Festive, But Make It Versatile: How to Restyle Your Holiday Wardrobe (and Actually Wear Your Clothes Again)

There’s something undeniably sad about having to pack up the holiday decorations after the start of the New Year. I always try to hang onto them as long as possible, even if the house always feels a lot bigger and cleaner when they’re put away! However, even if the Christmas lights, ornaments, and tree have to inevitably make their way back into their storage bin once the holidays are over, there are a few things that can be left where they are: your festive holiday attire. With the right styling, you can wear your favorite party pieces long after the first of the year! Here’s how to style your go-tos for both holiday parties and your everyday life that follows.

1. Fair Isle Sweater

While it might not inherently be a “Christmas sweater”, there’s no denying that the Fair Isle pullover or cardigan has become synonymous with festive style over the years! From après-ski to Christmas sweater-themed parties, this holiday staple takes all shapes, colors, and styles in winter fashion. And while it might be a popular choice to wear to Christmas parties in December, it’s also the perfect cozy style to wear all winter long in your everyday looks.

When it comes to a festive attire dress code, it’s easy to dress up your Fair Isle sweater with a slip skirt or pair of satin pants! Add heels and a turtleneck for layering, and you have yourself a holiday classic. But once the parties settle down and it’s back to your everyday routine, you can keep reaching for your Fair Isle sweater. For a laidback weekend look to grab a cup of hot chocolate or meet friends for breakfast, style it with jeans and a button-down for a more casual, yet polished outfit idea.

2. Velvet Blazer

Velvet might just be one of my favorite fabrics to reach for when it comes to styling a festive outfit. It’s so soft and luxe, and the perfect vintage-inspired aesthetic for formal attire. When the party invitation calls for festive holiday attire, velvet is one of the first things that always comes to mind! Add a sparkly skirt, a satin tank, and some heels or boots, and it’s an instant winner for a chic cocktail look for the holidays.

But just because the fancy holiday parties are over doesn’t mean your velvet pieces have to find a home in the back of your closet until next year rolls around. A velvet blazer might seem like a Christmas or New Year’s staple, but you can dress it down by pairing it with more neutral basics. Think classic denim, a cashmere sweater, and loafers. The blazer will elevate this minimalist winter look, without looking too over the top for everyday activities.

3. Cocktail Dress

A little black dress might be a winter capsule wardrobe mainstay, but it’s also perfect for styling a chic look for your next holiday event! With a few festive accessories, it’s easy to add holiday cheer to this classic piece. Statement heels, a fun clutch, and a bright red lip instantly make your LBD party-ready.

And after the winter-time holidays are over, your little black dress is just as easy to style for date night or dinner with friends. Instead of your festive add-ons, reach for a few more understated pieces. Burgundy is the perfect alternative to bright red if you’re leaning into more sophistication for January and February. Try a tonal look by reaching for burgundy tights and heels! When you’re in the mood for an ensemble that whispers quiet luxury, burgundy will always be a great choice to pair with your black dress.

4. Sequins

While a little black dress might double as both a winter capsule staple and the perfect piece to wear during the holiday season, next up, we have a little more of a challenge! Sequins tend to stand out a little more than your favorite LBD, but it’s not impossible to style them outside of holiday parties. You just have to be a little more creative!

A neutral sequin skirt is the perfect piece to pair with your favorite holiday colors. But if you’re going for a slightly more subdued look for an evening event, try pairing your sequins with black instead. You can still mix in different textures like leather and wool, but an all-black look will make your sequins more appropriate for a quiet January outing. If you’re heading to a winter symphony or orchestra concert, pair your skirt with a warm wool coat, turtleneck, flats, and a leather shoulder bag.

5. Fur Jacket

Faux fur is just as trendy as it was last year, but this holiday staple isn’t just a fleeting fad; it’s a classic look that never really goes out of style when it comes to festive holiday attire. This look is sure to make a lasting impression, no matter what you’re dressing for!

If your New Year’s Eve celebrations call for dressing to the nines, let a chocolate brown faux fur jacket serve as your party outfit inspiration. This statement piece is the star of the show, and you can complement the classic style with a black velvet dress, pointed-toe heels, a clutch, and gold details.

6. Velvet Heels

When you’re into slightly more casual attire when it comes to your personal style, a pair of statement shoes and a few festive tops will be your best friends during the holiday season. You can still lean on your favorite denim on the bottom, but the combination of a festive top and shirt or jacket will give you a winning combo for festive holiday attire.

Although there are plenty of sparkly, sequin-adorned shoes to choose from in December, a pair of black velvet heels might just be the most versatile for the party season and beyond! After the holiday parties are over, black heels are easy enough to style for the office or a night out with sheer black tights, a cute dress, and a cozy winter coat.

7. A Red Sweater

As much as I love my neutrals, there’s something so irresistible about seasonal colors when you’re in the holiday spirit! Wearing a bright shade of red feels like celebrating in and of itself. If you want to feel a little extra happy when you’re getting dressed in the morning, this bold color is the way to do it.

If you’re going for sophisticated drama when dressing for your various events this holiday season, try styling a monochromatic look in cherry red. Then, give your look a little extra holiday flair with a red lip, a sequin clutch, and crystal-detailed heels.

And when you’re reading for something a little more casual, a red sweater is the perfect piece to save the day. You still get that fun, bold look, but on a smaller scale when you pair it with a white t-shirt, blue jeans, and leopard print. (This just happens to be one of our favorite go-to pairings at MCO, too.)

8. A Blazer Dress

French women love pieces that give off both masculine and feminine energy, which is why they love styling a tuxedo or blazer dress for a festive dress code! This classy staple is perfect for occasions with a combination of cocktail attire. All you have to do is add a sparkly clutch, a pair of heels, and maybe even polka dot tights for the perfect Parisian party look.

Parisians don’t put their blazer dresses away after the party season ends. Each piece in their wardrobe is carefully chosen for its versatility, and that includes their festive party attire! For a date night outside of the holiday season, they might wear their blazer dress with classic black accessories and a leopard print bag. Still effortlessly cool, but with less of a holiday vibe.

9. A Plaid Scarf

A tartan scarf is another one of those pieces that just feels like Christmas in a nutshell! Although this isn’t a strictly holiday party, it always makes its rounds in seasonal attire and decor. But even though it’s so easy to style for your family Christmas with a mini skirt and cozy sweater, a warm tartan scarf is just as perfect for your later winter looks. Bundle up to head into the office with a plaid scarf, a wool coat, black trousers, a black turtleneck, and black ankle boots.

Chic Holiday Attire That Lasts Past December

Here at MCO, we believe your clothes should work for you – and that applies to your festive holiday attire, too! Versatility is key when it comes to investing in a quality wardrobe that you love, and your favorite Christmas pieces should be able to serve you more than just once a year. Put your clothes to good use with these styling tips, and wear your go-to holiday looks way after the Christmas lights have been put away!

Gearing up for a busy holiday party season? We have more outfit ideas for you! Up Next: 9 French Girl Cocktail Party Outfits Using Their Favorite Party Pieces