Holiday Happenings

Sequins and silk. Jewels and glitter. Sweaters and stockings. During the holidays, our outfits level up.

Between gatherings with friends, family, and coworkers, the holidays often have our social calendars booked with dinners, gift exchanges, parties, and more. When considering your look, think festive, fashionable, and fitted. What you choose to wear should complement the festivity, exude your personal style, and align with your idea of comfort.

We enlisted Sarah Villella, manager and buyer of Narcissus boutique in Tallahassee, to advise readers on what to wear to Friendsgiving, a holiday party, and a New Year’s Eve celebration.

Photos Courtesy of Narcissus

Friendsgiving

In the past two decades, Friendsgiving meals have become increasingly popular. The host invites pals to dinner during the month of November, leading up to Thanksgiving Day or on it. It’s a way to share a meal with friends and express your gratitude for them.

This casual social event can be dressed up or down, so it is best to check with the host. Yet Villella notes that a statement sweater, jeans, and ankle boots are a safe go-to.

Dress it up by donning a dress. Consider a Farm Rio mini dress with knee-high boots finished with tights or an Anna Cate maxi dress with a Western-inspired belt.

Photos Courtesy of Narcissus

Holiday Party

Whether it’s a gathering of friends or a company party with colleagues, a holiday party is your time to shine—literally. Add a glimmer of shimmer to any outfit and any event, from a laid-back house party to a grand gathering.

“Nothing says holiday like sparkles, which thankfully can be found in a wide variety, from shimmered chiffon to metallic jacquard or rhinestone-adorned fabrics,” says Villella.

For a fancy affair, Villella suggests a silk midi skirt paired with a silk blouse from the brand GoSilk, which specializes in machine-washable silks; a jewel-tone, high-neck dress with earrings by Dean Davidson; a Cinq à Sept embellished blazer with leather pants; or a Staud strapless mini dress.

If the event is formal, Narcissus specializes in outfitting women in gowns.

A casual celebration can be elevated with a sweater that has subtle shimmer or embellishments, like pearls or rhinestones, paired with a dark-washed, wide-leg jean.

Photos Courtesy of Narcissus

New Year’s Eve Celebration

Rival the fireworks with a showstopping New Year’s Eve ensemble.

“Any level of sparkle is acceptable,” says Villella.

While glitter, jewels, and sequins are timeless NYE options, Villella also suggests exploring the trend of a monochromatic look in icy tones like silver, pale blue, lavender, or ivory. Start with a sequin mini skirt, add a sweater or blouse of the same color, and finish with the same color shoe.

Villella notes that you can never go wrong with a little black dress that’s stunningly accessorized. Consider a beaded bag, a statement necklace, or Verdier Swarovski earrings.

Comfy Cozy

On the flipside of parties and glamour, the holidays are also a time of comfort and connection: evenings spent around a crackling fire, cookie decorating with the kids, meals and laughs shared around a table, and the magic of Christmas morning call for cozy attire. Keep it comfy with a sweater dress from ASTR, a coordinating set from Sundays or Spanx, or a Fair Isle sweater. Shearling, flannel, or wool are lovely to be wrapped up in. Go traditional and timeless with matching pajamas for the whole family. If you’re spending all day in them, gift yourself a cozy, luxe set that you won’t regret.