A Note on Style: Dressing for the Holidays

Hello LDV readers. It’s Karima from A Note on Style. This year will be a quiet holiday celebrating solely with my husband and boys. But I’m not cancelling the tradition of getting a tree, decorating the house, and planning a special dinner or two, even if it’s just for the four of us. Going through the motions of familiar highlights of the season has helped me keep my holiday spirit in check. The house is decorated, tree is up and gifting is underway. I’m also making an effort to dress in a quietly festive style simply by adding a single special item to an outfit. I usually shy away from red, but this year I’m drawn to it not only as a pop of color to wear but as an accent around the house. Berry clusters on holly branches, poinsettias, and ribbon, in a variety of crimson hues, cheerfully add a warming note to the decor. Deeply associated with Christmas tradition, red is acting as a calming reminder of the past.

My obsession with red extends to my wardrobe and has me on the hunt for a classic sweater in the perfect silhouette and hue. I’m also drawn to festive print blouses and any knitwear with pattern or embellishment. Looks are simple and uncomplicated focusing on a singular standout piece. Items I choose to add to my wardrobe will pair easily with other pieces in my closet and will go well beyond the holiday season for years to come. Think about a great shoe punctuating a clean, monochromatic outfit. It’s a familiar formula I adhere to year-round. Right now, I’d love to step into these plaid Gucci flats or Golden Goose sneakers. I could also go one-and-done with a print dress in seasonal colors. There are so many good ones to choose from. I also like festive skirts with sweaters to dress up or down with heels or flats. Being mindful of accessories, like a frayed fabric bow, emerald-colored jewelry, or a vibrant printed scarf, can inject a holiday spirit to the most basic outfit with minimal effort.

I’m still chipping away at gift buying but overall am in pretty good shape. If you need inspiration, check out some of my Gift Guides on A Note on Style. I’ve curated lists For the Guys, For Lounging, to Inspire Wellness, For the Traveler, Personal Beauty Favorites, and For the Hostess and updating them often as inventory sells out.

Wishing you all a healthy, happy holiday and looking forward to 2021!

above: red sweater, ivory sweater, scarf, emerald ring, emerald earrings, pleated skirt, plaid flats, polka-dot blouse, tweed hair bow