Holiday style runs the gamut of occasions (and dress codes): work holiday parties, Secret Santa gift swaps, cozy nights by the fire. But this year, I plan on sipping my hot ciders and glasses of Champagne dressed with one universal rule in mind: Never sacrifice comfort for flash. Luckily, this time of year centers around trends that manage to keep you cozy without giving up that seasonal flair. This year, especially, the gothic lace, fuzzy outerwear, and chunky knits I spotted on the runways at Burberry, Ralph Lauren, and Chloé feel particularly well-suited to an updated take on holiday dressing.
Since the holidays tend to fill up fast—with parties, sure, but also with the work of ticking off my gifting list—I’m a fan of anywhere I can do all of my outfit shopping at once. And when I recently perused Free People’s new arrivals, I found exactly what I was looking for, all through the brand’s signature boho lens. Take a Fair Isle knit, for example, with a chunky weave and a playful print—it would fit in just as well at an ugly sweater party as it would paired with tailored trousers at the office. (How’s that for pulling double duty?) While I’ll spend the end of the year almost exclusively in sweats, I love that throwing on a jacket and a chunky scarf transforms the outfit from couch-core to model-off-duty. Holiday style deserves to be aspirational!
Shop my favorite new Free People arrivals below, all of which will have the same effect on your cold-weather wardrobe.
1. The winter knit
If you think of seasons in terms of capsule wardrobes, the most important item for winter is a cozy knit. That could mean a classic cashmere cardigan or a ribbed knit, but I’m partial to playful seasonal prints and thick textures that almost feel like they were woven by Grandma herself. ’Tis the season for walking around like you’re wearing a big, soft blanket, after all. To dress the look up a bit, layer your sweater under a tailored jacket to create a sense of balance.
2. The party dress
Odds are, you’ve RSVP’d for at least one dressy occasion before December’s over. Look for rich, seasonal jewel tones, soft-to-the-touch fabrics, and metallic details to assemble a standout look for the season. Add a pair of tights for warmth (and style), and finish off your outfit with trendy boots or a pair of flashy heels.
3. The plaid add-on
Lumberjacks aren’t the only ones with an affinity for plaid. This time of year, this outdoorsy print is a signature, especially in cozy flannel. It’s also highly aligned with the cottagecore styles that popped up all over the fall-winter runways. I’m partial to styling a neutral outfit with a colorful plaid scarf—but however you choose to wear it, you really can’t go wrong with plaid as a holiday style essential.
4. The statement jacket
It’s cold enough this time of year that a jacket may just be the most important part of every outfit, considering you’ll have one on most of the time. Something textural—velvet, fuzzy, or furry—is a thoughtful way to add a high-fashion twist to your outfit, even if you’re spending the day in sweats.
5. The warm accessory
Winter is arguably the time of year for accessories simply because when it’s frigid, more really is more. A cozy hat, a scarf, a playful pair of socks—they’re all worth a spin. For fancy occasions, a velvet bag adds a pop of the season’s rich fabrics. And while you’re shopping for yourself, I’d also point out that accessories make great gifts too, since they happen to be one-size-fits-all.
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