15 Ways To Make Your Christmas Outfits More Feminine
Christmas is more than a sacred holiday.
It's a feeling, an aesthetic, and an entire lineup of events and traditions that call for us to get up and get dressed. While you could throw on a Santa-plastered graphic tee and call it a day, there are ultimately so many more ways to dress for the most magical and romantic time of year.
If you're looking to go bigger and bolder this Christmas, consider embracing the season's fullest outfitting possibilities through romanticism. How? By finding simple ways to add interest and femininity to your OOTDs.
15 Ways to Make Your Christmas Outfits More Feminine
Regardless of what's on your Christmastime agenda, whether it be a trip to the tree farm, an all-day shopping spree, an office party, or a holiday movie marathon, there's always an opportunity to add femininity to your look. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Add Bows
Wearing a bow (or two) is the easiest way to give your look a little holiday zhush. Consider a sweet hair accessory, a chic trendy-yet-classic brooch, or a bold motif on a knit top.
Shop: J.Crew Embellished Tartan Bow Barrette, $15
Shop: Target A New Day Gold/Pearl Bow Pin, $6
Incorporate Pops of Red
This trend has been going strong for several years now and is especially well suited for the holiday season. It's festive while remaining chic. Try a crimson sock poking out from your loafers or a cherry scarf popping against your neutral winter coat.
Shop: Anthropologie Maeve Lettuce Edge Scallop Scarf, $58
Shop: Anthropologie Small Triangle Wrap Scarf, $44
Shop: J.Crew Ribbed Ruffle-Edge Boot Socks, $8
Don't Shy Away From Sequins
A little something sparkly is innate to feminine nature. And if there's ever a time to shine, it's during the month of December. Don a sequined skirt or dress for a classic holiday party look or, for an ensemble that's a little more interesting while remaining entirely feminine, swap the skirt for a pair of sequined shorts and tights.
Shop: A&F Scarlett Sequin Mini Skort, $53
Shop: Petal & Pup Serena Sequin Mini Dress, $119
Adorn With Pearls
Soft, feminine, and romantic, pearls instantly add charm and interest to any outfit. Think beyond pearl necklaces and look for clothing pieces adorned with these little beauties for creating OOTDs that feel composed and exclusive to the holiday season.
Shop: A&F High Rise 90s Relaxed Pearl Embellished Jean, $98
Shop: Hyacinth House Pearl Embellished Ellis Sweater, $128
Reach for Feminine Textures
Don't limit yourself to flannel and polyester this holiday season. Soft textures such as silk, satin, cashmere, and velvet are all simultaneously feminine and classically Christmas. Invest in quality pieces that you can restyle all season long. A red cashmere sweater, for example, is a holiday staple that can keep you warm at the tree farm, stylish at the church pageant, and cozy when thrown over favorite pajamas on Christmas morning.
Shop: Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater, $50
Shop: American Eagle Tie-Strap Velvet Mini Dress, $48
Shop: Quince 100% Washable Silk Skirt, $70
Layer Up in a Faux Fur Coat
As you're out shopping, running from store to store, grant yourself a main character moment by doing so in a faux fur coat. Warm, practical, and timeless, this outerwear staple can elevate day-to-day looks and complement party outfits. Fawn or deer hide coats are currently trending and, with their soft color and subtle contrasting pattern, are also particularly feminine.
Shop: A&F Short Faux Fur Coat, $128
Shop: Target Women's Faux Fur Jacket Wild Fable™ Tan Deer Hide, $33
Incorporate Jewelry
Accessorizing is the easiest way to make an outfit feel complete. And there's no accessory more feminine than a piece of jewelry. Everything from capsule-worthy, match-with-everything necklaces to seasonally over-the-top Christmas charm bracelets feels appropriate and welcome during the holiday season. Use this time of year to lean into your personal style, whether it be classic or kitsch.
Shop: Baublebar Holly Jolly Christmas Charm Necklace, $58
Remember That a Little Heel Goes a Long Way
Don't save your heels for the holiday party; even a little height can go a long way in flattering your fit. If you're like me, constantly on the go, often with children in tow, look for block styles or kitten heels. Both will complement your holiday looks while staying practical for long days at the office or a marathon lineup of holiday gatherings.
Shop: Anthropologie Maeve Pointed-Toe Slingback Heels, $170
Shop: Madewell The Emilie Slingback Pump, $178
Take Inspiration From the Past
Christmas is a nostalgic holiday. To add class and sophistication to your seasonal outfits, take inspiration from previous decades. Whether it be a dress adorned with 20s-inspired fringe or a poofy, 1950s-esque skirt, vintage and classic will always be in at Christmastime.
Shop: Chelsea Reece Madonna Skirt in Red Plaid, $194
Shop: J.Crew Velvet Bow Tie-Heeled Mary Janes, $70
Opt for a Bold Red Lip
Clothing and accessories aside, one of the easiest ways to add feminine charm is with a bold red lip. Minimal effort, maximum results. Keep a punchy red shade in your handbag and embrace your inner Marilyn all season long.
Shop: Patrick Ta Beauty Major Headlines Matte Suede Lipstick, $26
Choose Metallic Accents
A little shine is always welcome during the holiday season. Because metallics tend to give outfits an edge, wear them subtly to achieve a romantic aesthetic. Accents such as silver ballet flats or a foil-printed sweater give your look a Christmas flair while staying clear of Martian territory.
Shop: Dolce Vita Relan Ballet Flats Silver Distressed Leather, $140
Shop: Sezane Ferdinand Sweater Black with Golden Sun Motifs, $160
Grab a Girly Handbag
As soon as Black Friday rolls around, I look forward to pulling out my Kate Spade Gingerbread House purse. Is it a little much? Perhaps. But it's also the most complimented bag I own and a very girly way to accessorize my Christmas-inspired outfits. If carrying a Christmas novelty bag is not your thing, consider instead a beaded shoulder bag or a metallic clutch. Both scream Christmas while remaining neutral enough to carry through the rest of the winter.
Shop: J.Crew Drawstring Pouch Bag in Metallic Leather, $74
Shop: Kate Spade Outlet 3d Tree Wristlet, $215
Shop: Dooney & Bourke Tartan Perry Satchel, $189
Wear Tights
I would argue that tights and stockings are sexier than a bare leg. Make tights your base layer this season before throwing on your favorite holiday dresses, skirts, skorts, and shorts. The added visual element will add overall interest and appeal. Try a vibrant red or sparkle-adorned pair if you're feeling particularly saucy.
Shop: Target Anna-Kaci Women's Sheer Glitter Tights with Sparkle Detailing and Stretch Mesh Fit, $16
Think Pink
There are more than a handful of women who will tell you pink is a Christmas color. While I'm partial to traditional red and green myself, there's something entirely charming about wearing the color pink during the month of December. Coquette-ish and sweet, incorporating pink shades into your holiday outfits is a simple way to embrace your girly side.
Shop: Tuckernuck Hyacinth House Soft Pink Bow Bella Mini Dress. $188
Shop: Francesca's Tara Pearl Embellished Sweater Mini Dress, $34
Shop: Sezane Paul Beanie Blush, $65
Slip into Dainty Prints
Christmas is the only holiday that prompts us to plan and prioritize a sleepwear outfit (or two). When shopping for a new pair of femme PJs, look for dainty prints and patterns. Complete the look with a plush pair of slippers and feel good knowing you will look cute in the inevitable iPhone gift-opening photos.
Shop: Altar'd State Penny Satin Christmas Sleep Top, $58
Shop: Victoria's Secret Cotton Flannel Long Pajama Set, $30
Shop: Hollister Always Cozy Wide-Leg Pants, $25
Feminizing your holiday looks comes down to embracing the styles, colors, and textures we most associate with girlhood and womanhood. Unlike any other time of year, the Christmas season calls for us to lean into whimsy, glamour, and magic. So wear your best jewelry and jackets. Go outside your comfort zone with glitter and sparkles. Embrace December outfitting with vim and vigor, choosing to dress inspired for the most wonderful time of year.