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How To Build A Festive Wardrobe

November 30, 2023 By: Nada Manley2 Comments

I don’t know about you, but December is just getting started and it’s already crazy. Christmas and New Year’s Eve and all the festivities, I also have a beautiful December baby who is about to turn 16. (I did not plan that well. :) And with all of the festivities looming this month, I’ve found that I’m nicer when I like my outfit.

I know I didn’t just make that up but just work with me here. :)

It’s nice to have an idea of your outfit. I have found this to be true of most women, even myself. It makes invitations easier to accept and spontaneous outings easier to plan. So how does this mythical festive wardrobe happen? And how can be ready for nearly any holiday occasion? As with all good things, it helps to have a plan. And in today’s video, I spell out how to build a festive wardrobe.

You can shop everything in this video and post right here.

Start With Essentials

Before you can add fun mini-clusters for different areas of your life, you need the essentials box checked. These are the building blocks of a modern wardrobe, and they will ensure that any fun and festive pieces have someone to hang out with. They include the neutral, solid pieces like tees, jeans, solid sweaters, jackets, and pants.

Start Building a Cluster

Start with what you have, and start using the cluster model to pull festive pieces from your wardrobe.

Start With A Set

The easiest way to shop your closet (or your favorite boutique) for a cluster is to start with a two piece set. This is most often a suit of some kind, and a pant suit is a versatile and modern option. Choose plaid, velvet, sequins, satin, or even just a solid simple suit that is not corporate-looking. A two-piece skirt or pants outfit works as well.

You can shop these items right here.

J Crew Tuxedo jacket
Banana Republic velvet suit
Tiny from Anthropologie suit
Essentials Antwerp shirt and pants
Aqua blazer
Anthropologie set
Draper James plaid suit

Add 3 Tops

A variety of dressiness levels works well here. My suggestions: A sweater, a simple blouse, and a party top.

You can shop these items right here.

Sweater for a more casual look
Party top
Simple blouse

Add Another Bottom

A skirt or pants would work, whatever you’re missing or whatever you prefer. Again, velvet, leather, sequins, tulle, satin, silk. Whatever you love, and whatever works with the rest of your cluster.

You can shop these items right here.

Kate Spade Skirt
LilySilk skirt
Leahter skirt
J Crew Skirt
Sequin skirt
Free People full skirt
Frances Valentine skirt
Anthropologie tulle skirt

Add A Dress

A solid simple style in a festive color that you can update year after year with accessories is your best choice here.

You can shop these items right here.

Emilia dress
Kohls dress
Reformation dress

Finish With Accessories

A metallic shoe is the best bet to start with, as it’s the most versatile and neutral. Add an evening friendly bag (like a mesh clutch, my pick for timelessness) and a great piece of jewelry.

You can shop these items right here.

Sam Edelman Bianca shoes
Sam Edelman Janina shoes
Whiting & Davis
Saint Laurent

And now it’s time to assemble some clusters. Maybe one of these will inspire your holiday wardrobe.

The Preppy Cluster

Using classic shades and touches of plaid, this cluster manages to be both festive and preppy.

You can shop these items right here.

The Glam Cluster

Shine, sparkle, and fun, this cluster is perfect for anyone whose not afraid to stand out.

You can shop these items right here.

The Edgy Cluster

Fun and funky, this cluster has a cool urban style that’s perfect for the trendsetter.

You can shop these items right here.

The Feminine Cluster

A softer take on holiday style, this is a romantic cluster that will make any woman feel beautiful.

You can shop these items right here.

What do you think of building a festive or holiday cluster? And which is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!

Comments

  1. Nada Manley says

    December 28, 2023 at 10:00 am

    Thanks Noelene! Yes it works great for travel! This is how I pack!! I appreciate the comment!

  2. Noelene says

    December 3, 2023 at 8:57 pm

    Love this article. Such beautiful pieces (my favorite is the feminine). This would also be a fantastic idea for a travel wardrobe! 2 clusters and you’re done!

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