I’m all about holiday trends like this year’s debutante dressing, and appreciate holiday outfit rules like skipping the ultra-sexy numbers for family gatherings (great-gram doesn’t need to know I just mastered how to use boob tape). And my core holiday move is to add a piece to my holiday capsule wardrobe. Unlike my day-to-day capsule wardrobe, which consists of classic pieces I can mix and match freely, my holiday capsule wardrobe is more festive, fun and colorful. Each year I buy one new piece of color-blocked festive wear, say a satiny green jacket, a red dress or a Santa sweater. That way, over the years I have curated a range of options for holiday parties, caroling, family dinners that includes something for every occasion as well as the ability to mix and match pieces I have. That way, I’m able to rationalize buying better pieces, knowing that I’ll be wearing them for years to come. Here are core items I’ve come to wear year after year including holiday party dresses, jackets and statement sweaters.
How to Build a Holiday Capsule Wardrobe That’s Festive *and* Low Effort
Including the $8 item you’ll wear again and again
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1. Statement Plaid
- Where to Wear It: religious gatherings, dinner parties
- Pair With: patent flats, simple accessories
A plaid dress, jacket or skirt in dusky tones like loden, dark cherry or navy is a tried-and-true seasonal staple. I love the way it can be worn even after the tree’s come down, until the crocuses pop up; jazz up these items with rhinestone brooches and earrings, sparkly hair clips and glitter makeup.
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2. Jewel Tone Jackets
- Where to Wear It: pot luck get-togethers, caroling
- Pair With: LBD, jeans
A snazzy jacket goes a long way toward saying Happy Holidays, without going full hosiery on the event. I like to wear a green satin blazer with a sweater underneath when we take our annual family drive to see Christmas lights; along with velvet and corduroy, these extra-special fabric textures are a touch special and cozy, too.
3. Feather Trim
- Where to Wear It: cocktail party, sitting on Santa’s lap
- Pair With: minimalist accessories, red lipstick
Feather and faux-feather trim is a party waiting to happen, and I immediately gravitate toward anyone I see wearing a feather boa, because they’re either theatrical or wild or trouble (and preferably all three), which is what I’m looking for in any holiday gathering. My people! If you’re not brazen enough to go full feather boa, a bit of trim along your pants hem is an elegant alternative.
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4. Holiday Sweaters
- Where to Wear It: kids’ class holiday party, office party, shopping with mom
- Pair With: wide-leg khaki pants, jeans, midi denim skirt
Legendary Vogue editor Diana Vreeland said, “A little bad taste is like a nice splash of paprika,” and I agree—who wants a bland holiday? So take the opportunity to lean into the kitsch around the holiday times, and these sweaters are festive and show you to be the big bundle of holiday cheer you want to be. Just stay away from any messages that are too racy and this look will be a crowd-pleaser.
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5. Big Bow Blouses
- Where to Wear It: professional settings, religious services
- Pair With: slim skirt, pantsuit
Bows are big this season, from the bow-front cardigans to this look, which is as ladylike as it is flattering. Popularized in the 1930s (when women entering office jobs wore the style) and rumored to be named “pussy bows” after the ribbons tied as decorations on cats, this button-front top is usually silk or cotton and can be layered under a vest, jacket or worn solo. I like the feeling of unimpeachable taste and appropriateness I have when I wear one of these blouses, so I pop this on when I’m encountering extended family and snobs, and always feel confident.
6. Red Tights
- Where to Wear It: holiday cocktails, office party
- Pair With: miniskirt, LBD
Think of this as the holiday version of wrong shoe theory—the idea that you pair an out-of-the-ordinary accessory with one of your usual outfits. Add a red tight to any classic little black dress, wool miniskirt or camel coat and you’ve suddenly got a whole holiday look going on. I like to wear red tights with chunky loafers, heels and Mary Jane flats instead of boots, so that there’s as much red leg as possible on view.
