It’s Holley’s turn today to share ideas for what to wear when shopping for the perfect Christmas tree, how to wear a blanket scarf and stylish relaxed-wear for wrapping gifts and doing some on-line retail therapy. Grab a mug of cocoa and settle in for the delicious details.
Okay, fancy galas are not for everyone and I totally get that. So, two things you need to know about me:
- My favorite Christmas traditions are very casual…
- And, these really don’t require a “stylish” wardrobe. Or do they?
Let’s start with shopping for a tree. Because of allergies in our family, this has not been one of our family traditions for years. But, oh, I do miss the aroma of a real tree. So guess what I do? I go to a Christmas tree lot and inhale! Yep, I just admitted I inhale. For me, a big part of the holiday is not only inhaling the aromas but also the traditions and the anticipated excitement of Christmas. So, what would Holley wear to pick out a Christmas tree…if she actually did? I would suggest wearing a pair of distressed jeans for this occasion. All you really need to add is a plaid flannel shirt, a vest, boots and don’t forget ear muffs. Isn’t it awesome that distressed jeans can give your tree purchasing a stylish look? Who’d a thunk it?
Hopefully, your date isn’t a dog.
Does that sound a little too casual for you? Maybe your tree shopping is actually a dating opportunity. If that’s the case, you will want to style it up a notch. So, I’m thinking he’s probably going to be driving a really cute red retro van when he comes to pick you up. May I suggest a pair of green skinny jeans, button down shirt, red plaid jacket, and red Hunter boots. Another cute date look is an over-sized turtleneck sweater, topped with a fur-lined green jacket, skinny jeans, and LL Bean snow boots complemented by a beautiful Prada tote. Just add a toboggan or felt hat, some warm gloves and scarf. Wow! How stylish is that?
People always ask me, “I don’t know what to do with a scarf.” For tree shopping and outdoor holiday events, it’s simple…just wrap the scarf around your neck and forget about it. Or, check out “different ways to tie a scarf” on our Pinterest board Holley Williams Style. A blanket scarf would be a great addition to your winter wardrobe. These can also be worn as a wrap and I love the look of a belted blanket scarf. The real purpose of a winter scarf is to keep you warm. Right? So, don’t stress over it but do purchase at least one new scarf to wear this winter.
One of my favorite traditions is shopping for family and friends and wrapping gifts. Do you shop at stores or do you purchase online? Please know you can be stylish doing either one. Let’s start with online shopping. I’m guessing it’s either from your desk top at home or on your laptop at a coffee shop. Am I right? I sit in front of my computer first thing in the morning usually wearing sweats and drinking a cup of coffee…of course. For me, the whole idea of online shopping is being relaxed and not rushed. My at-home shopping outfit may include a pair of grey sweats, Converse sneakers, a t-shirt and to add a holiday flair, top it off with a plaid flannel buttoned down shirt. What could be more comfy than that?
If I am shopping at local stores, that means I am getting down to business and getting in and out of the car several times a day. For this type of shopping, my main goal is to be comfortable but with a stylish flair! Two stylish and practical options are a cape or a vest. With both of these, you don’t have to mess with lugging a coat around a store. There are so many options when it comes to capes and wraps and they are perfect for Texas weather. During the winter months, you can’t go wrong with a beautiful faux fur vest. Pair it with burgundy skinny jeans, button down blouse and a pair of suede wedges. But be forewarned, you might be mistaken for a college student. Don’t you hate it when that happens?
Remember the famous line from Miracle on 34th Street when Kris Kringle said “Christmas isn’t just a day. It’s a frame of mind.” Even though I love all the holiday traditions, it’s the Christmas spirit/frame of mind that keeps me grounded. Because I’m pretty sure that more than shopping and dressing stylish…showing kindness to others is my greater calling on this runway called life!
Be sure to visit our updated Pinterest board for many more winter worthy styles.
Holley Williams is a personal stylist specializing in closet inventory, seasonal shopping, closet organization and wardrobe consultation. Contact Holley at [email protected].
Hospitality is in my DNA. I founded Home with a Twist, a daughter’s twist on her mother’s traditions, in memory of my mother to celebrate her life and the gifts she shared with me. Mother loved to celebrate life’s occasions – big and small.
Holley: Best one ever!!!
John, thank you for your lovely comments about Holley! We are so lucky to have her on our team. She’s the best ever!