J.Crew's Head Stylist Names the Holiday Shoe of the Season — and It's Not a Heel

By Sarah Wasilak

Updated on 12/21/2017 at 10:10 AM

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J.Crew's head stylist, Gayle Spannaus, always has some solid tips up her tartan sleeves for Winter dressing, so you're crazy if you think we didn't request some trusty advice for the holiday season and party dressing. Gayle elaborated on some of her favorite nontraditional ways to get all dazzled up in 2017, all of which the retailer is clearly backing on its site. Ahead, you can shop the standout prints and silhouettes Gayle considers her favorites, along with the hit shoe she recommends for your soirées: no mule, no pump, but the SeaVees for J.Crew Glitter Sneaker ($88) — yes, really.

The J.Crew Holiday Shoe of the Season

The J.Crew Holiday Shoe of the Season

"The SeaVees for J.Crew Legend Sneakers in Glitter (88), because they're casual and fun at the same time. It's sparkle and feels kind of modern and easy, could be right for any age, and can be day or night."

The Best Colors to Wear This Holiday Season

The Best Colors to Wear This Holiday Season

"I'm a traditionalist; I always love the deep reds, the orange-y reds, and the deep greens. I love a lot of greens, shades of olive, and hunter. Neutrals look greater off of it; it's a nice accent."

Shop the Look: J. Crew Collection Tie-Shoulder Sequin Dress ($298)

How to Give Your Holiday Look That Signature J.Crew Twist

How to Give Your Holiday Look That Signature J.Crew Twist

"Sizing up, doing slightly oversize silhouettes with one another — like a billowing, oversize trouser with an oversize men's shirt and a more refined velvet shoe. That kind of thing just feels easy. Also, mixing your tweeds and plaids and adding feminine accents — dusty pinks, blush colors, and mint. Those soft colors are really nice off of the traditional menswear patterns."

Shop the Look: J.Crew Perfect Stewart Plaid Shirt ($78) and J.Crew Cameron Slim Crop Pant in in Tartan ($128)

The Most Unexpected Party Outfit You Could Wear

The Most Unexpected Party Outfit You Could Wear

"I like the nod to traditional plaids and fairisles mixed with satins and crisp fabrics with exaggerated proportions — fairisle sweaters with wide-leg satin pants or a flannel shirt buttoned to the top with a formal long skirt. That feels really interesting to me."

Shop the Look: J.Crew Perfect Plaid Shirt ($47, originally $78)

The Best Print on the J.Crew Site Right Now

The Best Print on the J.Crew Site Right Now

"The Ratti paisley floral because you can pair anything with it, including leopard and stripe, and it'll work. Anything and everything works from that pattern because it's got all the colors that I love. And it feels like a Winter floral, it doesn't feel like a Summer floral."

Shop the Look: J.Crew Pajama Top in Ratti Paisley Floral ($128) and J.Crew Collection Pajama Pant in Ratti Floral Print ($198)