When the holiday season rolls around, it’s tempting to splurge on a whole new wardrobe, but you don’t need to buy every festive piece to look fabulous for all your celebrations. Some of the best holiday outfits come from classic staples you already own—think a black dress, tailored trousers, dark denim, or a slip skirt. The magic happens when you add a few strategic accessories or statement pieces to elevate these timeless items. Whether it’s a sparkling necklace, a bold red lip, or a pair of velvet heels, these small additions can make all the difference, transforming your go-to pieces into festive, polished holiday looks without breaking the bank. Keep reading for all our holiday outfit ideas!
Before you shop, check your closet…
If you’re looking to stretch your wardrobe dollar this year, today we’re sharing holiday outfit ideas using items from your closet. These are the classic pieces you probably already own. Any of these staple pieces can be used as the starting point for a holiday outfit. They can be worn many ways, can be dressed up or down, work for many occasions, and will serve you well beyond the holiday season. If you don’t already own these, take a peek at our recommendations. Adding these items to your closet makes getting dressed easier!
Holiday Closet Staples
Coated Denim and Vegan Leather: This is the chameleon of your closet because they can look super fancy with one blouse, but then look super trendy with another! If you haven’t gotten the fan favorite vegan leather pants from Gap (Megan’s faves!) be sure to check them out.
A Versatile Slip Skirt: They’re everywhere! If you’re not sure, don’t make a huge investment. Try the trend with this affordable under $30 skirt from Amazon, available in tons of colors and patterns. Again, the slip skirt can be dressed up or down depending on shoes and accessories. A great travel piece.
Black Pants You Love: You know we have a few recommendations! Try Christa’s pick by Good American (high rise, thick scuba material with some give) or Megan’s pick by Liverpool (a tried and true she’s sworn by for years). And one more pair Christa recently discovered–a medium rise if that’s more your thing.
Dark/Flared Denim: Dark and flared denim is having a moment this year so lets wear them for a casual holiday outfit. Dark denim is by nature a little dressier, just add a “fancy top” and make it holiday official. Christa is a long time lover of the Wit and Wisdom Itty Bitty Bootcut jean (comes in petite and regular length). Megan is currently loving the Mother High Waisted Runaway. By high waisted they mean 10″.
LBD: A black dress you love will take you anywhere from work to cocktails. If you’re looking for one, click here for Christa’s new pick and here for Megan’s pick.
Megan’s Holiday Outfit Ideas
Add a Pair of Vegan Leather Pants
These pants look like a million bucks and they feel like sweats. I wash mine in the machine and hang dry. No ironing needed. It’s the perfect amount of trendy when you’re over 50.
How I’d Wear It: For the holidays I’d wear my vegan jeans with a cashmere sweater or a lace top – all black of course!
Add a Fancy Going Out Top
Love a fancy going out top and this one has all the bells and whistles – sheer sleeves and velvet polk-a-dots.
How I’d Wear It: Wear this top with your black pants, slip skirt, boot cut jeans or your vegan jeans. It will elevate any outfit to holiday ready.
Add a Furry Bomber Jacket
Nothing says meet me under the mistletoe like a snuggly, furry jacket. The bomber style jacket is on trend for 2024.
How I’d Wear It: Wear this EVERYWHERE! With jeans and a tee to the movies, with your slip skirt and sweater to the office holiday party.
Add a Gold Accessory (or Two)
I have owned a similar clutch and pair of gold shoes (ok- I MIGHT have more than one pair of gold shoes) for over ten years. The cost per wear at this point is under a dollar. They are timeless and you can wear them year round.
How I’d Wear It: Every wedding, holiday party, 50th birthday bash, any event that calls for a clutch – use this one. I’ve been known to wear my gold shoes with jeans and a tee (and my furry bomber) on date night with Ian.
Shop Megan’s Picks
How Megan’s Styling It
I love a monochromatic look, especially for dress up. Not only is it slimming but it makes it super easy to mix and match from your closet and make an outfit. I try to always layer different textures or fabrics to create interest. This also helps if the colors aren’t the same exact hue. Here I’m wearing vegan leather, sheer organza with velvet dots and faux fur.
Christa’s Holiday Outfit Ideas
Add a Festive Blouse
This velvet blouse (in three colors) is one of those wardrobe pieces that can be worn so many ways. Dress it up, or dress it down…it works with everything for every festive occasion. And this cinched waist/peplum style is super flattering and hides and belly you might have!
How I’d Wear It: The possibilities are endless with a blouse like this because it goes with all your classic pieces! I’d style it with my best denim for a December lunch or with my black pants and a festive kitten heel for a favorite things party.
Add a Pair of Velvet Shoes
Have some fun this holiday season with your shoes. Remember to consider comfort since you’ll be standing at parties, so opt for a block heel or low kitten heel. These black velvet heels by Sam Edelman are classic, or try these or these.
How I’d Wear It: Of course, I’d pair these with my black ankle-length pants. The ankle-length will really show off the beautiful shoes.
Add Some Sparkly Accessories
Take an everyday look you love into the holiday season with some festive and sparkly accessories. Try adding a new clutch or earrings–or some gold shoes like the pair below.
How I’d Wear It: A simple cream sweater and champagne slip skirt instantly becomes a holiday classic with some extra sparkle!
Shop Christa’s Picks
How Christa’s Styling It
I own most of these pieces and feel like I am ready for anything! Lunch with a friend? Check! Favorite Things Party? Yes! Last minute happy hour? Got it covered!
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