** This post is sponsored by Nordstrom and Collective Voice. All selections, styling, and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support this site!
With the holidays just around the corner and Thanksgiving being so late this year, I wanted to start sharing some holiday outfit inspiration! Nordstrom is always my favorite place to find festive looks because they have everything you need under one roof… or in one virtual shopping cart. And not only do they have lots of holiday fashion, they have a nice selection of gift ideas too!
If your holiday festivities are anything like mine, they tend to be fairly casual, so for my first look, I’m styling a pair of washed black jeans. These are the AG Mari, and I love the slim straight leg silhouette. For a more classic look, you could sub this Wit & Wisdom pair in an even black wash.
Vince Camuto Sequin Cap Sleeve Top (S) // AG Mari Mid Rise Slim Straight Leg Jeans (29) // Sam Edelman Nori Flats in Cabernet Red (8) // mesh bracelets // box chain necklace // pavé circle pendant // pavé cubic zirconia hoops
My favorite way to level up my jeans for a holiday look is to add a sparkly top or a fun pair of shoes. In this case, I did both. This Vince Sequin Cap Sleeve Top has such a nice fit to it, as well as a flattering v-neckline and cap sleeve design. It’s the perfect length for leaving untucked, or you can give it a front tuck, if you prefer.
I love the black with the black denim, for a monochromatic look that is modern and on trend, but also eternally chic. This top also comes in silver, red, and fuchsia; and it runs true to size.
For accessories, I wore two sets of these silver tone mesh bracelets, and I layered a box chain necklace and pavé circle pendant to fill the neckline. These pavé cubic zirconia hoops are a great way to add bling near the face, plus they’re a classic style that won’t go out of style, so you’ll have them for years.
And to give the outfit even more of a special touch, I added these patent leather pointy toe flats in the Cabernet Red. I love that these are both practical and wearable but also fun and festive. Unfortunately, this color sold out, but Nordstrom has a few other good options. Check out these kitten heel pumps in Red Mahogany and these red square toe Mary Janes.
To take this outfit out on the town or to a holiday party, top it off with a faux fur jacket. I love the shawl collar on this one for a bit of drama, and I also have this more sporty style with a zip-front. I tend to wear that one with more casual looks, but they’re pretty much interchangeable. I also grabbed a crystal embellished clutch for even more sparkle and shine.
BlankNYC Faux Fur Jacket (M) // Vince Sequin Cap Sleeve Top (S) // AG Mari Mid Rise Slim Straight Leg Jeans (29) // Sam Edelman Nori Flats in Cabernet Red (8) // mesh bracelets // box chain necklace // pavé circle pendant // pavé cubic zirconia hoops // simliar crystal embellished clutch (more options)
If you have an event where denim is not appropriate, this Sequin Cap Sleeve Top also looks great with classic black pants. These Vince Tailored Mid Rise Bootcut Pants are spendy, although I managed to snag them on sale a few weeks back. A few more affordable options are the Nordstrom Straight Leg Pants, the NYDJ Marilyn Straight Leg Pants, or Spanx The Perfect Wide Leg Pants.
This time, I wore a simple pair of suede block heeled pumps, for a look that is more conservative, should you need something for work or church events around the holidays.
Vince Sequin Cap Sleeve Top (S) // Vince Tailored Mid Rise Bootcut Pants (8) // Marc Fisher Zala Pumps (8)
For dressier events, I found this gorgeous velvet ruched dress, and the best part is, it has long sleeves!
Eliza J Ruched Long Sleeve Velvet Body-Con Dress (10) // Sam Edelman Toni Slingback Pointed Toe Kitten Heel Pump (8.5) // Panacea Metallic Thread Drop Earrings // Flattened Box Chain Necklace // Pavé Circle Pendant Necklace // Set of 2 Mesh Stretch Bracelets // similar clutch
I actually pushed them up for most of these photos because 3/4-sleeves tend to be the most flattering length, but if it’s really cold, you can keep them long. I love that because I tend to freeze at holiday parties.
Here’s a better view of those silver tone mesh bracelets — they stack so nicely, and you can split them up if you don’t want such a chunky look.
I also wore the same two necklaces, but this time I went bolder with my earrings. These Panacea Metallic Thread Drop Earrings are super lightweight, but they pack a punch. They’re also a great price.
Silver shoes are very on-trend right now, and they’re also a classic pairing with a velvet cocktail dress that provides a nice contrast of textures. These Sam Edelman Toni Slingback Pointed Toe Kitten Heel Pumps have a low 1 1/2″ heel that’s very walkable, and they also come in a black suede, that would also look great with this dress, if you don’t care for the silver.
The black faux fur jacket and crystal-embellished clutch work just as well with this more formal look as they do with the sparkly top and jeans.
Nordstrom also has tons of amazing beauty gift sets, if you’re looking for teacher gifts or presents for the special people in your life. I purchased an assortment of women’s gifts, but they have a lot of good options for men, too. I did a big roundup for you below.
Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Iconic Mini Lip Set // Clarins Hand & Nail Treatment Cream Trio // Saint Laurent Libre Eau de Parfum Gift Set // MAC Golden Touch Mini Makeup Brush Travel Holiday Set // NEST Fragrances New York Holiday Reed Diffuser // La Mer The Winter Wonders Renewal Set with Crème de la Mer // Slip 4-Pack Pure Silk Skinny Scrunchies Ornament
These Slip 4-Pack Pure Silk Skinny Scrunchies Ornament makes a great stocking stuffer. In fact, I picked up one for each of my daughters; and I buy a NEST Fragrances New York Holiday Reed Diffuser every year for my powder room. The scent is absolutely divine.
The Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Iconic Mini Lip Set or Clarins Hand & Nail Treatment Cream Trio will be a sure hit for your sister, daughter, mother, or good friend. They would also make good Yankee Swap gifts or gift basket fillers, as both are priced well under $50.
This La Mer The Winter Wonders Renewal Set with Crème de la Mer is perfect for travel, or it’s a great way to sample the best selling products from this iconic skincare brand. And this Saint Laurent Libre Eau de Parfum Gift Set is my favorite scent. I love that this gift set comes with a beautiful full size bottle for your dresser and a mini size for your purse or travel.
Finally, the MAC Golden Touch Mini Makeup Brush Travel Holiday Set is as useful as it is beautiful. I rounded up these and more holiday gift sets from Nordstrom below.
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!
Shop Holiday Gifts for Men & Women
Stay In Touch
If you liked this post, be sure you’re signed up for my email newsletter. In addition to my most recent blog posts, you’ll receive exclusive newsletter content like special sales, my newest favorite finds, and an occasional peek behind the scenes — all delivered right to your inbox.
I would also love for you to join my JLS Fashion Insiders Facebook Group! This is a friendly place to discuss all matters of fashion and style with other women, share your outfits, get advice, and stay up to date on all the happenings in our community.
29 Responses
I love the dress. I have no where to wear it, but it looks great! I enjoyed watching the YouTube video this morning. I’m sure it’s more work than your normal what I wore posts but I like it!
Can you please share the you tube video link again?
Sure, here it is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MLt7Kcs0k8&t=19s
It’s not that much more work, unless I get more into fancy video editing. I kind of like having a new project to play around with. 🙂
Do you have someone who can record you so you don’t have to have a phone on your hand?
That velvet dress is gorgeous! Makes me wish I had somewhere to wear it. Not sure how I would like the low-cut back, though. It’s hard to believe we need to be thinking about Christmas shopping.
Oh, I like the low-cut back! I don’t know why we didn’t photograph that. But I can see how some women wouldn’t. With my longer hair, it isn’t that noticeable, but I still think it’s a fun detail.
Making and editing videos is not easy. You should use a tripod for your phone so it’s out of sight and not the mirror. A lot of women do voice over instead of talking while they are filming. My nephew'[s wife makes amazing videos with her phone and I have yet to figure it out. BTW you look great in the video and you sound “real” with a hint of English twang.
Yeah, I’ve seen all of those. I do have a tripod that I use sometimes, but I kind of liked how Emma did hers with just the phone. She did more editing, though, and some voice overlays. I’m not even sure how to do that (the voice overlays) but I’m sure I could figure it out. If I do more of these, I need to hire a video editor. I just don’t have the bandwidth for one more thing.
I agree. I never saw anyone on YouTube do one holding their phone especially fashion.
Exibit A – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnDK0_lO9-I&t=193s
Also, I don’t really care what others are doing. I’m doing what is easy and attainable for me. 🙂 But I did like Emma’s version and sort of copied that.
You look fabulous in all of these looks!
I love the sparkly black top with the black jeans and red shoes. We don’t do a lot of dressy or formal parties any longer so this is a great idea for me!
Ditto Beth’s comment, I love the dress but…
Same! I did have an event last year that called for a cocktail dress, and it was so fun. I miss those parties, but these days, they are few and far between.
Loved this post. I think I could put the first look together with things I own. Oh I love your you tube video. I think you sound great. It was fun!
Loved the what I wore video!! Funny thing, I’ve never heard your voice and hearing it for the first time was surprising. In my head, totally different!
You look wonderful in everything!!
That’s funny. I think people always sound different than I expect. Are you on Instagram? I talk on Stories a lot.
I am not Jolynne or Facebook. That’s why I hope you keep blogging. I know the trend is heading toward only Instagram. I appreciate your effort!
I know I’ve said this before, but I’m gonna say it again you are very photogenic. I appreciate your posting these beautiful Christmas styles now…usually if you wait too long things are always picked over. Also, love the what I wore this week segment on YouTube. Would definitely read the blog and view the video so, keep up the good work providing doesn’t become too much to do!
Just a quick PS ….I didn’t mean you personally wait too long to post Christmas style ideas. I used to wait too long to think about purchasing my Christmas outfit. You give me an early nudge, which I appreciate.
Gotcha! Thanks for the feedback. 🙂
Silly question. How do I access your Daily Finds in the emails? When I click on the item nothing happens. I’ve tried looking all over your website and I can’t find them anywhere. I am sure I am doing something wrong but I can’t figure out what it is. Everything else in the email is clickable.
They should be clickable. Do you have a pop-up blocker installed?
Great post. You look pretty in it all. I need to figure out Christmas clothes. I have my granddaughters nutcracker ballet recital early Dec. but other than church just casual family Christmas. We usually all do matching PJs for Am. One time never changed. lol
I LOVE, LOVE the video you did. I say DO MORE. It’s so fun to hear your voice. Love all the outfits you chose.
Don’t think my last comment posted. I won’t repeat whole thing incase but for sure want you to know to keep doing the videos. Love it. Good to hear your voice.
Thanks for all the Holiday inspiration ,you looked great in all of them! I loved the live ! Keep them coming!
You look beautiful in everything! What lipstick/gloss are you wearing with black sequin top? So pretty
My usual hourglass / Buxom combo in Activist and Dolly.
Great post! Thank you!