Alright, let’s talk about getting dressed for the holidays this year, 2024. It always sneaks up, doesn’t it? And with it, that little voice that says, “You need something new! Something festive!” I used to fall for that, every single year. My closet was a testament to impulsive holiday buys.
The Usual Trap
You know the drill. You see all these sparkly, perfect outfits online, in magazines, whatever. And you think, “Yep, gotta have that.” So you buy a sequin top you wear once. Or a velvet dress that’s just a bit too much for your family’s casual Christmas dinner. I’ve been there. My attic probably still has boxes of “once-worn holiday cheer.” It felt like I was just collecting costumes, not building a wardrobe.
And honestly, the pressure! Every event, big or small, felt like it needed a new look. Office party? New. Christmas Eve? New. New Year’s? Definitely new. It was exhausting and, let’s be real, expensive.
My Shift This Year: A Practical Approach
So, this year, I decided to do things differently. I started early, not by shopping, but by actually looking at what I already own. I mean, really looking. I pulled things out, tried stuff on. Some things, yeah, they had to go. But a surprising amount had potential.
My main goal was to be comfortable and to actually re-wear things. Radical, I know!
Here’s what I did:
-
The “Foundation” Piece Hunt: I searched for good quality basics. Think a nice pair of black trousers that fit well, a decent dark wash jean, a simple black or cream sweater. Things that can be dressed up or down. I found a pair of wide-leg black pants I bought ages ago – still perfect.
-
Adding the “Holiday” Sparkle (Strategically): Instead of a whole new glittery outfit, I focused on accessories or one key piece. I dug out a sparkly scarf I got as a gift years back. Perfect. I also found a nice silk-ish blouse in a deep jewel tone – festive enough without screaming “Christmas tree.”
-
The Try-On Sesh: This was key. I spent an afternoon mixing and matching. Those black pants? Paired them with the jewel-toned blouse for a dressier look. Then, I tried them with a chunky knit sweater and that sparkly scarf for something more cozy but still put-together for a family gathering.
-
Comfort is King (or Queen): If it wasn’t comfortable, it was out. No too-tight waistbands or itchy fabrics. The holidays are for enjoying, not for fidgeting with your clothes.
What I Ended Up With (So Far)
It’s not about having a dozen distinct outfits. It’s about having versatile pieces. For instance:
Outfit Idea 1 (Casual Family Thing): My good dark jeans, that cream sweater I found, and I might throw on some nice earrings or a simple necklace. Maybe those comfy ankle boots I live in all winter.
Outfit Idea 2 (A Bit More Dressy): Those wide-leg black pants, the jewel-toned blouse, and some low heels. The sparkly scarf if I’m feeling it.
Outfit Idea 3 (New Year’s Eve – Low Key): I’m thinking the black pants again (see? Versatile!), but maybe with a nicer, more fitted black top I have, and then I’ll really lean into some statement jewelry. I’ve got some dangly earrings that rarely see the light of day.
The point is, I didn’t buy a single new “holiday specific” item of clothing this year. I shopped my closet. I focused on what felt good and what could be mixed around. It took a bit of effort, sure, digging through everything and trying things on. But it felt so much better than just throwing money at the problem. And honestly, I feel pretty good about what I’ve pulled together. It feels more “me” than some trendy thing I would have bought on a whim.
So yeah, that’s my process for holiday outfits 2024. Less stress, less waste, and hopefully, more actual enjoyment of the season!
