HOLIDAY CAPSULE WARDROBE
OVERVIEW OF WHAT’S TO COME
'Tis the season for elegant holiday glitz and glamour! With 47 days until Christmas, ladies, the pressure is on (at least, that’s how I’m feeling). Christmas movies running in the background, holiday tunes filling the air and decorations popping up all over the block. Not to mention, everyone on social media has already decorated. I’m feeling a little behind over here!
One thing I’m NOT behind on? My holiday capsule wardrobe. Simple, elegant, and glamorous—that’s the vibe I’m going for this year. The best part about a holiday capsule wardrobe is that when Christmas sneaks up on you (as it always does), there’s no need to stress. You can always rely on your trusted pieces to pull everything together. No more last-minute Amazon orders hoping your dress will arrive on time. We’re keeping it simple, being prepared and feeling fabulous. Follow along for my tips and tricks on how to be a showstopper this festive season with a streamlined, easy-to-put-together wardrobe!
WHY CAPSULE WARDROBE?
It’s all about keeping it simple. That’s the theme for this year. If you’ve been following along on the blog, you know I’m all about simple, meaningful, stress-free living in almost every area of my life—whether I’m hosting a party, prepping for a trip, or tackling holiday prep. I like to keep it painless.
The holidays come with so much stress already—decorating, cooking, and fitting everything into an already overly packed schedule. What I want to focus on is spending quality time with my family—baking cookies with my daughter, sipping my favorite “healthy” hot cocoa around the bonfire (link to mushroom hot chocolate), and enjoying time with my niece and nephew. But I still want to look fabulous doing it! Can I get an amen?! ;)
This is why I swear by a holiday capsule wardrobe. It allows me to be prepared, look great and spend more time doing what matters most to me.
WHAT PIECES SHOULD WE AVOID?
I’ve definitely fallen into the “trend trap” more times than I care to admit. Last year it was frilly bows, platform Uggs, and corporate holiday attire. This year, it’s all about long leather gloves and oversized fur coats with a defined waist. These all sound incredible, but trends change so fast, it’s hard to keep up!
This is exactly why I’m sharing my Christmas capsule wardrobe with you: to help you avoid the trend cycle and focus on timeless, elegant pieces that never go out of style. A holiday capsule wardrobe is about creating a stunning festive look that will still feel classy in 20 years—not just trendy.
If you must incorporate a trend into your capsule, I recommend choosing something versatile—either a piece that can be worn all winter or an accessory you can reuse each year. This way you stay on-trend without overspending.
WHAT PIECES ARE A MUST?
Let’s talk must-haves! Here are the key pieces I can’t live without in my holiday capsule wardrobe:
Leather: I’ve worn leather every holiday season for as long as I can remember. It’s powerful, chic, and warm—perfect for the colder months. A great pair of straight-leg leather pants is ideal for any festive sweater or sparkly blouse. Leather speaks confidence! Not into leather pants? Try an oversized leather blazer—it radiates power. Let’s leave the leather leggings at home and go for a looser fit this season (even though I know they’re comfy as heck!).
Velvet: Velvet is my absolute favorite for fall and winter. It elevates any outfit instantly, making you feel like you're in the holiday spirit without going overboard. For the holiday capsule, I recommend opting for rich, deep colors like olive green or burgundy. A velvet blazer, pants, or vest in one of these shades is festive without being too “on the nose.”
Sequins & Sparkles: Let's add some sparkle to the holiday season! I love a little extra glitz year-round, but especially at Christmastime. A sequined clutch, brooch, or heels can instantly turn any outfit from basic to fabulous.
Shades of Red: You need a red sweater this season. Trust me. It’s a must-have for any holiday occasion—from office parties to family dinners. The best part? You can find a red sweater at any price point, from Amazon to Nordstrom. It’s a versatile piece you’ll wear time and time again. Burgundy, ruby, merlot - any shade of red puts me in the Christmas spirit! Adding all the reds to cart now.
Red Lips: The French have been rocking red lips for ages, and Christmas is the perfect time to channel that classic look. I’ve always been a little hesitant to wear bold red lips year-round, but the holiday season is the perfect excuse to go for it. Red lips add instant glamour and class to any look. I’ve linked a few of my favorites below.
I’d love to see how you’re styling your holiday outfits this year! Tag me on Instagram with your Christmas looks—you can’t live without! Follow @oysterstopearls for more holiday inspo!
xoxo
Shannon
