When it comes to fall/winter trends, my mind often jumps to cold-weather staples like cozy turtlenecks, oversized sweaters, fleece leggings, and wooly socks. But as the holidays gear up, the excitement to celebrate sparks an opportunity to set these casual pieces aside and indulge in a bit of glamour. Holiday dressing can range from ugly sweaters and Santa hats to sequined cocktail dresses, but for this year, it’s all about turning heads and making style statements. Here’s a rundown of this season’s holiday dressing trends.
First, up fancy pants. After all the Zooms and virtual contact where we all wore shirts with sweatpants, now is the time to get creative with bottoms. Fancy pants can include embellished denim, silky trousers, or patterned pants. Dillard’s has an elastic waist straight leg pull-on sequined pant in black that is festive while also sophisticated. These can be your party pants for this Christmas, celebrations into the new year, and beyond. I love the high rise and elastic waist, leaving room for holiday treats, and would pair this with heels and a fitted knit. Express has a metallic faux leather straight-leg pant in gunmetal that is certain to be the start of any party. I’d style these pants with a bodysuit, blazer, and boots for an edgy take on holiday cheer. For patterned or loose trousers, you can style them with a more minimalistic top.
However, if you’re more of a maximalist, then you are in luck, as shiny embellishments abound with plenty of new ways to shine. H&M features all sorts of sequined pieces. From a mini-dress with beaded fringe to a silver-sequined tank top and all the way through to a sequined bomber jacket in the men’s department. They also have sequined options for little ones to make a whole sequined-up family. What a Christmas picture that would make!
Check out Banana Republic’s matching ultra-sequin shirt and pants in gold for an ultra-luxe and high-impact take on embellishments. Sequins head-to-toe is a season’s greeting that won’t be ignored. Other types of embellishments include paillettes, like those found on a disc miniskirt over at Nordstrom, feather-trimmed blouses from River Island, and gemstone-embellished boots from Akira. In fact, a paillette mini, feathered blouse, and gemstone studded booties would be quite the outfit this holiday season. You may not even need to decorate for the party with that look.
Of course, you may not be wanting to make quite so much noise with looks dangling in sequins and fringe. Another way to turn heads during the holidays is with unexpected color. There’s been a shift from traditional jewel-toned holiday colors toward more fun electric hues. Think of shades like hot pink, bright lime, and electric blue that evoke positivity and high energy for the season. Eloquii’s velvet tie waist gown in festive fuchsia makes for a colorful yet elegant outfit for more formal holiday affairs. Mango’s bow satin blouse in bright blue works well with jeans or trousers for a more casual yet still chic shindig.
Speaking of bows, what would the season be without shiny bright ribbons all tied up with care? Bows can work for outfits, not just gifts! Whether it be on a garment or as an accessory, bows bring a sense of whimsy to your holiday look. The Belle Bow from Hill House will perfectly top off your family gathering outfit with its barrette closure for an easy yet polished hair accessory. Macy’s women’s button-up bow blouse comes in rose, black, and ivory and is perfect for the office party, as it can transition from your desk to drinks when worn with a pencil skirt and heels.
Sure, not everyone can go out and buy a brand-new holiday wardrobe full of sequins, shiny colors, and bows. However, you may be able to give a nod to these trends with a simple yet high-shine handbag. Keep your outfit understated with a little black dress or blazer and jeans, and pump up the look with an embellished handbag, such as Walmart’s sunrise shoulder bag in silver rhinestones. Or go for a sleek sheen with a shiny patent leather handbag from Amazon for this season’s rounds of gatherings and events.
No matter what you’re wearing to celebrate, the important thing is being with loved ones, appreciating blessings, and being thankful we all survived another year. However, if you can look great while doing so, all the better!
