From Crystals to Sweats, Here Are My 7 Realistic Holiday Outfits

What to wear during the holiday season is always a tricky one. Do we want to shop for alluring looks to wear at our office parties to look like a smoke show for our dreamy Italian coworker (okay, I am referencing Love Actually), or do we invest in more conservative pieces because our aunts and uncles present at most of our family gatherings won’t appreciate our most trend-forward buys? I always struggle with how to get dressed up for all the holiday events on my calendar because there is a large part of me that is torn between looking super chic versus feeling at my most comfortable. Throw in the added challenge that we are still living in tricky times, and we definitely want to make this upcoming holiday season a special one.

From curve-hugging dresses to luxe velvet pieces to comfy sets, I have all my favorite outfits listed below for whatever event you have coming your way. Even if your grand holiday plans include spending it on your own in front of the TV with your cat and a bottle of wine. Whatever the occasion calls for, I have you covered. Keep reading to see all the outfits I have planned for fancier parties, lounge-at-home days, and everything in between.

The Event: The Office Holiday Party

Now if you do have a little black number that you have just been dying to wear for the holidays, this is your sign. No potentially judgy family members present (and possibly some foxy colleagues if your life mirrors Laura Linney’s character) means that you can mind your business and focus on having fun. The outfits that are perfect for an event like this are the ones I always see glamorized in my social media feeds that I always wish I could wear but sometimes prove too impractical for family gatherings. Yep, this is your moment to shine.

The Event: Christmas Eve

For many of us, Christmas Eve is one spent with our families and oftentimes our friends. This night has all the sparkle and magic of the entire holiday season rolled up into one. It’s important that we dress tastefully but also feel free to honor the festive feel of the evening. That’s why I selected outfits that are buttoned up, chic, and will give the impression that you are the most responsible child in the entire world who definitely has their shit together (in front of your family, at least).

The Event: Christmas Day

Christmas Day is a time for getting comfortable. Playing songs by the fire with friends and family, maybe even playing games all day after opening presents. This is a day for comfort and leftovers. That’s why I selected these pieces to help provide you with the most joyous day of the year with ample stomach room, even if you can’t wait to not be in the same house as your family.

The Event: New Years Eve

Yes, this night features mostly overpriced parties. Yes, it is often a letdown. Yes, I often have to go home early because my feet hurt in way-too-tall heels. But still! This isn’t the night to let the ball drop on our outfits. After the last two years, we all need to cut loose and have some fun anyway, so let’s dress the part.

Up next, see which five things I stopped wearing when I moved from NYC to Texas.