I don’t know about you, but to me, holiday dressing (no, not the deliciously seasoned bread dish) is equal parts fantastical and frightening. It’s an opportunity to indulge in pieces more glittery, lush, and flamboyant than one might typically wear, but it can also feel like you’re pigeonholed into a sequin shift or kitschy sweater. For the record, my MIL-hand-me-down Christmas cat sweatshirt WITH attached peter pan collar is one of my favorite things to wear annually, but I digress - those items don’t particularly lend themselves to re-wearing throughout the season.
So - what do you do instead? May I suggest: letting accessories sparkle, draping yourself in lush materials, and/or switching up color schemes?
clockwise from upper left | sandro paulette velvet-trim mini dress, $445. the pearl buttons really make this. // continuing on the pearl + velvet train, lele sadoughi velvet bow & pearl-drop earrings, $145. // i don’t think i will ever get over a statement earring. these are by anthropologie, $68. // kristin ess velvet hair bows, in a perfect range of holiday hues, $14 each. // 1) metallic celestial motif. 2) velvet. 3) a sensible heel for hours of kibbitzing over cocktails. j. crew celestial mary jane pumps, $228. // i absolutely stan fun/fancy flats for the holidays. slide these on with some silk PJ’s and you’ve got my ideal NYE ‘fit. j. crew feather-trimmed moire mules, $99.5. // ok mules are sexy as hell!!! (but like…someone teach me how to walk in them) the bow on these adds a demure but festive touch. kate spade sheela pumps, $188. // instagram ads served me this absolute stunner; there is also a similar blazer + trouser combo that is to. die. for. georgia hardinge frida robe, $390. // center: i just love a dramatic sleeve. 12storeez is another insta find with some truly fantastic offerings! bishop sleeve velvet dress, $168.
clockwise from upper left: obvi you pair these with the matching PJ top. 12storeez pajama-style trousers, $232. // mango feather clutch bag, $100. it’s ridiculous and wonderful and i need it. // i WILL be recreating this mini + patterned tights + docs combo. 12storeez velvet blazer dress, $220. // zara slingback flat mules with rhinestone, $89.9. // i know, i know. don’t roll your eyes, and always read the reviews: shein velvet kitten heel mules, $32. // need i repeat myself? statement. earrings. boden beaded beetle earrings, $70.
I feel the need to add a little reality check/disclaimer here: yes, like ALL of these items are hella pricey. I certainly am not spending $400+ on a dress at this point in my life, and nor do I think one has to in order to be stylish. These items are what caught my interest and are sometimes just a jumping-off point! Basically…it’s half mood board, half act of manifestation. 🔮🤣
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jess