My Easy 3-part Holiday Outfit Formula

‘Tis the season for all the fun holiday-inspired looks! I love a good themed outfit at this time of year, so I went back through my past holiday season outfits and figured out the top three things I focus on when creating my holiday outfits. All of the outfits that I consider holiday outfits have at least one of these elements. This is my super easy, 3-part holiday outfit formula!

Easy 3-Part Holiday Outfit Formula

Bright, rich colors/plaids + luxe textures + metallics/statement jewels

When creating my holiday-inspired looks, I include at least one of each element in the formula but add more as appropriate considering the setting (at the office, party, etc.), weather, and my desired comfort level (i.e. do I want to wear heels, boots, or flats). It is pretty easy (and fun) for me to come up with outfits that include all three elements!

Let’s take a closer look at each of the three parts of the holiday outfit formula! (Click on each of the outfits below to be taken to the original outfit post.)

1) Consider color—opt for jewel tones and seasonal tartan

Holiday outfit idea: red cashmere sweater, demi-boot jeans, black velvet ankle boots, black red tartan scarf — Cotton Cashmere Cat Hair

Holiday outfit idea: Stewart Victoria tartan flannel shirt, forest green corduroy pants, metallic gold flats — Cotton Cashmere Cat Hair

Holiday outfit idea: navy packable puffer coat, Stewart Victoria tartan flannel shirt, skinny jeans, navy velvet kitty flats — Cotton Cashmere Cat Hair

Holiday outfit idea: black cropped cashmere sweater, forest green corduroy pants, black ballet flats, black red tartan scarf — Cotton Cashmere Cat Hair

The number one thing I do to create a holiday look is focus on seasonal colors and fun color combos I wouldn’t wear at any other time of year. I pull out all of my jewel-toned sweaters, tops, and bottoms with a focus on red, green, and navy, and I also alternate between my plaid flannel shirts. The Stewart Victoria plaid is the perfect holiday plaid with a mix of cream, red, and green, and the dark tartan scarf above features red and green on a black background. I also love red plaids at this time of year!

I don’t tend to wear full brightly-colored holiday looks and instead ground the bright colors with denim and black (other neutrals I reach for regularly are ivory and shades of brown).

Other colors I wear during the holiday season: burgundy, pink, and earthy/olive green.

2) Add luxe texture with faux fur and/or velvet

Holiday outfit idea: faux fur coat, red cashmere sweater, skinny jeans, velvet ankle boots — Cotton Cashmere Cat Hair

Holiday outfit idea: cream alpaca scarf, blue cream plaid flannel shirt, skinny jeans, navy velvet kitty flats — Cotton Cashmere Cat Hair

Holiday outfit idea: faux fur ear muffs, black blazer, berry red velvet peplum top, skinny jeans, black velvet ankle boots — Cotton Cashmere Cat Hair

Holiday outfit idea: faux fur coat, ivory cashmere sweater, black skinny jeans, black velvet ankle boots — Cotton Cashmere Cat Hair

Admittedly, this is a very Northern Hemisphere-centric part of the holiday outfit formula, as I’m sure those of you in the Southern Hemisphere do not wear faux fur during the summer months! Ever since I purchased my faux fur coat a couple of years ago, it has made regular appearances in my holiday outfits. It’s definitely not my warmest coat, but it is my most fun coat—and I especially love to pull it out for parties and other events! (Remember those? Ha.)

Velvet is another popular texture in my closet and can most often be found in my shoe collection; I have two pairs of velvet ankle boots and one pair of velvet flats. I wear them all constantly during the holiday season but definitely opt for the boots more often than the flats to avoid cold feet! Other velvet garments (tops, pants, dresses) work wonderfully in holiday outfits, too.

Other textures to consider: waffle knit, cable knit, corduroy, and patent leather.

3) Dress it up with metallics and statement jewels

Holiday outfit idea: faux fur coat, velvet ankle boots, crystal drop statement earrings — Cotton Cashmere Cat Hair

Holiday outfit idea: grey cocoon coat, navy sweater, white denim, navy velvet kitty flats, crystal statement necklace — Cotton Cashmere Cat Hair

Holiday outfit idea: burgundy cropped sweater over black dress, black velvet ankle boots, crystal statement necklace — Cotton Cashmere Cat Hair

Holiday outfit idea: red sweater, white denim, metallic gold flats, crystal drop statement earrings — Cotton Cashmere Cat Hair

A few years ago, I lived in statement jewels, but now my preferred everyday look is either a simple pair of stud earrings or an understated necklace (not usually both at the same time). When it comes to holidays, though, gimme the jewels! The holiday season is when I break out my statement earrings and necklace (I’m down to just one now), and it’s a simple but impactful outfit element.

I’m also a big fan of metallics, specifically my metallic pairs of shoes (I have three gold pairs: two pairs of sandals and one pair of flats). I have no qualms with wearing them year-round (except I only wear the sandals in the warmer months for obvious reasons), but it’s especially fun to pull out the metallics for the holiday season! There’s nothing a little sparkle and shine can’t do to jazz up your outfits.

Other bling to wear: sequins!

Do you have a go-to holiday outfit formula? What items in your closet do you pull out the most during the holiday season? I’d love to know!

Happy Hanukkah! 💙