreciate it
Hi Susan, I love all three of these outfits. The bright colors look good on you.
Especially like that all of these are casual yet festival. Most of my clothes are casual since moving to the beach.
I live in a warm climate and I am so envious of the layers, scarves, boots etc that you can wear.. but everywhere is getting warmer. How about a post on how to dress in fall and winter when the weather is more like summer? Thanks Susan.
By the way, I am happy you no longer do sponsored posts. Some blogs are becoming like infomercials – a turnoff for me.