Holiday Attire…. trendy or classic?

How should we think about holiday attire? Styles are cyclical. Trends come and go … and then come back around again. Often our holiday attire will get us through a couple of busy months and then we quickly swap it for our athleisure to get us through a January and February slump. So how should we think about investing in pieces or outfits for a specific purpose, for example, a holiday gathering?

In part because my holiday attire gets minimal use throughout the year, I choose pieces that I feel have a more classic style so they will last from one season to the next. Certain plaids and colors are particular to the holidays so those can also be considered classic to the holiday season. I own one top in a classic Christmas plaid, and I will quickly admit that it gets minimal use in my wardrobe.

I’ve often seen women purchase red at the holidays because they feel it is festive, rather than because it is flattering. In some cases, it’s not at all flattering. Not all shades of red will look good on everyone. Your complexion may compliment a red sweater, or it may not. Not every color works for everyone. And certain shades of red will look better on some and not on others. My advice is to buy what looks good on you because you’re more likely to wear it and it will last longer in your wardrobe. If you make a purchase because you feel obligated in some way, though you’re not sold on how it flatters you, chances are less likely that item gets maximum use in your wardrobe.

Years ago, I purchased this blouse at a Zara in London (see image below on the left). I loved the classic look of it and immediately thought it would work well as a more sophisticated piece in my closet. I wasn’t wrong. In fact, I’ve worn this blouse many times over the years to the theater and holiday events. I find it flattering and versatile. And I always get compliments when I wear it.

Well, shopping at the Loft last month guess what I came upon. I found a very similar looking top to the one that has become my treasured go to classic (see image below on the right). If I had any concerns about my Zara blouse being out of style after all these years, they quickly evaporated. Seems I’m right on trend this holiday season.

My suggestion as you outfit your holiday parties, wear what flatters you. Find the outfit that makes you smile. That’s the perfect holiday attire.