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Holiday Style Over 40

November 28, 2022 By: Nada Manleycomment

Even though I let them slip several times throughout this video, the words “festive” and “fun” when applied to clothing are really starting to make me cringe. They are almost code words for frumpy. Except when I use them. Seriously, though. If a sweater or a dress or a pair of earrings is described as either festive or fun, run. Just leave it right there in the store where you found it and go put on something black and sensible. Just to atone for considering the festive item. It’s that bad. In a nutshell, let’s remember this brand-new mantra I just made up:

Festive = Frumpy

This is not true of parades and parties and decor, of course. Just fashion.

In today’s video, I’m going to show you items that are commonly referred to as festive, and their less frumpy-and-frightening alternatives. I’m also going to give you 4 outfit formulas to get you through all of your holiday events, plus I will share some of my favorite holiday style finds from Dillards!

Frumpy vs Fashionable Holiday Style (Or How Not To Wear Tinsel)

Unless you’re going to an ugly Christmas sweater party or some other event where a costume is required and an over-the-top outfit is part of the fun, there’s never a reason to wear tinsel or jingle bells on your clothing. Not one.

As always, everything in this post can be found in this catalog.

The Christmas Sweater

This now-notorious seasonal staple can be festive-frumpy and only befitting an ugly sweater party, or it can be chic and modern.

Just say no to tinsel
And no to over-the-top motifs
Something simple is much better.
Try an updated Fair Isle for a cheerful take on a Christmas staple

The Christmas Tee

Like the sweater, but not. Same pitfalls and potential style points apply.

This simple tee has a vintage modern holiday motif
This over the top tee is frumpy

The Christmas Dress

Go modern or go classic, but just don’t go for a dated look.

Classic and wearable year after year.
A modern twist on Christmas plaid.
Bold florals make a chic holiday statement.
Classic plaid in a modern silhouette.
Simple and flirty red dress.
A casual plaid shirtdress is a timeless choice.
This cocktail with the dated extra layer and sparkly shoulder was never in style.
This dress style was everywhere a few years ago but just doesn’t seem modern anymore.

The Party Top

Sometimes, you just need something sparkly to top off those basic work pants for after-office cocktails. As always, there’s a fashionable way to do this, and a frumpy way.

A plaid sparkly party top from Chico’s checks all the boxes
This faux layered top is not cute or contemporary

Accessories

There’s a right way and a wrong way to do Christmas-themed accessories.

Just say no.
These earrings are not at all elegant.
I wouldn’t like this motif on a wall, and it certainly doesn’t belong on a bag.
Not unless you’re dressing up as Mrs. Claus
These Draper James pumps are holiday perfection.
Yes they’re ornaments, but the neutral metallics make these wearable and surprisingly chic.
A fab neutral bag from Chico’s that works year round.
A subtle take on Southern Christmas style

Holiday Outfit Formulas

If you really want to look your best this holiday season, it can help to take a look at your calendar and plan your outfits accordingly. Here, 4 outfit formulas to get you through most occasions in style.

Casual

This dressy-casual look is perfect for hanging out with friends, seeing the Christmas lights, or a casual get together at someone’s house.

Outfit Formula: Christmas Tee + Colored Blazer + Neutral Pants + Glam Accessories

Glam

This outfit is perfect for a cocktail party or other special occasion.

Outfit Formula: Velvet dress + sparkly accessories

Cozy

Perfect for baking cookies, hanging out by the fire, or driving around to see the lights.

Outfit Formula: Cozy sweater + jeans + statement shoes

Classic

Holiday dress + velvet shoes + simple accessories

Chic Holiday Looks From Dillards

I found WAY more to choose from at Dillard’s for the holiday season than I even expected, with stylish items for every event on your calendar. Here are 6 of my favorite looks, and the places I would wear them. You can find all of the items mentioned in this post right here in this catalog.

Church: Nicola Bathie x Antonio Melani green velvet dress and plaid coat
Hosting at Home: Skies Are Blue stretch velvet cami and pants with Lucy Paris blazer
Office Party: A Loves A metallic tweed blazer and pants with velvet bustier top
Cocktails: Sugarlips metallic dress
Gala: Lucy Paris ombre tulle dress
New Year’s Eve: Gianni Bini fringed cocktail dress

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