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Beyond Red & Black: Festive Holiday Attire

Thanksgiving is behind us, and holiday season is officially here! I think many of us are making up for lost time, as there seems to be more holiday events this year than the past two years combined. Which, of course, begs the age old question: Whatever shall I wear???

I’ve heard your pleas, so today I rounded up a few festive holiday looks that go beyond red and black, and it’s all available at Nordstrom for easy one-top shopping!

blouse (S) // pants (6) // pumps (8) // clutch // earrings // similar necklace

I always try to avoid the predictable red top with black pants and go for something a little more unexpected.

This metallic print v-neck blouse is by Halogen, one of the Nordstrom Made brands, and it’s a great way to do holiday festive without looking like a Christmas decoration. The painterly metallic detailing and sheer puff sleeves are such pretty details, and the bodice is lined, so there’s no show-through to worry about.

I love shopping Nordstrom Made brands because you get such a good bang for your buck. They make high quality pieces without the up-charge for a designer label.

I paired this blouse with a pair of sleek faux leather pants that are also by Halogen, and I chose the Graphite Grey to create a tone-on-tone look.

These pants have a 27″ inseam with a 15 1/2″ leg opening, for a modern straight crop silhouette, and a high 11 1/2″ front rise.

Faux leather is trending this season, so these pants keep this conservative blouse looking current.

I kept my jewelry understated, and I wore silver tones to coordinate with the grey and silver in my outfit. My bezel set station necklace is the Nordstrom brand, but I’ve had it for a few years, and it appears to have sold out. Here are some similar options for under $100.

And these pavé orbital earrings are a new addition this season. While they can balance this holiday look, they’re also appropriate for daily wear.

I added a sparkly clutch that I might carry if I was going to wear this out to a party or dinner, but I could easily swap that out for a shoulder bag and wear this outfit beyond the holiday season to go out to dinner or for other celebratory events.

An all-black outfit is always my fallback plan when I want to look chic and put together with minimal effort, and this next look is totally my jam. The key with monochromatic outfits is to wear a mix of textures, and I like to make my top the focal point, to keep the attention up towards my face.

sequin top (S) // pants (6) // booties (8) // earrings

This sequin scoop back top is perfect for women who are always cold and don’t like to wear short sleeves for holiday events, but the scoop back gives it a little extra something.

I paired this sequin top with Wit & Wisdom stretchy crop trousers. These make great work pants, but they also pair well with festive holiday tops.

They have a 27″ inseam with a 14″ leg opening, and a comfortable 10″ front rise. They also have really good shape retention and don’t cling or bind.

And these booties totally make this look. I love the hint of sparkle and stiletto heel for dressing up these classic pants. They have a slim, stretchy shaft that’s easy to wear with a narrow leg opening, and the price is great too.

This last outfit isn’t necessarily a holiday look, but these pieces are great wardrobe staples from Nordstrom Made brands, and sometimes an understated neutral outfit is what you need.

These bootcut pants are also from Wit & Wisdom. They’re stretchy and comfortable and super flattering, and they come in several great neutral colors. They have the iconic ‘Ab’solution powermesh panels to mold and hold in all the right places.

sweater (S) // pants (6) // booties (8) // earrings

And this cozy v-neck cashmere pullover is super soft and luxe with a generous fit, and a modest v-neck.

The Nordstrom Signature brand makes some of the best cashmere for the price, and this sweater is currently 40% off! I also love the looks of this turtleneck and this cozy mockneck, and both are amazing prices.

Finally, these leather booties are so cute. I love that angular flared heel, and it’s only 2 1/4″ so very walkable. Plus, they’re on sale!

Even though this isn’t the most festive look, it’s cozy and comfortable, and you could always get these pants in the Malbec color for a little more interest. I wish I’d thought to order that color instead of the grey for this post, but the grey is probably more versatile for the long haul.

As always, when you shop at Nordstrom, you get their free shipping and free returns. And don’t forget about their BOPUS (Buy Online Pick Up in Store) and contactless curbside pickup options.

And if you aren’t already a Nordy Club member, be sure to sign up so you can start earning points toward Nordstrom Notes when you shop. You also get to enjoy exclusive perks like members-only access to sales, offers, and events — like the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, which will be here again before we know it!

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photos: Alison Cornell

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10 Responses

  1. I love the Halogen outfit! How did you decide on the neutral shoe instead of black? I’m never sure which way to go. Thanks!

  2. Love these looks especially the first one! I’m a faux leather fan! Any ideas on wearing the halogen blouse after the holidays? or is it just too dressy?

  3. Great post, I’m excited to see festive holiday wear again! I would enjoy seeing a few options with color. I agree red can be cliche but I think emerald green or other deep jewel tones are pretty for holiday parties. Plus gold or silver!

  4. You look cute in all 3 outfits. I have the Wit and Wisdom black pants and LOVE them. I’m glad you recommended them awhile back. They fit great and I’ve already worn them a few times. Just the style I needed. I like the colored Wit and Wisdom bootcut but I’d have to hem them for sure and I hesitate to buy colored pants, as I thought those just went out. I just got rid of my burgundy skinny jean/pant and the same color in corduroy. I’m sure the skinny made them look more dated, but I haven’t seen any colored pants in our area yet. I like the color you chose to style.

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