Holiday Looks right from your Closet
Each year, it feels like the holiday season comes around faster and faster… but then again, time flies when you get older, so it only makes sense. If you’re anything like me, you are already starting to plan…. get togethers with friends and family, creating menus of what you are serving or making, and how about this.. what you are wearing so you don’t have to stress about it later.
Let’s start with all the beautiful things already in your closet. I’ve been in enough closets to know there are always some forgotten gems hiding in there. All you need is a little inspiration and creativity to style what you have in new ways so you have some go-to holiday looks that you’ll love to wear.
Here are some prompts and thoughts… cheers!
Pull all your Party Pieces
Pieces with embellishments, jewel tones, metallic, silk, satin, leather, ruffles, red, rhinestones. Sandals, heels, fancy bags, statement blouses, skirts, dresses, special jewelry. Dig deep. What do you have in your closet that you are saving for a special event? Pull all those party pieces and create your own Holiday Capsule Edit so you can see everything you have in one place. Just make sure to try everything on to make sure you still love the way you feel in them.
Now, the Looks…
Make one piece the Hero
Start with a piece you really want to wear and create a look around it. Keep everything else simple and understated so the hero piece shines. It could be a shoe, a blouse, a dress, a piece of jewelry, absolutely anything. I love doing this because it’s a way to fall back in love with something you already own.
Casual Festive
Perfect when you are having dinner at someone’s home or even going out to dinner. Somewhere right in between not over dressed and not too casual. The styling secret here is balance. Offset something dressy with something casual…
Do you love to wear jeans and a sweater? Then dress it up with sandals and statement jewelry.
Love dresses? Add boots and a chunky cardigan instead of heels.
There’s the tried and true.. jeans and a dressy blouse, just add your choice of shoe.
Finish with a long coat and fancy bag for an elevated touch.
Tonal, Monochromatic
All one color is such an easy way to create a chic festive look with pieces you already own.
White and cream, all black, all brown, all camel, shades of green, grey and silver, navy with blue denim. Play with different hues and textures. And just because you are wearing all one color, that doesn’t mean you can’t add an additional pop of color or metallic with a shoe or a bag or even on lips or nails.
The Unexpected
One thing I hear a lot when I’m working with women, “I would have never thought to put that with that.” Think outside the box.. maybe you have something from summer that can be styled for holiday, like a white sandal or sundress. Or pair something unexpected like a cashmere hoodie with a fancy skirt and high heels. Or a sweatshirt or ribbed tank with rhinestone earrings and a pair of smart trousers. Get a little creative and see what feels right for you.
Your Signature Holiday look
When you find something you love to wear embrace it and make it your signature look. Then see if you can create variations using that same oufit formula.
a few ideas:
slip skirt + knit + boots
jeans + party blouse + flats
trousers + camisole + heels
Most importantly….. try things until you uncover what works for you and makes you feel beautiful. And when you have a few looks you love, take pictures of each look and save them in a folder on your phone for later when you are getting ready for your holiday event.
If you need another eye and are looking for some personal styling help, reach out here.
xo,
Laura