“I only wear that at the holidays.” How many times do you think I’ve heard this from a client? Definitely more than I’d like. Because it means there are pieces that you only wear a couple of times a year. Which either says something about their versatility - or the ‘style box’ you may be putting them in.
But before you call me a style scrooge (and start describing your favorite holiday sweater), I’d like to make a distinction. There may be things in your closet that you bring out every holiday season. They make you feel like the holidays have started. They’re something you wear for the same occasion every single year. Or they’re very sentimental. And I’m not talking about these.
I’m talking about the pieces that you only wear in November and December - but there’s no real reason why. There’s nothing inherently ‘holiday’ about them at all. It may be more about how you’ve worn them in the past. Or about what you personally attribute to them (that’s the ‘style box’ I was talking about).
So, here are a few things that clients often tell me they only wear at the holidays. With tips on wearing them at other times of year. And if you’re shopping for something new for the holidays, there are also a few ideas on what to pick - so you’ll never say, “I only wear that at the holidays.”
“HOLIDAY COLORS”
I was doing a closet audit with a client last year. We were taking stock of what she owned – looking at what she wore the most vs. what she wore the least. With the goal of identifying a clear foundation for her wardrobe, and discovering any gaps. And every time I grabbed a red (or burgundy) top, she said, “I only wear that at the holidays.” And when I asked her why, she said, “it just feels like the holidays to me.” And she’s not alone with that feeling.
So, here’s the deal: colors aren’t seasonal. Yes, some colors recall specific times of year. And certain palettes feel more appropriate for individual months or occasions – like orange, rust and olive in the fall (or red, white and blue on the 4th of July). But that’s more because of tradition and societal norms – so, unless you’re a die-hard traditionalist, you can wear any color at any time of year.
My quick advice is that if you like red, wear it whenever. And if you don’t like red, don’t wear it just because it’s the holidays. Here are some other ideas:
If you already have something red – look at what you’re pairing it with. Red and green is a traditional holiday combo. Red and camel feels very autumnal. Red and white feels more like summer. So, go ahead and wear your red silk blouse all year long (read this for some of my favorite color pairings that work in any season.)
If you’re shopping for something to wear at the holidays – don’t get stuck on red. Try deep purple or sapphire blue or forest green. Or anything else you’d wear at the holidays and at other times of the year. These can be just as festive and just as holiday-feeling. And the best part is that you’re buying something that you can use all winter long (or even all year round!). Then check this out for 8 no-brainer outfit ideas for the holidays - and none of them are red (except for one burgundy sweater).
A red coat & red striped top may feel like the holidays - but why not wear it all winter long? I always think, “why not?” is a much better question than, “why?” (especially when you’re deciding what to wear!).
“HOLIDAY PRINTS”
Outside of prints with an actual Santa or dreidel (or those dreaded ugly Christmas sweaters) – prints and patterns aren’t holiday specific, either. It’s more that we’ve come to associate them with the holidays.
I hear this most often with red tartan plaids (and green, too). You may have a red tartan skirt or blazer – and you only wear it between Thanksgiving and Christmas. And while it’s fun, you’re not getting the biggest bang for your buck out of your wardrobe. So, if you want more mileage from what’s in your closet, don’t buy anything that you wouldn’t feel right wearing after December 31st. Because even though I’m telling you it’s not a holiday-only print – what matters more is how you feel about it. Here are a few ideas:
If you love plaid – skip a holiday-feeling red and green tartan and find a different color mix. My favorite plaid at this time of year is a black watch plaid – a mix of black, blue and green that works all winter long.
If you think fair isle is only for the holidays – I’m not with you on this. I first heard someone talk about fair isle for the holidays last week (but then someone else told me the same thing). Fair isle is most often used on sweaters – so I think it works (and I wear mine) all winter long.
While certain plaids may feel more ‘holiday’ than others - a black based print (with hits of red & pink & green) feels less holiday-specific than if it were based in red.
“HOLIDAY FABRICS”
Here’s the most important thing to remember about the seasonality of clothes - fabric weight is the only thing that’s truly seasonal. It’s what makes certain styles function better for cold weather (like wool and cashmere). And other styles more appropriate for warm weather (like linen and cotton). And these fabrics can come in any color, texture or print.
But, there are certain fabrics that may just feel like the holidays to you. Here are a couple of examples:
If you think velvet is only good at the holidays – you’re not too far off. Velvet is a heavier fabric, so while it’s good for the holidays, it’s also great all fall and winter long. So, go ahead and wear your velvet blazer any time it makes sense for the weather (click here for all the different ways to wear a velvet blazer).
If you think sequins, metallics and shine are only for the holidays – you’re all wrong. As long as the fabric is seasonless, you can wear it year round. And it’s an amazing way to feel festive and special any time you want. So, wear your sequin top to a holiday party with black trousers and heels – and also wear it in the summer with white jeans and sandals (click to see how you can wear a sequin jacket all year long).
When is velvet appropriate? All fall & winter long!
Do you have anything that you only wear at the holidays? Drop a comment to let me know.
If you’re looking for more advice to create an intentional wardrobe in a mindful way (all year round) – click here to sign up for Style Mail. Style Mail is my quick, twice-a-month email with tips, strategies and style inspiration. It’s a great way to start evolving and elevating your style – and when you sign up, you get my free guide to what may be missing from your closet (based on what many of my clients were missing!).