10 Holiday Outfit Ideas For The Festive Week Ahead

Inspiration for anyone unsure about what to wear to their celebrations.

I’ve always loved dressing up for the holidays. It’s something my mother instilled in me from a young age. For Christmas, she’d take me shopping and together we’d pick out a dress. She always bought me matching tights and shoes. She’d curl my hair for church. I loved the ritual of it all. It felt special because it was and I felt pretty because I felt put together.

This sentiment has followed me into and applies to my everyday life outside the holiday realm, but there’s just something about dressing to the nines for holiday celebrations that feels… different. And when I say “dressing to the nines,” I don’t necessarily mean wearing a dress and tights. The saying is subjective to the occasion. To me, it means taking a dress code and not only meeting it but exceeding it, if for no other reason than when you look your best, you feel your best.

Admittedly, figuring out the different kinds of outfits that make me feel my best as an adult took some trial and error. Years’ worth of trial and error, if I’m being completely transparent.

There were plenty of instances where I’d torn apart my closet, tried on dozens of combinations, and had to pick something, tearfully, because it was getting late and I had to leave. I’m not saying these moments are a thing of the past, because they still occur from time to time (I struggle with body dysmorphia, and when it kicks in, it kicks me in the feels, then kicks me even harder when I’m down). But, I’ve gotten better at piecing together looks that are comfortable, comforting, and that I think look nice.

When I put together this list of holiday outfit ideas, my goal was to offer inspiration to anyone standing in front of their closet, drawing a blank, swearing they have “nothing” to wear. It was also to offer holiday outfit inspiration to anyone struggling to choose something and just know they’ll feel good wearing it.

I’ve been where you are. Both of you. I’ll be there again. I might even be there on Christmas and New Year’s, regardless of this cheat sheet I’ve made for myself. But I hope it sparks a creative fire in you to play with the pieces in your closet and put together a holiday outfit that looks as good as it feels.

*On that note, this will be my last post before Christmas. To those who celebrate, I’m wishing you and your loved ones a very merry holiday.*

A Festive Sweater

Ugly sweaters, super cute graphic sweaters, sweaters with fair isle patterns - whatever “festive” means to you, that’s the sweater I’m referring to here. Bonus points if it’s extra cozy. You can pair it with whatever bottom you like - jeans, a skirt, or leggings!

Dressed-up Jeans and A Solid Top

My parents gifted me this gorgeous cape for my birthday and I am obsessed. It’s such a great capsule wardrobe piece, because it’s versatile, and can be worn with everything from dresses and heels to jeans and boots. I thought this particular combo would be a casual chic option for a holiday party at a family member or friend’s house.

A Leather Mini Skirt

I think I’m entering my skirt era, and that a leather-presenting skirt is a must-have for every wardrobe. Depending on the dress code, you can easily dress the piece down or doll it up with your choice of blouse or a sweater, boots, flats, or heels.

Something Sparkly

I was recently gifted this glitzy gold tank top from Petal and Pup and while I would pair it with a blazer, it makes a statement all its own. Of course, I paired it with gold jewelry because you can never have too much glam, right?

A Velvet Element

I found this red velvet top at TJ Maxx years ago and it’s still holding up. A holiday classic paired with a black skort and tights, the combo gives me 90s Christmas vibes, and I am all about tapping into that nostalgia. It’s a contender for my outfit this year.

A Sweater Dress

Last year, Ramy Brook gifted me this gorgeous (and oh-so-comfortable) sweater dress. I was so excited to wear it to my family’s Christmas party but decided not to because I felt insecure about my curves. I wish I had worn it, because when I put it on for this holiday outfit ideas roundup, I adored everything about the piece, from its so-soft-I-could-sleep-in-it material to the furry sleeves, v-neckline, and how it veiled my figure.

Do me a favor. Wear the dress. It looks great. Trust me.

A Party Dress

And speaking of dresses, maybe you’re going to a fancy party or feel like dressing way up come Christmas. Anything with lace, mesh, ruffles, etc. is all fair game in my book.

Something Sequined

Do you see these sequins? Could I be any more glowy? This top from Abercrombie makes me feel like a walking disco ball in the best way possible. I’ll likely be ringing in the new year in pajamas this year but will be wearing this either on New Year’s Eve in the afternoon or New Year’s Day.

A Bold Button-Down

I went through a phase in 2021 where I loved a button-down shirt. I think I’m going to dust off my collection for 2024, starting with this bright green number from - surprise! - Petal and Pup. I love the color for this time of year, and think this kind of top is a great holiday outfit option for anyone looking for a super easy, but also dressed-up ensemble. I paired the shirt with leather leggings, but you can also opt for a skirt!

Holiday-Appropriate Overalls

Another style I’ve been toying with recently is the overall dress. I’ve only committed once when I wore a brown leather variation to Thanksgiving. It was a hit. I got it on a shopping trip with my sister-in-law (hi Maria!) and on that same trip, also bought this corduroy number. I love it with a black turtleneck but think it would be even more festive with a white long-sleeve bodysuit underneath.

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