Every family has their own Holiday traditions and in my family that usually means a large gathering around a meal to play games and exchange a secret Santa gift. The dress code is very casual but also a little bit festive. So, what do you wear that is an upgrade from that Ugly Christmas sweater?

Add a Pop Of Color to Your Holiday Wardrobe

Christmas red has been lacking in my wardrobe for several years now and I've been looking to brighten up my seasonal capsule wardrobe. This year there are plenty of bright red options available in stores. I stumbled upon this Sea Blue off the shoulder cashmere sweater during Thanksgiving weekend and snatched it up at a steal. I like that this sweater can be worn through February and brought out in SF during our foggy July (of course).

Protip: Instead of wearing your off the shoulder sweater as designed, add a twist. Wearing your sweater off one shoulder will add dimension and keep it from looking too broad or flat across the shoulders.

Pick a Printed Shoe or Accessory with Personality

To balance out wearing solids (Red sweater + Blue jeans) I like introducing a print to keep the look interesting. Tartan is a classic choice for the holidays and a print that always cycles through traditional stores (J.Crew, Brooks Brothers, Talbots). I spotted these flats while skimming Black Friday sales and was instantly smitten. You heard it here first, Talbots is having a fashion moment. The black puff and tartan remind me of British toy soldiers and add some playful cheer to the look. Need a plaid flat of your own? We have a few additional recommendations at the end of the blog.

ProTip: When breaking in new flats, take them to a cobbler to add partial soles or scuff them up with heavy duty sandpaper. Talbots flats are VERY VERY slick out of the box and you'll need to add traction. (I did a nice baseball slide the first time I wore mine--lesson learned)

Top of Your Holiday Look with a Little Sparkle

Last year Megan and I were ALL ABOUT the sparkle for holiday. This year we are all about a pop of red and statement earrings. If you want to purchase a reasonably priced pair, BaubleBar, J.Crew and Banana Republic have wonderful options.

I LOVE these tassel earrings from J.Crew because they are lightweight and the length works with my face shape. I tried a similar pair from BaubleBar but they were too heavy and no one likes to having to remove their earrings mid-evening because they are weighing you down. We have a few additional recommendations at the end of the blog.

Stay Stylish,

K&M

P.S.--If the man at Isaia says you can ride the vespa then CIAO! you ride the vespa to your next holiday party.