The holidays this year may look a little different than before, but don’t let this pandemic ruin your festive spirits! Take this now-rare opportunity to dress up and enjoy the festivities, no matter where you’re going and who you’re spending time with. Whether you’re ordering a turkey meal from your local restaurant or cooking up a holiday feast with your inner circle, look fashionable while enjoying your small circle’s company. We’ve compiled some inspirational photos for your next holiday outfit, making sure there’s enough room for seconds. Because who wouldn’t want to indulge yet still look stylish post-turkey?
Here are our holiday outfit ideas for men & women:
Casual:
If you’re the casual type and would have preferred to show up at your in-laws in sweatpants, you may want to consider how often you’ve seen them this year and put a little bit of effort into your look. Step up a level in your wardrobe game by incorporating denim in your casual ensemble. Denim is a classic wardrobe piece that will help you look holiday-appropriate.
For women, go for a high-waisted jean skirt with a knitted sweater. If you’re feeling bold, go for your favourite pair of ripped jeans. Complete the look with white sneakers or a brown high knee boot. For men, you’ll want to wear a pair of jeans that’s a bit looser on the waist so that there’s enough room for your post-dinner bod. Add a fashion accessory like a toque or a newsboy hat to complete your festive look.
Casual Dressy:
If you’re thinking, “I need to look a bit more put together for my family this year”, then ditch the denim and go for something more casual dressy. Think casual Fridays at the office but a bit more swag. Dressing casual dressy can mean taking your everyday look and throwing on a jacket or dressy outerwear to make your outfit look more formal.
For men, throwing on a casual blazer over a neutral T-shirt is a great fall look to rock. Add some men’s accessories, and you’re set for the evening. For women, a casual fall dress is a great option not only to eat and drink freely but to look cute during post-dinner snooze too. Other examples of timeless jackets are leather or denim jacket. A styling tip: leave a classic coat in your car, office or locker, and you’ll always be able to use it as your go-to transitional piece to dress up your casual look!
Dressy:
If you want to dress to impress this year at your gathering, then suit up! When in doubt: add a blazer. A blazer can be a powerful statement. Nothing shows more confidence than being the best dress at the party. For women, wearing a blazer over your holiday look can look super sophisticated and polished. For men, there is just something about a man wearing a full suit. It gives off this masculine and sexy vibe.
Accessories matter especially for a dressy entire. If you want to look on point, go for that statement piece. Style essentials can make your outfit pop. For women, statement essentials can be your studded mules, bold necklace, large hoop earrings, a stack of bangles or a faux fur teddy bear coat. For men, wardrobe statements could include a timeless expensive watch, a funky tie, colourful socks, or a neckerchief. Before leaving the house, look in the mirror, and if there’s one more accessory you can add, go for it! You’ll be getting compliments from everyone at your party.
Guest post article is co-written in partnership with Linh Pham, co-founder of Designer Swap and our In House Virtual Stylist and event co-ordinator.
Linh is Carmelia Ray’s Style Expert. She consults and advises clients in making fashion decisions for dating and lifestyle photoshoot profiles. She provides customized recommendations on individual pieces, entire looks, color palettes, styles, and fabrics. She is the Co-Founder of an online luxury consignment boutique called Designer Swap and a women’s networking group called Canadian Lady Bosses. She loves fashion, traveling, shopping, and women empowering events.
