Sometimes, it's not a new dress [1] you need. It's a reliable head-to-toe look you can pull out when the "I have nothing to wear" hits five minutes after you were already supposed to be on your way. Cue: the outfit formula. Having a new piece to wear for all those holiday parties is nice and all, but when you have the exact combination of precisely what to pair it with down to a science, it takes the decision fatigue out of getting dressed. With everything else you've had to make hard decisions about this season — should you get your mom the bathrobe you know she'll love or the gardening gloves she asked for but will never use? Should you buy the expensive, more convenient plane ticket home or the cheaper one for the airport that's farther away? — having your whole outfit pre-decided lets you turn your brain off for once.
Here, our editors share the simple outfit formulas we're relying on for holiday parties this season. From timeless pairings to fun color pops, there's a combination for every type of occasion.
Slouchy Sweater + Classic Jeans
"When it comes to my style philosophy, I usually come back to one idea: why try to improve the classics? I love a plain white tee, some simple hoop earrings, a little black dress, or a perfectly-fitting pair of jeans. So, my go-to holiday outfit formula is equally simple: a slouchy, oversized knit sweater paired with some Levi's. The sweater is easy to throw on while still looking put-together, thanks to the turtleneck style, while the jeans are an always-reliable member of my wardrobe. Where I like to experiment is in the accessories: for a fancier holiday occasion, I'll pair this look with a chic pair of red slingbacks and a shiny red bag (both of which are guaranteed compliment-getters!). Altogether, it's just enough to feel comfortable and cozy while also adding a bit of seasonal glitz." — Helen Murphy, senior editor, branded content
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Short Dress + Tall Boots
"For those special holiday nights out, I usually rely on the classic trousers and statement long-sleeve top combination. Lately, though, I've been wanting to switch up my approach with a more interesting pairing. A dress and heels are a classic option for any elevated gathering, so I decide to play with height and proportions to infuse more nuance into the go-to 'fit; a short, flowy dress paired with almost-knee high boots. The overall look is all black, yet the dynamic silhouette of the dress against the structured leather boots and the bright pop of orange signal that this isn't any ordinary night-out look for the holidays." — Rayna Rossitto, editor, branded content
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Scarf Sweater + Silk Trousers
"When it comes to holiday party attire, my goal is to always feel comfy and cozy while looking elegant and elevated. And this year, I'm turning to one piece in particular to help me achieve that: the scarf sweater. This soft ivory sweater is such a simple but striking piece to dress up. Since the trailing attached scarf is dramatic enough, I like keeping the rest of the look streamlined with coordinating wide-leg silk trousers. It's a polished look that works for everything from family get-togethers to winter date nights, and I can assure you, the compliments will be non-stop!" — Stephanie Nguyen, associate director, branded content
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LBD + Red Tights
"During the holiday season, I like to stretch my outfits as far as possible, which means wearing a variation of, if not the exact same, outfit to more than one occasion. Low-key dinner with a festive dress code? Date at a Christmas-themed bar in Midtown? Work holiday party? For me, a little black dress is always the right answer. It's the piece I instinctively reach for when I feel like I have nothing to wear. But since I tend to prefer masculine silhouettes, my new 'thing' is to pair my LBD with an oversized blazer (even better if it has unignorable shoulder pads).
So, the LBD strategy holds strong this year — the only difference is I plan on elevating what some may say is a 'simple' dress with colorful stockings — ideally cherry red. I may think I'm immune to trends, but this one has me and my Pinterest board in a style chokehold, especially when the tights have the chance to stand out against an all-black outfit (shoes and bag included!)." — Samantha Sasso, senior editor, branded content
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