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10 Essentials for Your Chic Holiday Wardrobe

You'll be ready for any special occasion with these 10 fashion items. All it takes are a few dressy basics to mix and match glamorous holiday outfits!
Chic holiday essentials

I get tired of wearing the same thing day in and day out, but to be honest, there’s really no reason to get dressed up on a frequent basis. That’s why when the holidays roll around, I get excited to upgrade my wardrobe choices a bit and get outside my daily comfort level. However, I’ve found that most of my special occasion wear is a bit outdated. And let’s face it, getting something new and fashionable is a fun way to ring in the holiday season – and, subsequently, a new year! 

There are some basics that you should have in your wardrobe so that you’ll be ready for any special occasion – from winter formal to holiday parties. All it takes are a few dressy basics to mix and match your way to glamorous holiday outfits! Here are the essential items we recommend you keep in your closet so you’ll be prepared for anything.

Happy Holiday dressing!! 

Little Black Dress

One key item to include in any wardrobe is a perfect little black dress. The trendiest ‘midi’ lengths fall modestly between below the knee and mid-calf, and the ‘classic’ LBD hemline is right at the knee. Satin, velvet, jersey, and crepe are some of the best fabrics for this style. Looking for arm coverage? Here are some options that will fit any situation and are easy to dress up or keep casual. They definitely bring the glam and provide both comfort and fashion – a winning combination. 

If you prefer to go with a sleeveless option, you’ll find seemingly endless opportunities to dress your LBD up with a cardigan, jacket, or blazer. And don’t forget to accessorize! 

Fraiche By J Empire Waist Long Sleeve Dress
Fraiche By J Empire Waist Long Sleeve Dress, $99
Xscape Evenings Ruffle Off the Shoulder Velvet Cocktail Dress, $208
Xscape Evenings Ruffle Off the Shoulder Velvet Cocktail Dress, $208

Betsy & Adam Cape Sleeve Crepe Sheath Dress (4 colors)

Betsy & Adam Cape Sleeve Crepe Sheath Dress (4 colors), $199
Norma Kamali Drop Shoulder Side Drape Gown $155.00
Norma Kamali Drop Shoulder Side Drape Gown $155

Sparkly Top

A sparkly top is festive enough to stand on its own, and an embellished cardigan looks especially fresh right now. You can pair your top with black trousers or a straight skirt, then pull back your hair and apply party-ready red lips for a classic look.

Anna-Kaci Sparkle & Shine Glitter Sequin Top (10 colors), $28.49 (was $34.99)
Anna-Kaci Sparkle & Shine Glitter Sequin Top (10 colors), $28.49 (was $34.99)
Ann Taylor Sequin Short Sleeve Tee, $65.79 (was $129)
Ann Taylor Sequin Short Sleeve Tee, $65.79 (was $129)
Loft Velour Side Ruched Top, $27.47 (was $54.95)
Loft Velour Side Ruched Top, $27.47 (was $54.95)

Soft Trousers

Trousers are in vogue for any part of the day. Plaids and corduroys make great daytime selections, but for the holidays, it is best to keep the bottoms simple because of all the other bling head-to-toe. Black and winter white are faves, and festive fabrics, like velvet, can make a fashion statement all on their own.

Spanx Ponte Barrel Leg Pant (2 colors), $148
Spanx Ponte Barrel Leg Pant (2 colors), $148
Trina Turk Tavia 2 Pant, $268
Trina Turk Tavia 2 Pant, $268
Paige Laurel Canyon Bootcut Pant, $269
Paige Laurel Canyon Bootcut Pant, $269
Express Super High Waisted White Pants, $70

Blazer

This year, you’ll find oversized blazers trending at every holiday party you attend. They work well with a pair of slacks, a nice blouse, or a festive skirt. Are you going to a more casual affair? Don’t hesitate to wear a pair of fashionable jeans and elevate your look with a blazer and a pair of trendy heels.

WHBM Velvet Safari Jacket, $195
WHBM Velvet Safari Jacket, $195
Chico's Tweed Double-Breasted Sweater Blazer, $139.50
Chico’s Tweed Double-Breasted Sweater Blazer, $139.50
WHBM One-Button Sequin Blazer, $230
WHBM One-Button Sequin Blazer, $230

Perfect Clutch Bag

Complete your holiday outfits with a sophisticated clutch bag. Look for clean lines with subtle details (like gold or silver hardware) to get the most mileage. Some styles have a short strap to go over your shoulder or a loop to hang around your wrist, but holding a dainty bag in your hand is still the chicest way to go.

Rebecca Minkoff Ruched Clutch, $128
Rebecca Minkoff Ruched Clutch, $128
LETODE Acrylic Clutch Bags Purse Perspex Bag, (30 colors) $28.99
LETODE Acrylic Clutch Bags Purse Perspex Bag (30 colors), $28.99
Whiting & Davis Crystal Clasp Clutch Bag, $370
Whiting & Davis Crystal Clasp Clutch Bag, $370

Festive Pumps/Sandals

A great high-heeled shoe will go with everything from pants to little black dresses. Can’t wear heels? No need to fret! There are some fabulous glitzy flats and kitten heels for you to choose from. Fabric is the key element, and woven sparkly fabrics make evening shoes adaptable to many occasions.

Michael Kors Crystal Embellished Metallic Mesh Slingback Pump, $99 (was $145)
Michael Kors Crystal Embellished Metallic Mesh Slingback Pump, $99 (was $145)
Badgley Mischka Women's Cher Pump (9 colors), $172.84 (was $235)
Badgley Mischka Women’s Cher Pump (9 colors), $172.84 (was $235)
Lunna Pump, $60

Fabulous Earrings

If you can swing it (and there are plenty of good buys out there), real diamonds are the only way to go. If that’s not your style, go for colored stones and earrings with swagger. Hoops, drops, and studs are all popular styles. Just pair your earrings with your updo (the more pulled back/up your hair, the longer the earring).

Jenny Bird Collette Hoops, $138
Jenny Bird Collette Hoops, $138
Uncommon James Life of the Party Earrings, $68
Sculptural Droplet earrings, $32

Now that you’ve got the key pieces for your chic holiday outfits, you can feel confident attending any party or get-together. Have some fun with your selection, and enjoy your time out with friends and family. 

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