Home for the Holidays

In this unprecedented year, I barely felt the energy or inspiration to create holiday posts boasting good cheer. Reflecting on what this time of year does for me, especially after 2020, it provides hope. Hope to take a pause with family and friends, ushering in a new beginning that overcomes the trials and tribulations of the past. I also didn’t want to be insensitive to those who have had family members, their business, job, or health compromised in 2020. Maybe spending the majority of the year in isolation made me feel like I needed to make lemonade out of the current restrictive holiday status we find ourselves in. So I came up with a few holiday outfits that you can source most likely for free, right from your closet! I have to say, even though I was a tad shaky putting on lipstick after almost 9 months, getting a little glam and dancing to Christmas music was a great pick-me-up in a time where there hasn’t felt like much to celebrate.

Cozy Chic

I wanted to avoid posting denim in any of my outfit options, because at this point denim just doesn’t scream festive to me. Over the holidays at home, I always want to be comfortable but that doesn’t stop me from putting on a dress or heels. I layered this satin slip dress with a black chenille turtleneck. I like mixing textures to give it an interesting contrast yet the monochromatic combination feels more sophisticated to me than mixing different colors. Throw on some booties or slip-on mules and you have a cozy chic look for your company’s Zoom Christmas social.

Winter Whites

I’m a firm believer you should always have a great cream or white dress in your closet for summer and wintertime. I did buy this universally flattering sweater dress back in the fall when I thought we had the chance to have some moderate Christmas festivities. While I’m sad I won’t be able to wear it out this year, it’s such a classic piece, I know it will be in my closet for many years to come. However, a couple of weeks ago I saw the following post and honestly couldn’t agree more.

“Do not, I repeat do not save your best dishes, best clothes and best jewelry for some future “special” occasion. Today IS the special occasion and it’s the only reason you need. Use them and wear them while doing housework or on a zoom call or while just reading a book. Live!” 

So with that in mind, this dress and that quote have determined my Christmas table and outfit, I’m going to use my good china and brave the white dress during Turkey dinner.

Pleather Weather

If there was one trend I jumped on in 2020 you can be sure it wasn’t the tie-dyed sweatsuit. I did however try and fall in love with these paper bag pleather pants and a puff-sleeved sweater. The combo is loud and bold, but it literally felt like I was wearing a sweatsuit and gave me a nostalgic Griswold vibe. The best part, both pieces can transition to a casual feel by adding a basic tee or denim.

Plaid and Pleats

I love mixing textures and this buffalo check sweater and velvet pleated skirt with a western belt and furry boots was just the ticket to a playful festive look. Previously I’ve paired this skirt with a lace top and jeweled belt for a dressier outfit. I think this is a fun look if you’re headed out with the family to cruise the neighborhood Christmas lights or do a drive by gift swap. However, a sweater and skirt combo can transition from outdoors to inside by simply changing out the footwear to a simple pair of heels (fur hat optional).

I’d like to think Christmas isn’t canceled this year, and as we are all trying to get creative on how to adjust and celebrate this year, the one thing that has always been an outlet for me is fashion. I’m planning to incorporate it into some of my annual traditions just to have some fun. Whether it’s a themed movie night, virtual ugly sweater party with friends, or dressing up to drop off some holiday baking I’m thinking it will help me spread a little Christmas cheer.