The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Clothes

Gather around, Avaraistas, because one of the most anticipated times of the year is just around the corner. The holiday season will be here before you know it and this is your chance to flaunt your impeccable style and make a lasting impression while wearing holiday outfits for women. From planning a laid-back family gathering to a chic holiday celebration, we’ve got you covered on the ultimate guide to holiday clothes.

Set the Stage for Holiday Style

When it comes to picking out holiday clothes, a cute long-sleeve top and pair of jeans is a classic option for a casual get-together. If you’re looking to change up the look for something more formal, you can go for a sweater and skirt combination or even don that fancy party dress. From cozy knit cardigans to bold a sweater, there are plenty of ways to set the stage for your holiday style this year.

Holiday Fashion

When we think about the holidays, we may be more focused on shopping and tree decorating than we are on fashion. Yet this holiday gives us a chance to show our appreciation in style. Our fashion choices can make the gatherings extra special. Suddenly, as we cozy up next to our loved ones, our outfits become expressions of our unique personalities intermingling with special traditions. From the cozy long-sleeved shirt that brings you comfort to the apron worn with pride by the hostess with the most-ess, fashion is a key part of the overall holiday celebration.

Holiday Outfit Trends

One thing that never goes out of style is the delightful mix of comfort and fashion. In recent years, we’ve seen relaxed looks skyrocket to be the theme for the most popular holiday looks. It could be a cozy knit sweater and a midi skirt or a flowy maxi dress. Tailored pants and a fitted sparkly blouse take center stage. You’ll see plenty of earthy tones like forest green and deep burgundy that echo the winter landscape around us. Experiment with accessories like wide-brimmed hats and chunky scarves to add a touch of sophistication. Layering is key to mastering your holiday clothes when you need versatility as you move from an indoor dinner to an outdoor activity.

Holiday Clothes Ideas

When deciding what you want to wear, consider the occasion. An outfit for a casual family gathering may be more laid-back than a more formal soiree. If you’re having a Secret Santa party with your besties, you’ll want to look fun and chic. Consider a knee-length, A-line dress in a winter color like burgundy paired with tall boots. Elevate your ensemble with a long open cardigan or blazer. 

For a more casual look, pair a cozy knit sweater with jeans and ankle booties. More formal holiday parties call for midi or maxi dresses in rich fabrics like satin or velvet to exude sophistication. Finish off your soiree ensemble with elegant pumps and statement jewelry. Let’s look at how thoughtful accessorizing and color coordination can transform your look into a stylish expression of gratitude.

• The Casual Family Gathering Look — To style your cozy holiday clothes, start with a soft, oversized sweater and your favorite pair of denim for that effortless yet put-together look. Go for winter-inspired colors, including pinks, deep greens, and cooler tones for a seasonal touch. Complete your outfit with some cute booties and accessorize with a unique necklace. You can layer up as you move from an indoor gathering to an outdoor one. You can keep your hair and makeup relaxed for a stylish and comfortable celebration with your loved ones.

• The Fun and Chic Holiday Outfit — Get contemporary with your holiday look by wearing a fun and chic outfit while celebrating the holiday with your besties. Try a playful printed wrap dress with ankle boots or fashion sneakers for a modern edge. You can wear winter patterns like plaid to reflect the festive spirit of the season. Accessorize with a fashionable clutch and statement earrings. Layer up with a jacket to finish off the look. Since you’re spending time with your friends, you have the opportunity to get a little more creative and daring with your outfit than, let’s say, a more conservative family gathering or a formal holiday soiree. Experiment with unique pieces with sparkly details and fun prints to make them memorable and stylish.
• Dressing to Impress at a Holiday Soiree — Dress to impress by wearing a formal midi or maxi dress in a rich jewel tone like ruby, emerald, or sapphire. These classic hues set the tone, while refined details like velvet, satin, or lace can enhance the luxurious look and feel of your outfit. Accessorize with tasteful jewelry like a matching clutch and drop earrings to make a statement. Complete your look with a chic pair of heels. A tailored blazer or shawl can add warmth and a polished touch to your dress. Your hair and makeup should be understated yet elegant for that timeless, refined style. You’re sure to make a stunning entrance and leave a lasting impression at your holiday soiree.

Embracing the Winter Color Palette

Harmonize with the season’s natural beauty by embracing the winter color palette. For the holiday season, that means incorporating tones of cool grays,  jewel tones, and rich forest greens. Using these colors in your accessories and clothing will create a visually pleasing and more cohesive look. 

Whether you want to wear a burgundy sweater or a pretty black ankle bootie, you’ll exude warmth and comfort as you mirror the splendor of the season in your stylish holiday clothes. Let’s look at more tips on how to hone in on your winter color palette and patterns and style your holiday look.

Defining the Winter Color Palette

Winter colors are defined by rich hues associated with the season. It could be the cozy ambiance of winter with a peppermint mocha in your hand or driving on the open road as you take in the views of crisp white snow. Here are some prominent shades you’ll see this winter, but especially during the holiday season, that you can incorporate into your holiday clothing:

• Deep Burgundy — This color looks like a glass of wine that symbolizes the deep red and purple tones found in an evening fire. You can use deep burgundy as part of your accessories, your clothing, and even your makeup with burgundy lipstick or eyeshadow.
• Pink - Express your feminine side with lovely pink hues. While the weather is cold and gray, a pink blouse or scarf will bring a much-needed pop of color to your outfit. 
• Icy Silver — Be one with the snow-topped mountains and opt for clothing items in cooler colors like icy silver or a bright blue-gray.  
• Jewel Tones —  Whether you want to wear a deep sapphire sweater or a ruby red shoe, the various shades of jewel tones will capture the mysterious essence of the winter season.

Styling with Winter Patterns

Some common winter patterns you’ll see during the holiday season include plaid, like in flannel shirts and scarves, for that lumberjack-inspired feel. Animal prints like snake and leopard are in vogue during winter if you feel like taking a walk on the wild side. Subdued winter blossoms like roses may grace dresses and blouses this season. 

How to Incorporate Winter Colors and Patterns

Wear cool-toned dresses in winter colors, layer up with cozy jackets, and accessorize with winter patterns. A jacket or sweater acts as a cozy layer. Try complementary shades like rich burgundy or bright pink. Embracing those winter motifs like paisley prints and dark flowers will add harmony to your holiday clothes.

Challenges of Holiday Fashion

Getting ready for the holidays can be a challenge. It’s a fine line between comfort and style. It’s a holiday known for gift-giving and feasting, so stretchy waistbands and cozy fabrics are essential, but you don’t necessarily want to show up at your in-law’s house wearing a hoodie and sweatpants. To help maintain a chic appearance, we’ve included some practical tips to balance your personal style while staying comfortably chic.

Dressing for Comfort

One easy way to dress for comfort is by layering clothes. If you’re not sure how to layer up for comfort and style, check out our guide on how to layer clothes. A loose-fitting, cozy sweater or flowy maxi dress allows plenty of room for indulgence. Layer up with a thermal shirt underneath your sweater, or add a form-fitting camisole underneath your maxi dress to stay warm. You can pair your dress with thick tights or a sweater with stretchy jeans to stay comfortable and flexible. Low-heeled boots are a stylish and practical choice for footwear. Accessorize with a shawl for more warmth and flair. Thoughtfully layering soft and breathable fabrics in warm winter colors helps set the tone for the festivities.

Shopping Holiday Looks

Now that you have an idea of what you want to wear and how to style all these different pieces, let’s take a look at some holiday looks at Avara. You’re sure to find the right piece to make a lasting impression at dinner or your fun gathering with friends. 

If you’re attending a sophisticated party and looking for something to turn heads, you’ll find that the perfect dress and accessories await you in our Best Dressed Guest collection. For outfits that blend comfort and style for a cozy family gathering or a festive feast, get a warm sweater or tailored jacket from our our Holiday edit. Express gratitude with panache with rich colors, timeless patterns, and cozy textures. Soon, you’ll be stepping into the crisp winter air with style and grace.

• The Avara Best Dressed Guest — For a holiday look that’s truly a showstopper, try an asymmetrical dress with pleated crepe fabrication. It’s sophisticated yet subtly sexy. Look for details like a side cutout to show just the right amount of skin. Pair with strappy metallic heels and rhinestone pave hoops. Colors like dark green, red, and plum help capture the essence of the holiday season.
• The Avara Winter Edit — Want to feel chic and sophisticated in your holiday outfit? Try a navy long-sleeved top with dramatic sleeves and gold polka dots. Details like pleating at the shoulders and a v-neck neckline make it the perfect top for dinner with your besties. It’s a cute statement piece that will bring plenty of compliments!
• The Avara Holiday Edit — Get cozy with a neutral print in winter tones. A soft knit sweater in a classic crew neck style is a great option to pair with jeans. Dress it up with gold bracelets and gold hoop jewelry. Complete the look with strappy heels. If the weather permits, try peep-toe heels to show off your pedicure while it’s still warm.

Now that we’re coming to the end of our ultimate guide to holiday clothes, we hope that you feel excited and inspired to take your holiday style to the next level. It’s a holiday filled with gift-giving and laughter, and it’s also a great opportunity to celebrate your individuality and creativity through fashion. If you’ve been meaning to wear new trendy dresses this season, this is your chance to showcase your unique style on this heartwarming holiday.

Image Credits

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