HOW TO DRESS FOR THE HOLIDAYS WHEN YOU'RE OVER RED AND STILL WANT TO MAKE A STATEMENT
The holidays are a unique chance to get creative with style—a time when your wardrobe can match the season’s sparkle. And while I love my denim and cashmere for day to day, the holidays are a perfect excuse to dream up outfits that feel extra-special.
As a stylist and editorial-world veteran, I can tell you the holiday style playbook could use a refresh. It’s always red and velvet for December, sequins for New Year’s Eve—predictable, right? So if you’re ready to shake things up, I’ve put together a few hacks for stepping out this season without yawning at your reflection: think unexpected neutrals instead of the classic LBD, textured accessories to add flair to any outfit, bold colors that break free from red and green, and a few peek-a-boo elements for a touch of intrigue. Let’s make holiday dressing feel fun again!
If you buy something I might earn a commission
LATE 90'S CHARTREUSE & RALPH LAUREN PINK
When you think “holiday colors,” red and green might be the classics—but they can also feel a little stale. So, let’s shake things up! Picture 90s-inspired chartreuse and pops of Ralph Lauren pink, shades that bring the same holiday spirit with a twist that’s more unexpected (and way more Carrie Bradshaw Season 2). These colors are playful yet polished, a throwback to when dressing up was all about bringing the party. And yes, makeup counts! A bold lip or swipe of colorful liner is just the thing to make your holiday look anything but ordinary. Cosmopolitan please!
plissé silk-satin midi
Open-back halterneck midi
Layered silk-crepe midi
Bianca Open Back Dress
Souffle Eyeshadow
Jinxx Heel
Bellezza 105 satin Mary Jane pumps
TEXTURE & SHAPE
If you're not looking to deviate from your usual ensemble too much, but still want to dress up, I suggest choosing simple pieces with fun textures or pops of an interesting shape (whether an embellishment, long sleeves, etcetera). Opt for silk instead of jersey, colorblock dresses with unique hemlines, bodycon dresses in a metallic finish.
The Soglio Dress
105mm Slow Kisses chiffon sandals
Stretch lurex jersey midi dress
Nova Slip Dress
Lace Trim Ankle Dress
Midi Lace Trim Dress
Duchesse Mini Dress
Siren Dress
Pearly Cascade Earrings
85mm Angelina Sandals
BROWN & GOLD
Holidays are stressful, and when life gets hectic, black is the easy fallback: classic, cool, done. But here’s a twist—brown and gold bring that same easy sophistication with a little extra warmth. Think of brown as the new neutral, with gold adding that perfect touch of glam that says “festive” without the fuss. It’s every bit as timeless as black, so these pieces will be in your closet for seasons to come.
Valira plissé-satin gown
Open-back paneled silk-satin gown
Gold-tone earrings
Gold-tone belt
Chainmail Necklace
Lacey Headband
Leather-trimmed tinsel shoulder bag
Metallic chiffon maxi dress
SATIN ACCESSORIES
An easy way to dress up an outfit you already love is by looking at your shoes and giving them a quick swap. Intentionally mismatching your pumps gives any piece of clothing that extra touch of individuality, and what may feel like a “clash” can end up transforming a simple outfit that you’ve worn a million times into something totally new. Look for washes of pale pink, lime green, chartreuse, and deep red.
Skye 70mm satin mules
L'Entracte 110 satin crêpe slingbacks
Jinxx Heel
Leandra satin pumps
PEEK-A-BOO
Fashion is intimate, and I love clothing that reflects that intimacy. Lace and cutouts feel especially fun during the holiday season, when the air is tinged with a bit of magic and it’s fun to be a bit risqué. This is the time to indulge in things for yourself — slips with intricate trim and silks with red and black. The best part? You can layer on modesty with a cashmere crewneck or opera coat.
