As much as I love dressing up for the holidays, most of our celebrations this year are very casual events. After chatting with many of you, it sounds like your holiday celebrations are similar. So how do we stay comfortable and casual but add a hint of cheer? Here’s how to make your casual outfits more festive for the holidays…
For The Holidays, Add Something Red To Your Casual Outfits
No matter what time of year you wear red, it evokes feelings of love, warmth, health, energy, and more! So if you want to add a cheerful vibe to a basic jeans and t-shirt outfit, add a red accessory like a hat or scarf. Invest in some red winter accessories now, and wear them through the new year and around Valentine’s Day.
I’m wearing the Mom Allen jeans in gray. I love that the Mott & Bow jeans come in a petite-friendly length as I can never find time to have my jeans hemmed. These have a 28″ hem so they’re perfect as full-length jeans for me. The washed gray color gives these jeans a casual look without any rips or distressing.
My t-shirt is Mott & Bow’s super soft Marcy V-Neck T-shirt in heather gray. I love that “twinset” look so lately I’ve been matching my t-shirts with my outerwear piece.
If red is too bright for you, choose a top or accessory in wine or burgundy. My Marcy t-shirt also comes in a deep, saturated crimson in both short and long sleeves.
A Cashmere Sweater Is Always Festive
There’s something about the soft, warm feel of cashmere that makes even the most laid-back outfit feel luxurious. I’m wearing Mott & Bow’s Cashmere Raglan Crew in black (size small)
If you want to wear a festive scarf or jewelry, take a look at the Cashmere Oversized V-Neck Willow.
Hair And Makeup Can Change Your Look
Sometimes the difference between sloppy and chic has nothing to do with your outfit. Sometimes, hair and makeup can change your look even when you’re wearing sweatpants.
Around the holidays I often see and read posts about throwing on some red lipstick for instant glamor, but I have to disagree. I think bold red lips have to be balanced by significant eye makeup, so if you’re looking for a casual but festive look, opt for a softer lip color. I’m wearing Bite Beauty’s Chai lipstick which is just a little more red than my natural lip color. In the winter, I also like to wear more color on my cheeks, to give my face a festive glow!
Even if you don’t have a lot of time to do your hair before a party (my fellow hosts, I’m talking to you) adding volume and a few minutes with a curler or straightener can make you look that much more polished.
Sparkle And Shine Are Always In Style
Because I work from home and have a busy family (i.e. endless laundry and dishes) I don’t wear a lot of jewelry. So for the holidays, especially when we’re going out, I like to accessorize as much as I can.
A cocktail ring like Aureaus + Argent’s Square Facet Ring would look good with any casual outfit for the holidays.
If you love the look of stacked bracelets but don’t have time to coordinate them, take a look at Victoria Emerson’s Indy cuff. It’s casual enough for a basic sweater and jeans, but sparkles like your favorite disco lights (just kidding).
The asymmetrical, organic shapes in Monica Vinader’s jewelry give them a casual vibe. Some of my favorites are the Siren Bezel Earrings, Siren Muse Small Hoop Earrings, and the Mini Siren Fine Chain Bracelet all of which are available at Nordstrom.
Once you have the basics, comfortable jeans, a cozy sweater, and chic boots, add some holiday cheer with fun, colorful accessories.