With the inevitable craziness that the holidays bring, we’re always on the lookout for ways to simplify. In an effort to spend our spare moments soaking in the season with loved ones, we’ve pared down our holiday wardrobe staples to just a few key pieces. These five items can be mixed and matched to create looks for everything from a holiday dinner with girlfriends to a Christmas tree lighting with the family. Use one or two as your starting point and build around them, confident that the neutral pieces will work with nearly anything in your closet.
We shot this month’s What to Wear in Nashville, where StyleBlueprint is headquartered. The backdrop, Vertis in Green Hills, is a luxury apartment building … that was conveniently prepping for the holidays during our shoot! Our models — local stylist Barbara Burns, News Channel 5‘s Tuwanda Coleman and SB intern Megan Samuelrich — illustrate the versatility of the items by rocking each piece in a way unique to their style, body, age and preference.
These women are ready for all of their holiday parties and events!
These five items can mix and match with pieces you already have to create looks that work for a range of holiday events. We start with casual and move to dressier looks using easy swaps. Whether you invest in these pieces or find similar staples from your favorite local boutique, this is your recipe for dressing through the holidays. All of these can be dressed up or down and will serve you well beyond the holiday season.
Look 1:
Megan wears four out of the five wardrobe staples in this look. A silk blouse, layered with a festive cashmere wrap and gold hoops, is dressed down just a touch with light-wash denim and booties. This outfit is ideal for casual events like a holiday cookie exchange or picking out the tree.
On Megan, from Oak Hall: Bootcut jeans, $235; White blouse, $296; From Turkish-T: Red Cashmere Travel Wrap, $160; From The Perfect Pair: Black booties, $148
On Megan, from J. Ervan: Loma Large Hoops, $110
Look 2:
Dress things up a bit with a simple jacket change and glittery accessory addition. Megan swaps her wrap for a leather and suede jacket, and adds a fun handbag to jazz it up just a little. Wear this outfit to your holiday dinner with girlfriends or to the concert you gift your significant other.
On Megan, from Oak Hall: Suede and leather jacket, $696; White blouse, $296; Bootcut jeans, $235; Beaded bag, $225
Bring in a little something sparkly for an extra festive touch!
Look 3:
Barbara takes our same silk blouse, in black, and pairs it with just the right amount of sparkle. A “column look” in all one color is a chic way to elevate your outfit this holiday season, and these sequin-striped pants add dimension and flair. Add patent leather pumps and a cream cashmere wrap and you’re out the door! This look works for an office holiday party, seeing Nutcracker with your family or a nicer dinner out. For a chillier evening, pair with a long coat that will dress it up even more.
On Barbara, from Oak Hall: Black silk blouse, $296; Black sequin trouser, $450
A little sequin stripe makes this look feel holiday-appropriate!
These J.Ervan hoops are the ideal size — ones that everyone should have in their jewelry box.
A cozy cashmere wrap is a great piece to wear around your shoulders on chilly nights.
Look 4:
Tuwanda shows us just how versatile a little black dress can be. The black leather shift dress, paired with our staple black leather booties and staple gold hoops, is the answer to your nicer holiday parties and events. For a slightly more casual look, wrap a cashmere travel wrap around your shoulders. When paired with this stunning coat from Billy Reid, it takes the outfit to an entirely new level. We love the contrast of the shorter dress and long coat paired with just-edgy-enough booties.
On Tuwanda, from Oak Hall: Leather shift dress, $296; From J. Ervan: Loma Large Hoops, $110; The Beckley Necklace, $140; Loma Skinny Cuff, $70
RELATED: Billy Reid: Meet the Man Behind the Brand
A black bootie with a block heel and clean look is a must for every closet! Find these at The Perfect Pair for $180.
Cream and black is always a chic way to go. Tuwanda added a cream cashmere travel wrap from Turkish-T ($160) and Barbara added the beautiful Billy Reid Ives Car Coat ($995).
Keep it neutral and keep it simple this holiday season!
A peek behind the scenes …
Barbara helped us style the looks from Oak Hall, taking into consideration each model and their preferences as she dressed them. Find out more about her styling services here!
As always, Leslie Moore from Private Edition gave the models their glamorous looks for a fun day of shooting! Contact Private Edition for all of your makeup and skincare needs.
Resources:
- Location: Vertis Green Hills
- Photographer: Leila Grossman
- Models: Tuwanda Coleman, Barbara Burns and Megan Samuelrich
- Stores: Oak Hall, Turkish-T, J. Ervan Jewelry, The Perfect Pair and Billy Reid
- Makeup: Leslie Moore of Private Edition
- Styling: Barbara Burns
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