Holiday & NYE Outfit (Without the Dress)

Christmas, holiday, New Year's Eve outfit idea

Holiday outfit idea, velvet blazer and tuxedo blouse

Christmas, holiday, New Year's Eve, NYE outfit idea

Few things get me as excited for the holidays as this emerald green velvet blazer (this season’s version). It’s been my go-to for holiday parties, Christmas gatherings, and NYE. I wanted to show you how I pair it for a little dressier of an occasion (like New Years Eve!), and reiterate the idea that you don’t need to wear a dress (or freeze your ass off in a dress) to be festive, flirty, or appropriately dressed.

My tips for holiday party dressing without the dresses:

Balance hard and soft: balance the hardness and structure of a blazer and/or trousers with soft elements. Here I’ve balanced the hardness of a blazer by wearing one in a soft fabric (velvet) and unexpected color (emerald green), and by adding the soft flow of a silk blouse. Other soft elements you could add include things like lace or traditionally feminine colors like pink.

Balance feminine and masculine: balance any masculine elements (in this outfit, the blazer and trousers) with feminine details. Here I’ve used silk, peeks of lace, and high heels as feminine elements, but others could include things like sparky jewelry, sequins, more feminine colors, or a super soft and feminine hair and makeup look.

Balance covered-up with undone-flirty: I may be a bit more covered up than if I wore a dress, but the low buttoned silk blouse and lacy crop-top style lace bralette (this one is sold out, but this one comes in petites and Aerie has great ones!) gives the look a flirty touch. Keep things a little undone, such as a low buttoned blouse, rolled sleeves, and/or rolled pant cuffs.

— Details —

Blazer J.Crew (the Regent in velvet) (also like this one & this one)
Blouse Marissa Webb (also love this one – on sale!) (this one is a deal)
Bralette Topshop (similar here & Aerie is great!) (this one is in petite!)
Pants Theory (similar & similar) (these are herringbone)
Shoes Gianvito Rossi (I’d also highly suggest these)
Handbag Chanel
Watch Larsson & Jennings (also at Net-a-porter & Nordstrom)
Belt Sid Mashburn
Jewelry Downtown LA & vintage

— Altered —

Blouse has been completely tailored
Blazer has been slimmed
Pants have been completely tailored
Bralette has been slimmed

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14 Comments

  1. says: Marie Stevenson

    I love this. You look lovely! I have been on the lookout for a similar look but was originally looking for a black tux. The velvet is gorgeous. Thanks so much for the inspiration!

      1. says: Marie Stevenson

        Well I didn’t find a jacket for New Year but I wore slim trousers with a matching waistcoat over a silk shirt with an untied bow tie. I felt good and very comfortable. Happy New Year!

  2. says: Anu Salow

    That green color is amazing. That is my color, too. :) You can go anywhere in that look. Merry, merry Christmas and a Happy New year to you from Finland,
    –Anu

  3. says: Deb

    I’ll have to come back to read your post Kelly, sorry but it is a busy day, though I want to thank you for all your wonderful posts through 2015 and wish you both a very merry Christmas. Eat and drink lots, and I hope the fat, red suited fellow brings you something special. Cheers Kelly! X Deb

  4. says: Aimee McDonald

    Wow, love everything about this look. I too have a few velvet blazers and they always look good, add just the right feminine touch. Thanks for sharing this!

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