Last week I felt all a mess, like I was juggling eggs and they kept falling and cracking. I realized I had not picked up my Vyvanse refill (there's an ADHD joke in there). It's funny, when I started taking it this past spring I could hardly notice it. But once I went a week without it, I saw how much it helps me.

We women have been taught to white knuckle through things men wouldn't spend a second suffering through. We are taught that exercise, water, sleep, and kale can cure everything and medication is a crutch. I believed this for a very long time myself, but going through perimenopause made me a Western medicine convert.

I have a progesterone IUD, an estrogen patch on my bum, and smear testosterone cream on my calf every morning. I swallow three different pills before I even head downstairs for my morning “cocktail” of preworkout, creatine, and fiber. At night I have another “perimenopausal cocktail” of magnesium glycinate and a prebiotic fiber powder as I down fish, sea buckthorn, and borage oil pills and an allergy tablet. And I feel no guilt, no shame, only a return to the me I remember back when.

Sure, I exercise (love Katie and Rebecca for strength classes on the Peloton app and my Hydrow rower), I hardly drink, don't smoke, eat quality foods, drink predominately water, and prioritize sleep. But I know that lifestyle is only part of the prescription. I white knuckled ADHD for decades and now realize how much more enjoyable life can be when I am not battling against myself so much.

I share this because if you're white knuckling because you feel that hormones or meds or therapy or some treatment or procedure is a crutch or a waste… be kinder to yourself. You're a badass, and all badasses need an arsenal of tools to get sh*t done. These are merely tools.

Weekend Reads

On Maintenance. (Oldster via Substack)

The Midterms Are Over. The Garbage They Generate Is Forever. (Coyote)

Who else loves a slip on and off waterproof winter boot to have at the door at the ready? I just got these and feel set for the season. BTW code ALISON10 gets you 10% off.

Does Fashion Discriminate Against Short People? (New York Times – gift link)

A chic and sustainable addition to a gift card present.

An affair with an economist exposed the calculus of modern dating. (The New Yorker)

I love giving matching socks to friends as a little holiday gift; these are adorable for your sipping sisters!

The wellness industry wants to sell you your attention back. (Dazed)

How pretty is this blouse?

The Radical Politics of Accepting Help. (The Auntie Bulletin via Substack)

Just got this bag and it is genius! Weighs less than 2lbs, packs down to nothing, but is a durable, water-resistant, and well-designed weekender or carry-on.

How Women Over 40 Are Getting Hired. (Gloria)

AI’s Advice to Women? Know Your Place. (The Noosphere via Substack)

How the Blue Wave Powered Liberal Judges in Supreme Court Elections. (Bolts)

What is my cat saying? I asked experts to translate. (The Guardian)

I have shared before my obsession with this body wash. Well, they have now made us a discount code! Use ALISONG20 and get 20% off your entire purchase at Each & Every!

Don’t Dress for Success. Dress for Your Nervous System. (The Material Unconscious. via Substack – and yours truly is interviewed!)

The Democrats Who Are Stunned to Find Themselves in Congress. (The Atlantic – gift link)

Paulina Porizkova: The Value I Lost When I Became an Older Woman. (New York Times – gift link)

Always on the hunt for chic rings in larger than a size 8; got this one and it's just as pretty in person.

What I Learned at a Drunk-Math Party. (The Atlantic – gift link)

Speaking of which, this is a great gift for your fire pit/football season tickets/grill master friend.

Out of Step: Minor Threat and the Beginnings of Straight Edge. (WETA Boundary Stones)

And if you're looking for a way to make a major impact with a little investment, I highly encourage you consider participating in Mutual Aid. For the past couple of years, I have been donating to CMMP, a consistent money-moving project in D.C. and it's awesome to see the direct and immediate impact. To know I am substantially helping 32 households; that the money is going to them, not marketing or payroll or office leases… that's really meaningful.

If you'd like to participate in CMMP, you can join at this link. You can donate as little as $3 a week or more depending on your capability. Payments are through Venmo, and they use clear details so you know it's legit and not a scam. Especially this time of year, it's in the spirit of the season to give and we live in a time where the disparity between economic levels is so extreme, donating the equivalent of a coffee can be practically nothing to one and practically everything to another.

Style Inspo & Sale Alert

Style Inspo

I am still trying to catch up from being off work during the election. Before early voting, I began working on updating an old post about what to wear when going out as a grown woman. I hope to finish it, but fear the items in these collages will be sold out by that time. So why not share now?

Shop the Collage: jeans I own (XS-3X & lengths) | sweater I own (XS-XL) | earrings I own | lip oil I own | bag | boots

Shop the Collage: top (XS-3X & under $100) | pants (00-18 & petite & on sale less than $55) | earrings (under $30) | lipcolor | bag | shoes (less than $85)

Sale Alert

Lands' End has 55% off and free shipping on orders $50+. This is a stellar sale; I love Lands' End and they bring it for the holidays. Cute pajamas your teen or college kid would actually wear? Check. Festive holiday socks that are actually functional too? Check. The perfect something to make that bottle of wine look like an actual gift? Check. Cute and practical housewarming gift? Check. Gift for your friend's kid you don't really know? Check. Gift for the person who has everything? Check (and personalize it). Gift for the guy who is sick of highwaters and chilly wrists all winter? Check. And a gift I am thinking of getting myself? I love Thermaskin, and now it comes in stripes!

I know you all love Awe Inspired jewelry and I do have code ALISONG15 for 15% off which many of you have used… but Awe's Black Friday sale has started early with 30% off sitewide! This is the ring I'm always wearing and people are always asking abot.

See/Hear/Read

This week, we finished the 4th season of The Diplomat. (Netflix) Starring Keri Russell and Rufus Sewell, K and I are both fans of this series and S4 did not disappoint. If anything, it made me think even more about our current presidential administration and what is happening to cause what we end up seeing.

That being said, some episodes dragged when it got too much into the relationship stuff between Kate and Hal. When my husband and my daughter banter I call it “Gilmore Girls” and my husband said a lot of this season felt like Hal and Kate were being “Gilmore Girls.” I hope for next season they realize we do like the two of them together, but less talking about their relationship and more showcasing it.

I get that the character of Kate doesn't care about fashion or her hair, but it's still always a shock when she goes from bedhead and gray bland clothing to a very fashionable evening gown and updo. I feel by now some of it would have rubbed off, or at least they would be pushing the stylist to pick her clothes for things like G7.

For books, I am 75% through The Thoroughbreds by Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham. The whole Hilderbrand signature of detailing every meal, name-dropping local businesses and musical artists is getting a bit tiring. In this series, she has also included definitions for “SAT words” used, which is also a bit grating. But it's all a bit comforting, since I've been on an Elin Hilderbrand journey since late 2023. But I feel that when I run out of books it will be just at the time when I am over it.

Some families spend the day in jeans and football jerseys. Others dress up for a formal dinner. Some head outside for a post-meal walk, while others spend the day cooking, entertaining, and enjoying a second helping of pie.

Whether you're hosting, visiting family, attending a Friendsgiving, or celebrating somewhere new, I've put together 10 Thanksgiving dinner outfits that combine comfort, personality, and style.

These outfits are meant to inspire you, not convince you to buy an entirely new wardrobe. Shop your closet first, use the collages as outfit formulas, and make them your own.

What to Wear to Thanksgiving Dinner

For most Thanksgiving celebrations, smart casual is a safe bet: comfortable trousers with a pretty blouse, dark jeans with a polished sweater, or a knit dress with boots. If your family dresses up, a statement skirt or elegant separates can feel festive without requiring a cocktail dress.

The trick is finding an outfit that works for the actual day you're going to have. Consider where you're celebrating, whether you'll be helping in the kitchen, how warm the house might be, and whether you'll spend any time outdoors.

And please, wear something that lets you enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner! This isn't the occasion for a waistband that digs in when you sit down or a top that requires constant adjusting.

Below are 10 Thanksgiving outfit ideas for different dress codes, celebrations, and personal styles.

10 Thanksgiving Dinner Outfit Ideas

1. Hostess With the Mostest

Hosting Thanksgiving is practically an endurance sport. Between checking the oven, greeting guests, refilling drinks, and making sure everyone has what they need, you're going to be on your feet.

That doesn't mean you have to spend the day in leggings and an old sweatshirt (unless that's your Thanksgiving tradition, in which case, enjoy!). A comfortable dress can be just as easy to wear while making you feel a little more festive.

Shop Machine Washable Hostess Dresses:

Look for a machine-washable fabric, a silhouette that allows you to move, and sleeves that won't end up in the gravy. Add comfortable flats, a pair of earrings, and a pretty apron for cooking and serving.

Shop Stylish Aprons:

2. It's All About the Game

For some families, Thanksgiving is as much about football as it is about turkey. Whether you're tossing a ball around in the backyard, cheering from the couch, or heading outside for a walk between courses, there's no need to dress up more than the occasion requires.

Start with your favorite comfortable jeans, add a fun sweatshirt or sweater, and finish with shoes that can handle the weather. A button-down layered underneath adds a little polish, while jewelry makes the outfit feel more intentional.

Shop Sweatshirts & Sweaters with Spirit:

This is a great example of how casual Thanksgiving outfits can still have personality. Comfort doesn't have to mean boring.

3. Creative Color and Jeans

Who says Thanksgiving outfits have to be brown, burgundy, olive, or rust? There's no rule requiring you to dress like the autumn leaves.

A colorful blouse with dark jeans is one of my favorite outfit formulas for a casual Thanksgiving dinner. It's easy, comfortable, and looks like you made an effort without trying too hard.

Choose a blouse with an interesting print, color, or silhouette, then keep the rest of the outfit relatively simple. A great pair of earrings, a belt, and shoes with personality can make jeans feel special enough for a holiday.

Shop My Picks for Statement Blouses:

And if you already own a fabulous blouse that doesn't get enough wear, Thanksgiving is a wonderful excuse to pull it out.

4. Caftan Queen

Maybe you've graduated from hosting Thanksgiving to showing up with a side dish and enjoying the festivities. Or maybe you've simply decided that comfort and glamour should coexist. Either way, I fully support the caftan.

A beautiful caftan has all the ease of loungewear but can look incredibly elegant. Choose one in a rich color, interesting print, or beautiful fabric, and let it be the star of the outfit. Add earrings, a bracelet, and comfortable shoes. You don't need much else.

Shop Caftans:

The beauty of this Thanksgiving outfit is that it looks intentional while allowing you to sit, stand, eat, and relax without fussing with your clothing. That's my kind of holiday dressing.

5. Sweater Dressing

There's something about Thanksgiving that makes me want to wear a great sweater. It's cozy, seasonal, and can look incredibly chic without requiring much effort.

A sweater dress is an easy one-and-done Thanksgiving outfit. Add boots and a few pieces of jewelry, and you're dressed. A coordinating sweater and skirt can achieve a similar effect, while offering more opportunities to wear the pieces separately throughout the season.

Shop Sweater Dresses:

The key is choosing knitwear that feels good against your skin and doesn't require constant adjustment. I also recommend considering the temperature of your destination. A chunky turtleneck might look fabulous in the mirror but feel less fabulous in a dining room full of people and a working oven.

6. Cozy Comfort

If Thanksgiving at your house is a relaxed affair with close friends and family, perhaps followed by a walk around the neighborhood, embrace the cozy.

A Fair Isle sweater with comfortable cords or jeans is a classic Thanksgiving combination. It feels festive without being fussy and works just as well for sitting around the table as it does for heading outside.

Shop Chic Corduroy Pants:

Add boots that can handle the weather, a belt if you like one, and a little jewelry to finish the look.

Shop Fair Isle Sweaters:

This is also an outfit that can be recreated entirely from pieces you already own. You don't need a Thanksgiving-specific sweater. Any cozy knit with a bit of color or texture can give you the same effect.

7. When You Don't Know the Dress Code

You're invited to Thanksgiving with new friends, your partner's family, or perhaps the family of your child's significant other. You ask what to wear, and the response is, “Oh, just be comfortable!”

Helpful, right?

When you don't know whether everyone will be wearing jeans or dresses, I recommend an outfit that's a little more polished than everyday casual but doesn't feel formal.

Comfortable Yet Chic Trousers:

A dark blouse or refined sweater with comfortable trousers is a reliable choice. Add flats or low heels, jewelry, and a jacket or cardigan that you can remove if the gathering is more relaxed than expected.

Think of this as the Thanksgiving equivalent of elevated business casual. You'll feel appropriately dressed whether you're sitting beside someone in denim or someone wearing a beautiful dress.

8. The All-Occasions Dress

I've long believed in having an all-occasions dress in your wardrobe. Something that isn't too formal or too casual, works for multiple seasons, and can be styled differently depending on the event.

Thanksgiving is an ideal occasion to bring out that dress.

Shop Dresses:

A dark-colored dress in navy, black, plum, or another rich shade can be made holiday-appropriate with boots, tights, jewelry, or a beautiful belt. Prints can work just as well as solids, especially when the silhouette is relatively timeless.

The best part? This is a dress you'll wear again. To work, to dinner, to a shower, to a party, or anywhere else you need to look pulled together without buying something new.

9. Relaxed Elegance

Sometimes Thanksgiving really is a dressy occasion. Maybe your host loves a formal table setting, there's a special restaurant reservation, or the invitation specifically requests festive attire.

You can dress for the occasion without sacrificing comfort.

I love the idea of elegant separates: fluid trousers with a coordinating blouse, a beautiful top with wide-leg pants, or a matching set in a rich color.

Shop Matched Sets:

The result can be every bit as sophisticated as a cocktail dress, but often more comfortable and versatile.

Add statement jewelry, a beautiful bag, and dressy shoes that you can actually walk in. And because these are separates, you'll have plenty of opportunities to wear them again.

10. Create an Annual Thanksgiving Outfit Tradition

Many years ago, I bought a black ball skirt with large white polka dots from Talbots. That year, unsure what to wear while hosting Thanksgiving, I paired it with a refined fitted black T-shirt and loved the result.

I could stay cool while dashing around the kitchen, the skirt had pockets for my phone and other essentials, and I could wear comfortable flats while still feeling elegant.

I've worn this combination for multiple Thanksgivings, and rather than feeling repetitive, it has become something of a tradition.

There's something wonderful about having a special piece of clothing that comes out for a favorite occasion. It becomes part of the memories associated with the holiday.

And from a practical perspective, the cost per wear is far better than purchasing a new outfit every November.

You don't need a ball skirt to create your own Thanksgiving outfit tradition. It could be a beautiful sweater, a favorite dress, a fabulous pair of earrings, or even a particular color you love wearing this time of year.

The point isn't to wear something new. It's to wear something that makes you feel like yourself.

How to Choose a Comfortable Thanksgiving Outfit

Whatever your Thanksgiving plans, there are a few things I consider before deciding what to wear.

• Think about the temperature. A crowded house with a working oven can get surprisingly warm. Layers are often more practical than a single heavy sweater.
• Consider your sleeves. If you're cooking, serving, or reaching across the table, sleeves that stay out of the way are a blessing.
• Choose a comfortable waistband. Thanksgiving dinner is meant to be enjoyed, not endured. Stretch, drape, and a forgiving fit are your friends.
• Wear practical shoes. Think about how much standing, walking, or outdoor activity your day might involve.
• Dress for your celebration, not someone else's. A casual family gathering doesn't require a cocktail dress, and a formal dinner doesn't mean you have to wear something uncomfortable.

What Really Matters When Dressing for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving outfits don't have to be complicated, expensive, or even new. Some of my favorite holiday looks have been combinations of clothing I already owned, styled a little differently for the occasion.

Whether you're wearing jeans and a sweater, a glamorous caftan, or a statement skirt you've pulled out every November for years, the best Thanksgiving outfit is one that lets you feel comfortable, confident, and present for the day.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Head to a store or your favorite online boutique and you'll find plenty of teeny tiny cocktail dresses, backless garments, and sky-high heels my teen would wear in an instant. But what the heck does a grown-ass woman wear to a holiday party?

Hi, my name is Alison, and there's a mini Studio 54 in the back of my closet. I love sparkle and glamour, but I also love being comfortable. And after slipping on black ice a decade ago and shattering my right arm, I've become even more committed to merging fashion with function. Yes, the two can coexist!

Below are several holiday party outfit ideas for different occasions, from a casual get-together at a friend's house to a dressier evening event. I've included options with jeans, trousers, skirts, and dresses, along with comfortable shoes and layers that make sense for winter.

And you don't need to buy an entirely new outfit. Some of my favorite holiday looks start with clothes already hanging in my closet.

What to Wear to a Holiday Party

The best holiday party outfit depends on the venue, the dress code, and what you'll actually be doing. A party where you're sitting on someone's sofa calls for something different from a cocktail reception or an evening of dancing.

My advice is to start with one piece you love and build around it. That could be your favorite jeans, a beautifully fitting blazer, a colorful sweater, or a skirt you've been waiting for an excuse to wear. Add a festive detail or two, choose shoes that work for the occasion, and you're ready.

Here are six outfit formulas that work for real life.

1. Casual Holiday Party Outfit: Jeans, a Special Top, and Comfortable Shoes

A casual holiday party doesn't require a dress. In fact, a great pair of jeans with a special top can be exactly right for a gathering at a friend's house, a neighborhood party, or an informal celebration.

Shop the Look: blouse (sizes 00-40) | jeans (sizes XS-3X with petite & long) | waterproof suede boots | clutch that converts to shoulder bag | earrings | lip stain/oil combo I own & love

Start with dark-wash jeans in a silhouette you love. Add a top with something interesting going on: velvet, satin, a beautiful color, a bit of shimmer, or an unusual neckline. Finish with comfortable ankle boots or flats, interesting earrings, and a bag that feels a little more special than your everyday tote.

I especially like this formula because you can wear the individual pieces again. The jeans work for everyday life, the top can be worn to dinner, and the accessories can dress up all sorts of outfits.

Make it your own: If you don't love jeans, try black ponte pants or tailored trousers. If a sparkly top isn't your thing, a simple cashmere sweater in a color you love can look just as festive with the right accessories.

2. Office Holiday Party Outfit: Polished Without Feeling Corporate

Office holiday parties can be tricky. You want to look like you're attending a celebration, but you will be getting merry with your boss, your boss' boss, your subordinates, your clients, and possibly people you've never met before. This is where a great pair of trousers or a beautifully fitting suit can be your best friend.

Shop the Look: bow blouse (XXS-XXL & petite) | blazer (0-18 & petite) | matching pants (0-20 & tall/petite) | earrings | lipstick I own & love | purse that can also be a clutch | comfy velvet loafers

I love the idea of tailored black trousers with a silky blouse or camisole and a blazer. You can wear the blazer throughout the workday, then change your earrings, add a more interesting bag, and switch your shoes before the party. The outfit above I made more conservative, but you know your office culture best and if a spangled or spaghetti-strapped piece would be appropriate.

I highly recommend, if it fits your aesthetic, to consider adding an elevated black pantsuit to your wardrobe. While my figure has fluctuated over the years, I have always had one in my closet and it has been a great choice for a range of social occasions. A tapered ankle pant or a full-length wide leg will work with heels or flats, and it can be dressed up or down with a change of shoes and base layer.

Shop the Look: cashmere boatneck sweater (sizes XS-3X & petite) | sequined midi skirt (sizes 0-20/22) | snowflake necklace | snowflake earrings | snowflake bracelet | green shadow/liner I find easy to use | velvet purse | sheer hose (sizes A-E) | velvet kitten heels

A statement skirt with a fine-gauge sweater is another excellent option, especially if you prefer a look that feels less like traditional workwear. And if you haven't considered sheer black hosiery in a while, it's back in fashion for 2026.

Make it your own: A black suit is a wonderful wardrobe investment, but navy, charcoal, chocolate brown, or even a rich jewel tone can work beautifully. As for the skirt and sweater, no need to go with a holiday color to look festive. Choose colors you enjoy so you can get more wear beyond the holiday season.

3. Holiday Cocktail Party Outfit: A Statement Skirt and Simple Separates

If you're invited to a cocktail party, you don't have to wear a cocktail dress. One of my favorite alternatives is a statement skirt with a relatively simple top.

Shop the Look: adjustable wrap shirt (XXS-XXXL) | sequined skirt I personally own (sizes 00-18 & petite) | necklace | earrings | lip oil | bag | surprisingly comfortable heels in widths

Think cashmere boatneck, refined twinset with jewelry-like buttons, crisp white shirt with the collar popped, a tuxedo shirt, a ruffly blouse, a silk camisole, a lace blouse. The famous fashion designer Carolina Herrera made this look her signature, pairing fabulous skirts of varying lengths with a crisp white shirt.

This is the same red Ann Taylor sequin skirt in 2024 and 2025. I've worn it with the matching top, a black turtleneck, and a white shirt similar to the one in the collage. It's a bold piece, but that doesn't make it a one-hit wonder. I love having a few fabulous things in my closet that I can pull out year after year and style in new ways.

For shoes, I love a low-heeled pump, an elegant flat, or a sleek boot, depending on the skirt and the weather.

Make it your own: Choose a skirt in a color you genuinely love, not necessarily a traditional holiday shade. A beautiful purple, cobalt, pink, or metallic skirt can be just as festive as red or green.

4. Holiday Party Outfit for Mixing and Mingling: Sequins and Shoes You Can Actually Wear

If you're going to spend the evening hosting, standing, dancing, or moving from one room to another, your shoes matter just as much as your outfit. You can absolutely look fabulous without wearing four-inch heels.

Shop the Look: sweater (sizes XXS-3X) | skirt (sizes 00-16) | earrings | ring | lipcolor | beaded bag | velvet flats (available in widths)

For this kind of party, I love a pair of formal palazzo pants or a full midi- to maxi-length ball skirt with a simple top. Sequins, satin, and sparkle on the bottom, and a crisp white shirt or a fuzzy twinset on top. Heck, even a t-shirt can work depending on the event. Twinsets are extra great for such occasions; wear the cardigan when it's chilly and remove (or tie around your shoulders) when you warm up from dancing and socializing.

As for these kinds of skirts… head to resale sites. Plenty of folks who wore these for past holidays, weddings, and formal occasions are selling them for a fraction of the retail price. Brands like Alex Evenings, Kay Unger, Frances Valentine, Talbots, and J.McLaughlin often carry these and are good names to search. Taffeta is a good fabric as it doesn't wrinkle easily, can hide pockets, and sticks away from the body so you get airflow, don't have to worry about certain undergarments, and the fullness looks right with flats.

I've been known to do a variation of this combo for Thanksgiving, and even have a dress variation I've worn for more than one Christmas Eve. With such a statement bottom, you can get away with a pair of comfortable flats that will let you dance all night without pain. Look for velvet, satin, or embellished… or consider embellishing a simple but supportive pair with shoe clips.

And don't underestimate the value of a bag that leaves your hands free. While clutches remain chic, you will find many come with an optional crossbody chain strap. Also this season you will see many satin, sequin, and beaded pouches that can rest in the crook of your elbow or around your wrist as you mix and mingle.

5. Holiday Party with a Theme: Keeping the Christmas Sweater Chic

Let's face it, the Christmas sweater (or theHanukkah or Kwanzaa or event Festivus sweater) has become a tradition in many communities. Even I, who poo-poohed them for years now think they can be kinda fun. But just because your sweater is ridiculous doesn't mean the rest of your outfit needs to be.

Shop the Look: sweater (sizes XS-3X) | pants (sizes 24-33) | mini lipstick (small to have for your occasional red lip occasions) | earrings (I own) | bag (yes that drum is a functional bag!) | socks | loafers

I have shared how to style an ugly Christmas sweater but wanted to add it here as the concept has become a theme for everything from work parties to charity galas. While jeans and your favorite boots and sneakers will always work with a Christmas sweater, why not embrace the holiday and style around the sweater, instead of having it an afterthought?

The outfit above is inspired by the exact sweater I bought for me, my sister, and my daughter so we can match every season. Over the years I have bought various kitschy yet fun and functional accessories that I may wear all together, or sprinkle through other outfits. When I saw these plaid cords that would be chic with a blouse or sweater, I thought why not go all the way? Mixing wacky with classic makes it a look that is fun and comfortable to wear year after year.

6. Holiday Party Outfit for Cold Weather: The Cocktail Pantsuit

I live in the Mid-Atlantic, where holiday party weather can mean anything from a mild evening to freezing temperatures, sleet, or snow. I have no interest in ruining a pair of shoes or spending the evening shivering just to look festive. This is one of the many reasons I love a cocktail pantsuit.

Shop the Look: velvet blazer (sizes 0-20/22) | velvet pants (sizes 0-20/2 & petite/long) | charmeuse blouse (sizes 0-18) | sequin scarf | metallic eyeliner I have & love | ear cuff | ring | bag | sequin loafers

An elevated fabric: satin, crepe, shantung, velvet, or even a tropical weight wool that is good quality. Pair with a base layer that fits the situation as well as the weather: I've done a plain black satin bra, a lace-trimmed camisole, a beaded shell, a lace blouse, even a cashmere turtleneck when the weather outside is frightful.

And what's great about a pantsuit, especially one with full-length wider legs, is your shoes aren't on display. Rock those waterproof black ankle boots, or a pair of trendy sneakers, or leave your boots at the coat check and whip out your velvet flats from your pocket. If you're looking for waterproof dressier boots, I gathered a few great options below:

Make it your own: Don't overlook your outerwear. A beautiful wool coat, interesting scarf, or statement brooch can make your outfit look intentional even before you take off your layers.

How to Make an Outfit Feel Festive Without Buying Something New

One of my favorite ways to dress for the holidays is to pull out accessories I've collected over the years.

I have festive earrings, brooches, and other little treasures that I've worn holiday after holiday. Some are now borrowed by my daughter for her own occasions. They're not necessarily expensive pieces, but they have personality, and they've earned their place in my wardrobe.

A brooch can transform a blazer or sweater. A velvet bag can make jeans and a blouse feel ready for a party. Statement earrings can dress up a simple black top. Even a bold lip color can completely change the mood of an outfit.

If you want to add something new, consider shopping for an accessory rather than a whole outfit. J.Crew Factory, ASOS, LOFT, and Mango are great places to look for interesting pieces at approachable prices. Holiday accessories can often be found for less on resale sites, are often found when thrifting, and you can get unique and fun accessories made by local artisans at holiday markets.

What Shoes Should You Wear to a Holiday Party?

The holidays are about comfort and joy… and that extends to your feet. We grown-ass women know that uncomfortable shoes can ruin our mood (and the many days following an event where we wore them).

For a party where you'll be sitting most of the evening, you may be fine in a heel. But if you're standing, dancing, walking several blocks, or dealing with winter weather, consider an elegant flat, low block heel, or dressy boot.

I also recommend trying on the complete outfit before the event, including the shoes. Walk around your home, sit down, and make sure nothing pinches, slips, rides up, or needs constant adjustment.

The most beautiful outfit in the room won't feel so beautiful if you're counting the minutes until you can take it off.

Frequently Asked Questions About Holiday Party Outfits

Holiday Dressing Should Still Feel Like You

You don't need to buy a whole new wardrobe to dress for the holidays. Start with clothes you already love, consider the occasion, and add a little something special.

Maybe it's a fabulous skirt that becomes your signature look every year. Maybe it's a pair of earrings you've owned for decades and love pulling out for the annual cookie exchange. Maybe it's your favorite jeans with a velvet top and comfortable boots.

The holidays are about tradition, nostalgia, comfort, and joy. Style with a story will always be more chic than new new new.

If you'd like more ideas for getting dressed throughout the season, take a look at my holiday capsule wardrobe, where I created 18 outfits from versatile pieces that can be worn well beyond December.

What should you wear with an ugly Christmas sweater? You can always pair one with jeans, but that's hardly your only option. Try dressing it up with a sequin skirt, making it office-friendly with tailored trousers, or giving it a little edge with faux leather pants. The trick is to let the sweater be the star and balance it with pieces you already own.

Below, I'm sharing five ways to style an ugly Christmas sweater that are festive, fun, and still feel like you. Whether you're heading to an office holiday party, a family gathering, or an ugly sweater contest, there's no reason your entire outfit has to be ugly!

5 Ugly Christmas Sweater Outfit Ideas

Just because your sweater is ugly doesn't mean your outfit has to be ugly. Ugly Christmas sweaters are ubiquitous this time of year, and can be dressed up and down for most any social occasion this season and fit most any personal style aesthetic. It's easy to style an ugly Christmas sweater with jeans, leggings, or sweats. But I will share some ways to dress up your ugly Christmas sweater!

Here are five ways to dress up an ugly Christmas sweater. Going beyond the basics, I hope these ideas on how to style an ugly Christmas sweater will inspire you to have fun, be festive, but also be fashionable this season!

Ugly Christmas Sweater with a Sequin Skirt

You can't go wrong over the holiday season with a sequin skirt. In a classic straight to subtle a-line style, from above the knee to midi length, a sequin skirt in black or a metallic will glam up your holiday looks but also be a great wardrobe addition other parts of the year.

I love the juxtaposition of styling an ugly Christmas sweater with a beautiful sequined skirt. Black is a safe bet, or consider pulling a color from your sweater. This time of year you can find plenty of sequined skirts in gold, red, and silver and can be your signature piece you whip out every holiday season.

The sweater can be untucked with an above-the-knee skirt, but for longer skirts, it would look better tucked in; here are my tips on how to tuck in a sweater without bulk.

Ugly Christmas Sweater with Dress Pants for Work

Think ugly Christmas sweaters can't look appropriate in the workplace? Balance the kitsch with classic trousers, loafers, and simple jewelry. I am a fan of ivory in winter, especially with bold colors and prints, as it adds a level of polish and elegance. If you desire a base layer, consider a fitted turtleneck or shell in the same color as the trousers.

Ugly Christmas Sweater with Faux Leather Pants

Want to stay comfortable but not wear denim? Consider a pair of faux leather jeans! They add shine and a “cool” factor while still being stretchy and warm in the winter. Pair with sneakers and hoops and consider a metallic eyeliner to match a color in your sweater!

Ugly Christmas Sweater with Jeans and a Collared Shirt

Oh, the irony: to style an ugly Christmas sweater in a super classic manner… channel your inner Andy Williams by wearing a white collared shirt underneath. However, unlike Mr. Williams, I would either button to the top or unbutton one button and keep the lapels under the sweater collar. I have the combination here with wide-leg black jeans, but it could be worn with regular jeans, a plaid skirt, a sequin skirt, or some holiday plaid trousers.

A more tailored sweater would look good with trousers and longer skirts; tuck in the collared shirt's tails. For an oversized ugly Christmas sweater, consider a tunic-length shirt so the shirttails peek out and style with a shorter skirt or even faux leather leggings.

Ugly Christmas Sweater with Plaid Pants

Embrace the tacky and over the top concept of an ugly Christmas sweater and take it up a notch by styling with plaid ankle pants and kitschy holiday-themed earrings. Personally, I think it's very chic to embrace a dress code and have fun with your fashion. And what better time of year than Christmas to go hard or go home with holiday cheer?

Where to Find Fun Christmas Sweaters

You don't need to buy a new sweater every year to get into the holiday spirit. Check your closet, borrow from a friend, or browse your local thrift store for something wonderfully tacky. If you're looking for something new, I've rounded up a few festive sweaters below, from surprisingly chic to delightfully ridiculous.

What Is An Ugly Christmas Sweater?

An ugly Christmas sweater isn't always ugly… and it's not always Christmas-themed. Ugly Christmas sweaters (and sweatshirts) have a holiday or winter theme mixed with humor, irony, and garish combinations (hence being called ugly). They are colorful sweaters that make quite a statement (and make getting dressed each holiday season all the more easy).

Christmas-themed sweaters became popular in the 1950s, with patterns teaching knitters how to incorporate a reindeer or snowflake into their work. In the 60s, and 70s, stores began selling Christmas-themed sweaters, and they were worn as stylish and warm garments, often seen on singers in Christmas-themed TV specials. In the 80s, a Christmas-themed sweater was a favorite of dads and school teachers.

However, the Christmas sweater fell out of fashion… until the 2000s when folks began finding them at thrift stores and wearing them ironically to holiday events. Thus, the Ugly Christmas Sweater was born.

These days, most ugly Christmas sweaters are store-bought, specifically designed to be garish, silly, and “ugly.” However, many also D.I.Y their ugly Christmas sweaters, embellishing a simple pullover with tinsel, ornaments, ribbons, and even battery-operated twinkle lights. While these sweaters may have started being focused on Christmas iconography, now such sweaters can be found for other winter holidays and celebrations as well as a general theme of the season.

Thrifted, knitted, hand-decorated, or store-bought, I will share a roundup of ways to create a stylish yet still fun ugly Christmas sweater outfit.

When Did the Ugly Christmas Sweater Start?

Vancouver claims to have originated the concept of the ugly Christmas sweater, with two residents hosting an ugly Christmas sweater party in 2002 that had the dress code of wearing an ugly sweater. However, Kalamazoo, Michigan, believes a few of their college students invented the concept a few years prior.

Called the Turtleneck and Sweater Holiday Extravaganza, the concept was dressing retro like their parents did for Christmases past. Donning corny holiday sweaters and fake mustaches, the party was such a success it became an annual event. (source)

Frequently Asked Questions About Styling Ugly Christmas Sweaters

A Holiday Capsule Wardrobe You Can Wear All Year

Way back in 2018, I made a real-life holiday capsule based on what was in my actual closet. While the holidays are often known for red and green, I chose a color palette of navy, black, white, and silver/crystal and found it festive without being so on the nose I couldn't wear it beyond the holiday season. I decided to make a holiday capsule wardrobe for 2026 that is also made of items you can wear all year long.

I am a big proponent of buying clothes that can live multiple lives, getting the best return on your investment. You can be festive, you can glam up or dress down, and not need to buy a whole new look for every occasion. And this capsule is proof.

For this year's holiday capsule wardrobe, I mixed everyday staples like dark jeans, a white button-front shirt, and a black suit with a few pieces that bring the fun. Think a colorful skirt, a bit of sparkle, a fabulous jacket, and accessories that can make even the simplest outfit feel special.

And while I've chosen black, green, and fuschia, use these colors as a guide, not gospel. You could do gray and silver, navy and purple, brown and copper, pink and red, cobalt and ice blue… maybe such pieces are already in your closet!

What's in This Holiday Capsule Wardrobe?

Below are 18 outfits created from one capsule, with ideas for everything from casual gatherings to dressier celebrations… and every single garment can be worn beyond the holidays.

I specifically stuck with more timeless of silhouettes in hopes if these items are not in your closet, they are easy to find at your budget, and you will continue to enjoy wearing for years to come. And of course, I had to add some fun and festive accents!

Shop the Capsule Wardrobe:
blazer (0-18 & petite) | feather brooch | snowflake brooch | crystal earrings | gift bow earrings | white shirt (XXS-XXL) | jeans (XS-3X & petite/long) | flats | ankle boots | pleated skirt (0-20/22 & petite/long) | sheer turtleneck (XXS-XXXL) | cashmere shell (XS-XL) | sequin skirt (00-18 & petite) | cashmere cardigan (XS-XL) | sequin shell (XXS-XXL) | clutch purse | faux fur jacket (XS-3X) | suit pants (0-20 & petite/long)

Notes: I own the white shirt; I find a size L fits me well as a busty size 14. The jeans if in doubt, size down they are stretchy and don't shrink. If cashmere isn't your jam, a fine-gauge cotton or silk knit twinset would also work great. The boots are waterproof suede (slush happens!) For the turtleneck, use code WARRDROBEOXYGEN10 for 10% off!

18 Holiday Outfits from One Capsule Wardrobe

While I have created 18 looks, even more could be created from this collection of clothing and accessories. I added some items to expand the capsule showing that you do not need to stick to this capsule, you can modify to fit with what you own, what you find comfortable, or fits your social calendar.

To see any of these thumbnails larger, simply click on any of them. Swipe or tap to the right or left to scroll through the 18 looks and click outside the slideshow to return to this screen.

I added a few additional items to these outfits that you may already own: a skinny scarf you can tie like a tie (or wear as a belt, or loop around your neck, or tie around your bag strap…), a pair of knee-high boots when it's too cold for exposed legs, a bold red lip and a shiny pink gloss (both I personally own and love), a silky camisole, and a dressy belt (TBH I should have just added this to the capsule but found it after I had made a lot of the graphics: it's a good closet item you can wear for years and don't need belt loops to rock it).

How to Make This Holiday Capsule Wardrobe Your Own

As I mentioned above, this color story is a guide, not gospel.

The green cashmere twinset could be cobalt blue, burgundy, hot pink, or whatever color makes you happy. The suit could even be navy, ivory, or a dark teal or green. And that purple taffeta skirt? Imagine it in a color you love enough to wear to a summer wedding, an anniversary dinner, or a party in the spring.

The same goes for the silhouettes. If you prefer straight-leg jeans to bootcut, wear them. If you don't wear skirts, consider dressy trousers in a beautiful color or fabric. The goal is to understand how the pieces work together, not to recreate every outfit exactly.

I also encourage you to look at what you already own before buying anything. Maybe you have a black blazer that fits beautifully, a white shirt you love, or a pair of fabulous earrings you've worn to holiday parties for a decade.

A capsule wardrobe isn't about having the smallest possible closet. It's about having clothes that work together and work for you.

Festive Accessories Worth Keeping Year After Year

All the accessories are inspired by ones I personally own. While the garments aren't holiday specific, I do find joy in festive holiday accessories. It's the way to take that work pantsuit and make it company Christmas Party appropriate, to glam up a simple turtleneck sweater and trousers, or elevate a crisp white shirt and blazer.

I am a fan of festive earrings; I own a pair similar to the pink gift bow ones in this capsule. They're a fun way to add holiday spirit even to a basic sweater and jeans. I store them in a Ziploc baggie between wears so they stay shiny and fresh.

I got a crystal brooch in the shape of a snowflake over a decade ago and continue to wear it every December. I wear it covering the top button of a crisp shirt, I put it on the lapel of a blazer, over my heart on a chunky sweater or even to jazz up a wool dress coat. And last winter, my teen borrowed this brooch to attach to the waistband of her dress to make it look more festive for a holiday event.

When my mom passed, I inherited her silver necklace embellished with tiny little blue and green bells. She would wear it every Christmas Eve, and now I can continue the tradition. Festive jewelry transcends trends and can become part of your signature style.

The feather brooch I added because the are a hot trend right now, but a wallet-friendly trend that can easily glam up a coat, blazer, sweater, or shirt. And I see them continuing to be fun to wear into 2027. If it's not your jam, that's totally fine. You can go more festive with a specific holiday-themed brooch, or a scarf, or a necklace, or even a pocket square. Just don't dismiss the power of accessories for any capsule, especially for holidays!

You May Also Like:

How To Create a Capsule Wardrobe

Complete Fall Capsule Wardrobe for Work, Travel, and Everyday

I hope this holiday capsule wardrobe doesn't make you feel you need to buy a lot to have a lot of style for the season. That simple pieces can live multiple lives with a switch-up of accessories or how you style them. And remember the most stylish thing you can wear this or any season is comfort and joy!

Frequently Asked Questions About Holiday Capsule Wardrobes