Outfit Formulas |

Simple Holiday Outfit Formula

When I was a young 20-something fresh out of college, I remember so clearly my first company holiday party. It was an election year, and the TV station I worked at was feeling flush, so they decided to go big for the night, renting out a fancy country club, complete with a cocktail hour and a sit down dinner. My girlfriends and I lined up dates, put on sleeveless dresses in the dead of winter and had a blast.

Ever since then, the term ‘holiday party’ has drummed up positive associations in my Christmas-loving mind. I am a big fan of all the celebrations this time of year — everything from intimate parties, to holiday concerts, to work parties. I love the chance to step out with my husband (who was at that aforementioned holiday party, though we were not dating at the time), converse with other adults, eat, drink, trade gifts, and do all things merry. Everyone seems to be in an extra festive mood and it’s usually a jolly time.

Naturally, my very first thought when these occasions arrive: What should I wear?

Okay, I’ll be honest, that’s my first thought when any occasion arrises! I absolutely love outfit planning. It’s one of my favorite things to do. I keep a running list of outfit ideas on my phone that I log as they pop into my head. The same goes for holiday outfits this year. I’ve dreamed up a few versions of what would be fun to wear, and today I’m sharing with you the one that’s the most realistic to my life and current tastes.


THE FORMULA: Black top + Faded jeans + Black pumps


Black is my personal fail-safe any time I need to feel remotely chic or dressed up. It’s really hard to fail with black (unless, maybe, you forget your lint roller). I like black paired with faded jeans because it’s a little unexpected and contrasts nicely. When I wear a black top, I usually feel I need to anchor it with black shoes or offset it with light (nude, tan, or print) shoes. In this case, the jeans already offset the black top, so I prefer the anchor concept. The look is chic and reads effortless. See a similar example of this formula here.


BLACK TOPS:


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I prefer a long sleeve because you don’t have to concern yourself with an extra layer to keep your arms warm. Usually, a long sleeved shirt topped with a smart jacket suffices. I have a couple go-to black long sleeved tops for those occasions when I want to dress up a bit. My long sleeved black button up, and this wrap top. The wrap top is nice because the fabric and the shape are very forgiving. It’s a nice, thick jersey which wears well and keeps me on the warmer side. My long sleeved black button up is super chic, because it’s silk. That makes it fun, but I also find I rarely wear it because it seems fussy. I think a black oxford could be an equally chic option, especially if you roll the sleeves and layer delicate gold necklaces with it. I also love the idea of a fuzzy sweater with statement earrings.


FADED JEANS:


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What I really mean by faded jeans is vintage jeans. If you’ve been around here any amount of time, odds are you’ve seen me wear the jeans pictured above over and over. But for a lot of people, vintage jeans are hard to come by. They can be difficult to shop for online because the fit varies and it’s hard to tell how old they really all. Thankfully, jean construction has come a long way in recent years and thick cotton, vintage-esque jeans aren’t as hard to come by as they used to be.

The closest thing I’ve seen to vintage jeans are the Lindsey Jean by Esby. They are faded to the perfect shade of blue, have a shrunken fit and gorgeous copper rivets. However all that distressing comes with a price tag. The Lindsey Jean retails for $298.

The next closest thing I’ve seen – and can attest to from personal experience – are jeans by the brand AGOLDE. I recently bought the Remy High Rise Straight and the thick cotton, button fly and copper rivets remind me a lot of my vintage pairs. These are 99% cotton and 1% elastane, and, because the denim is thick, the stretch is barely noticeable. I had to wear them a few days to get them to loosen up and form to my body, just like the vintage pairs I own. I have the Wink wash which is a classic blue. AGOLDE also makes the Pinch Waist High Rise, and I think they are so cute. If I were in the market for a new pair of jeans, this is probably what I would buy. The wash is perfectly distressed and the kick flare cuts a great silhouette. I’ve seen the Riley High Rise Crop on a few people, and this one has a great vintage vibe too. The fit and the wash are slightly more understated than the Pinch Waist.

Lastly, ABLE has a few pairs of vintage-esque jeans. The Nelly Vintage is a mid-rise with a fitted shape and a straight, cropped leg. The fabric is light wash, lightweight, and is made from 75% cotton and 25% lyocell, which means a non-stretch fit in a super soft material. If you’re looking for a little more visual interest, the Kenny Vintage has extra distressing, complete with a few strategically placed holes.

If vintage is what your heart truly desires, I suggest trying Etsy. If you’re in the mood to dig, and study measurements, you could find a great option that works for you. I bought a pair off there a few years ago with decent success. They ended up being a little too big, so I spent $15 and had them taken in with great results.


BLACK PUMPS:


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Adding a heel to a pair of jeans is a great way to dress up a look. I am not much of a heels person so I prefer a low pump, two inches is usually my max. I like to be able to walk around with assurance I won’t roll an ankle. Many women seem to be pros on tall heels. I am not one of those women, and I’m okay with that. I’m currently rocking the Day Heel in black suede in my shoe collection, and I’ve been really impressed with the fit and comfort of this shoe. I take it in a 10.5 (half size up from my normal shoe size). They have comfortably adjusted to my foot and are easy to walk in. I think the Square Toe Sling Back is super chic. If I worked in an office or needed heels on the regular I would own these. The Editor Heel is an elegant option for the graceful walker, and I love how exotic the Cono Mule is.


One more formula:

If jeans aren’t your thing, a non-bodycon dress with heels is a great option. I’ve worn this dress by Hackwith Design on so many formal occasions now. It never disappoints and can be worn forward and backward. The Elliot Dress by Only Child would be a great option too!

I am not into buying one-time-use items to wear to holiday parties. I think the best outfits coordinate items you can wear over and over in a unique combination, or with standout accessories. Think: an oversized dress with a heel, or a basic shift dress with big artisan earrings. Most of all, when styling your holiday looks, I think it’s super important to feel like yourself. And wearing items you already know and love will really help with that.

Currently Wearing:

Leather Jacket (S), Reformation x Veda | Trujilo Wrap Top (M), ABLE | Jeans, Vintage Levi’s 501’s | Day Heel (10.5), Everlane | Circle Bag, Baggu | Necklace, c/o Rebecca Mir Grady | Initial Necklace, Nashelle | Initial Cuff, Able

I’d love to know what you’re wearing to your holiday parties this year! Weigh in down below!


This blog post is not sponsored, but it does contain affiliate links. This means if you see something you like, and make a purchase, Seasons + Salt will make a commission. Thank you for supporting this blog and the carefully chosen brands that are featured. All photography by Kiara Rose.

6 thoughts on “Simple Holiday Outfit Formula

  1. I love this for holiday parties, yes – but also as a really great date night look (it would work so well for drinks + a concert!).

    1. Agreed Krystal! My leather jacket is pretty much my go-to for all things date-related. :) And I totally wore it to see Macklemore last fall ;) #sohip haha

  2. I love this Andrea!!! Right up my alley–I spend all my holidays in denim. ha. I love it (and denim is a farm-house essential)!

    I love those shoes on you (actually, I love the idea of heels and denim, but like you, I need easy heels). Was the sizing accurate–I sized up the day glove flats. Just wondering… maybe I could bring a pair of heels in a bag for Christmas dinner (once I’m IN the house and don’t need boots on–ha!)

    1. Hi Ophelia! I love the idea of nice shoes for once you’re inside. ;) I wear the Day Heels in the same size as the Day Flats! Both are a 10.5, and I usually wear a 10 in most shoes.

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