Effortlessly Festive: A Guide To Elegant Holiday Outfits

The holidays are the perfect time to add a touch of sparkle and merriment to our wardrobes. So here’s to sharing in the spirit of the season and wearing elegant holiday outfits without compromising our style. I’m sharing some of my favorite tips on dressing effortlessly festive this season. Yes, we will be talking about how to achieve that understated, chic holiday look. So whether you are looking for an option to freshen up a pair of beloved velvet trousers or skirt, some new accessories, or something new from head to toe you will be able to find suggestions.

Before I share my favorite tips for achieving chic holiday looks that you will wear season after season you might want to check out these posts.

This post may contain affiliate links; if you click on a shopping link or picture and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission (at no cost to you), so thank you. I appreciate your support.

Let’s Put Together Some Effortlessly Elegant Holiday Outfits

So how do we easily achieve elegant holiday looks? The goal is to create subtle, balanced looks with pops of color, fun patterns, and hints of metallics. One thing I would suggest is to look in your closet and see what classic pieces you have. A great pair of tuxedo trousers, velvet trousers, or a velvet skirt is always a great starting point for an elegant holiday outfit.

Choose Festive Color Thoughtfully For Elegant Holiday OUtfits

I love color, but the trick to creating an elegant look is to use color in a balanced way.

Choose Holiday Colors

Whenever we think of the holiday season everyone’s favorite classic colors come to mind. Red, greens, golds, and silvers are a must. If you love to wear traditional colors of the season just remember to opt for one statement color piece versus an entire outfit. For example, a rich red blouse paired with a pair of black or cream trousers. For a festive casual look, you might want to wear a deep green sweater with dark wash jeans.

Petite-Friendly Shades of Color

We have to remember that wearing intense colors from head to toe can be a bit much for us. Try adding holiday colors in small doses. Some good examples are emerald green earrings, a belt with a bit of sparkle to it, or a burgundy scarf with your favorite black coat.

Add A Variety of Color

I love to wear and play with less common holiday colors. It is always best to wear the colors that enhance our looks so consider deep plum, midnight blue, or rich, rusty oranges if they look good on you. These colors can feel just as festive, but not what everyone else in the room may be wearing. The beauty of adding in more unique colors like this is that they will pair beautifully with your other holiday wardrobe staples. Now you have a fresh, modern twist to your seasonal dressing.

Patterns That Elevate, Not Overwhelm

Patterns and prints are always a great way to add interest and texture to elegant holiday outfits. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you are considering a pattern or print to add to your holiday mix of pieces.

Festive Patterns

Plaid, tartan, and subtle jacquards are always perfect for the holiday season. When you are selecting a pattern the key is getting one that is the right scale. Larger patterns can easily overwhelm petite frames. Smaller or mid-size patterns are usually a safer choice. This ivory plaid shirt is a good example of a plaid that would work. This jacquard dot pattern is a great pattern scale for petites.

Balancing Patterns With Solids

Pairing a patterned piece with a solid is an easy way to avoid a busy look. If you love wearing a plaid skirt, then just add a simple black top. You want the skirt to be your statement piece. It will still feel festive, but without going overboard.

Minimalist Prints for A Modern Look

Abstract or minimalist holiday patterns can be a fun, modern twist. Be on the lookout for patterns that have metallic threads. This type of fabric is great for bringing subtle sparkle without adding bulk. Something that is always good for petites.

Sparkle and Shine: Wearing Metallics With Subtlety

Who doesn’t love to sparkle and shine? I know I do. Metallics are fun to add in day or night. Yes, you can wear metallics during the day or in casual settings. You don’t have to save them for evening outings. So when you are in the mood for a little sparkle keep these tips in mind.

Add Just Enough, Don’t Overdo It

One metallic item in your petite outfit is the perfect addition for an elegant holiday look. It can be a silver skirt, a gold clutch, or a shoe with metallic accents. This will keep your look chic and sophisticated.

Choose Petite-Friendly Metallic Fabrics

Sequins like ivory or black don’t come across as too “loud”. Fabrics with a sheen like satin or silk are also great alternatives to sequins and heavy glitter. You still get the sparkle and shine.

Metallic Accessories

For an understated holiday outfit, metallic accessories are the perfect finishing touch. Think silver statement earrings, a gold belt, a chain belt, or a sparkly hairpin. Small touches of sparkle like this elevate your look.

Layering for the Holidays

Festive Layers

Layering is always a tricky thing for petites. We want to stay warm and layers are so good for that. However, they easily add bulk. So if you need layers for the holiday season a good option is a lightweight turtleneck with a sleeveless dress. This turtleneck is reasonably priced, comes in so many color options, and does not add any bulk. I own it in multiple colors. Another good way to layer is a slim-fit cardigan over a silk blouse.

Statement Coats

Outerwear can make a huge impact as you arrive at events or if you are going to be outside for a bit. A red or forest green coat can tie a look together. All that you need underneath your festive coat is a neutral outfit. The great thing about it is you can wear your red or green coat with som many things all winter long. Who doesn’t love wearing a beautiful, happy color on dreary winter days?

Accessorizing Smartly

Gloves, scarves, or even a beret in a festive color can be the perfect finishing touch to your look. Not only do that add that pop of color, but they will keep you warm.

Balancing Accessories For Elegant Holiday Outfits

Accessories are always “the icing on the cake” for an outfit. They pull everything together. Just remember that you don’t have to have too much sparkle to make your outfit sing.

Jewelry

When it comes to jewelry simple, elegant jewelry is always a winner. You can do just one or two. What you choose can depend upon the neckline of your top. Think of a simple pair of dangly earrings and a simple delicate necklace. If you are a bracelet person, combine some great earrings with a bracelet to finish off your look.

Shoes

It’s always fun to have a pair of fancy shoes. I like to keep them classic and simple so I can wear them for years and they are always in style. This pair of slingbacks or these kitten mules are great examples. These crystal sandals are also another classic style. You can use SASBETH15 for 15% off sitewide for Inez shoes. And yes, they are comfortable heels.

Bag

I have learned that it is good to have a classic clutch with some metallic to it. Once you find a style that matches your personal style and personality you can have it for many years. It is a great way to add an elegant touch without overpowering the outfit. This clutch is a nice mix of champagne and gold. Another good clutch to invest in if you like to wear silver would be this one.

Thanks, Let’s Keep In Touch

The holidays are always such a fun and festive time of year. Dressing for the season is about striking a balance between having holiday cheer and sticking to your personal style. Stay true to yourself and choose colors, patterns, and metallics thoughtfully to create looks that feel festive, yet polished. Wishing you a holiday season that is filled with style, grace, and just the right amount of sparkle.

If you enjoyed this post, you can also find me on Instagram and Pinterest. I would love for you to follow me there. I also have a newsletter that I send out every Wednesday and Sunday morning. In it, I share things that I don’t share on other platforms. I hope you will sign up by clicking here.

Effortlessly Festive: A Guide To Elegant Holiday Outfits

Let’s Put Together Some Effortlessly Elegant Holiday Outfits