The Holiday Outfit Method: Create The Perfect Holiday Look In Three Steps
It happens every year. The holidays come at us fast and before we know it, we have a holiday event and “nothing to wear.” Before you start scrolling for a new holiday dress or Christmas sweater, let me present to you the Holiday Outfit Method. You might actually have the perfect holiday outfit in your closet just waiting to be styled!
The Holiday Outfit Method came to me last year when I was styling clients for the Fall/Winter season. No matter what the Hallmark movies might show you, winter is usually dark and cold, especially in Vermont. Consequently, people naturally bring sources of light and warmth in their lives to compensate. We saw this in the recent popularity of Hygge, with images of candle light, warm drinks, crackling fires and cozy knits becoming the new trend in home decor.
Hyg·ge /ˈho͞oɡə,ˈho͝oɡə/
a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being (regarded as a defining characteristic of Danish culture). -Oxford Languages
Much like Hygge, the Holiday Outfit Method also brings warmth and light to the season. However, the Holiday Outfit Method has three distinct parts. Shine, Coziness and Personality. If you look at the best, most interesting holiday outfits they all have these components. They might be in varying amounts and one item might carry more than one quality, but they are there.
Let’s talk about each part.
Shine
Just like a candle or twinkle lights, shine adds luminescence. Sequins, silk, metallics, velvet, jewels and even patent leather can provide shine to an outfit.
Coziness
Think of this as the warmth factor. You want to add a feature to your outfit that looks warm. Think fur/faux fur, shearling, cashmere, cable knits, suede and velvet. You can also interpret this as a casual warmth, bringing in flannel, corduroy or denim.
Personality
This is the part that makes the holiday look 100% you. It is not fun to wear an outfit that doesn’t resonate with the way you are feeling on the inside. Think of the style descriptors that fit you best. Boho? Beaded clutch, layered jewelry or velvet peasant skirt. Classic? Plaid, headband or pearls. Rock? Leather, studded details or animal print. Romantic? Lace, bows or corset. Sporty? Cable knit sweater, puffer jacket or socks and sneakers. Trendy? Oversized blazer, red tights, Mary Jane shoes or whatever trends are hot when you are reading this. This is also a great way for vintage collectors to wear those special pieces that they have acquired. A 50s envelope clutch, 60s geometric earrings, 70s shearling jacket, 80s ski sweater and a slip dress from the 90s all can be incorporated into a holiday look as a pop of personality. This list is by no means exhaustive and definitely up to your interpretation, but you get where I am going with this.
Now that you know the three parts to a perfect holiday look, raid your closet and pull out all the items that have 1)shine 2)coziness and 3)personality and see what you can create. Here is some inspiration I found on Instagram and images I collected on my Holiday Outfit Pinterest board to get you started! Feeling stuck? Let’s set up a virtual session.
A master class in layering shine and warmth.
An outfit that brings a little naughty to the nice.
A minimalist look that checks all the boxes.
The Mom Edit bringing a cozy chic dinner party outfit.
A holiday twist on a classic pleated skirt and sweater combo.
Alexa Chung bringing holiday style again, this time with denim and a blazer.
Leandra Cohen aka the Man Repeller always brings the personality, whether you like it or not.
Sparkle knit = the holiday version of the going out top.
Slip skirt and a hair bow adds a little vintage romance.
More red tights, but add leopard and a rosette because in this case more is definitely better.
Boho vibes shine in layers of velvet.
You might be thinking “Lisa! What about color?” Well, I have opinons on this. Not everyone looks their best in bright red. I believe a holiday outfit can be in any color palette. My advice is to stick to the color palette that works best for you and then your holiday items will work all season long. Want to know what colors look best on you? Set up a Personal Color Analysis with me!
Happy Holidays!
Love,
Lisa