Tis the Season to Be Stylish: Holiday Fashion Inspiration

Written by Gabriella Beard

 

Who doesn’t love the holiday season? It is now December, and we have to get our wardrobes ready for the holidays! Every year, the holiday trends are continuously being reinvented. This year’s holiday fashion trends are both versatile and eccentric, featuring a variety of looks from minimalist chic to bold and festive.

 

This time of year, trending colors such as deep maroons, greens, and browns offer a sophisticated and festive palette. Dark shades of red such as burgundy and maroon exude holiday excitement, while olive and army greens continue to be timeless choices as well. These elegant tones are versatile and can be worn across various pieces, adding a tasteful and refined touch to any outfit. These colors not only evoke the season but also enhance outfits with a sense of depth, contrast, and elegance.

Whether styled casually or as a statement piece, these hues flawlessly complement holiday looks. Reds and greens also pair beautifully with denim, making them perfect for layering with your favorite jeans or a classic denim jacket. Warm neutrals like camel, beige, tan, and rich chocolate browns provide a simple yet sophisticated base for winter outfits. These colors offer a modern twist on traditional holiday styling, creating effortless and polished looks for the season.

 

When planning your December outfits,  consider trending and complementary fabrics with the same emphasis as on colors. Winter fashion offers the perfect opportunity to showcase your favorite stylish jackets and coats. Faux fur and shag are great fabrics for any type of coat to create a bold, highly fashionable look and make your outfit a statement. These textures work iconically for creating extravagant, eye-catching looks and can be styled up for festive occasions or dressed down for casual outings. 

Wool is another excellent fabric choice, especially with trench coats and sweaters. Not only does it offer a timeless and classic aesthetic, but it also provides the warmth needed to brave chilly winter days. Leather also remains a timeless favorite for holiday fashion– its versatility allows it to shine in various forms and brings an edgy twist to a classy look. Whether it’s part of a casual or elevated ensemble, leather is a great way to add a polished and modern touch to your outfit. 

 

We can’t talk about holiday trends without diving into how to elevate your outfits to their most festive and glamorous potential. The holiday season is your time to shine – literally –  and the perfect excuse to go all out and be as extravagant as you want. December screams glitter, metallic, and sparkles. A touch of shimmer exudes festive flair and elevates an outfit, accomplished by sporting an embellished jacket or sequinned dress, for example. .Accessories, too, can play a big role—think glittery handbags, metallic heels, or shiny jewelry that brings just the right amount of sparkle to your look.

When planning your wardrobe for December’s events, it’s essential to think about the different occasions that require a fashionable yet functional approach. Whether it is an office party, family dinner, winter wedding, or outdoor holiday outing, each event offers the chance to put a trendy, unique twist on your outfit. For office parties or business events, the key is balancing elegance with professionalism. A slim-fitted midi dress paired with a blazer and kitten heels strikes the perfect balance of formal and chic. Alternatively, a sleek jumpsuit with booties can offer a more relaxed but still polished aesthetic, depending on how formal the occasion is.

 

For family dinners or more casual gatherings, comfort can meet style. A simple tank with an oversized cardigan, paired with low-waisted jeans and cozy boots is a classic and easy option. It strikes the balance between laid-back and a chic, holiday-ready look.

Winter weddings can be tricky when it comes to finding an outfit that is both stylish and warm. Dresses in jewel tones like sapphire, emerald, or ruby are perfect for this season, with velvet fabrics adding an extra layer of luxury and warmth. This is a great time to incorporate a faux fur jacket or wrap for an elegant and glamorous aesthetic. Suede heels or closed-toe platforms are ideal shoe choices for a formal and season-appropriate look. For outdoor holiday outings, layering is key. Turtleneck sweaters and trench coats remain popular this  season, offering both warmth and sophistication.

 

Transforming your wardrobe for the holiday season on a budget might seem challenging, however, embracing a capsule wardrobe is both a practical and stylish solution. A capsule wardrobe is all about curating a collection of versatile, high-quality items that can be effortlessly mixed and matched. This approach allows you to re-wear key pieces while continually reinventing your outfits with fresh combinations. Capsule wardrobes are a smart way to practice forward-thinking fashion while protecting your budget—because let’s be honest, the temptation to overspend during the holidays is real. 


 

The key to doing this during the holiday season is to select pieces that are both functional and festive. For instance: black or neutral boots that can be paired with almost any outfit, a classic jacket (denim, leather, blazer, or trench) that can be dressed up or down, a fun knit sweater, a satin or cotton skirt to be paired with a variety of tops, and one or two standout festive pieces like a sequin top or dress. A knit sweater can also transition seamlessly between casual and elevated styles. Pair it with jeans for a cozy, relaxed vibe, or layer it over a turtleneck with a satin skirt, tights, and knee-high boots for a more elevated, polished look. With this thoughtfully curated capsule wardrobe, you can stylishly and creatively collect the perfect variety of holiday outfits.

 

Edited by Hana Razvi, Katherine Rubinstein & Sophia Buckholtz

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