Get 22 essential items to create your perfect winter holiday capsule wardrobe! With these pieces, I’ve curated over 25 outfits organized by four specific dress codes including: casual, dressy casual, semi-formal, and black tie.
From office holiday parties, a night at the Nutcracker, or festive gatherings with family and friends, my curated holiday capsule wardrobe will cover all your outfit needs this Christmas season.
The holidays are the most wonderful time of the year, and they’re also the dressiest. Most of us find our social calendars filled with parties and events that require our outfits to have a little more flair than your typical oversized turtleneck sweater.
When the day of your friend’s holiday cocktail party rolls around, you may find yourself standing in your closet wondering what in the Charles Dickens you’re going to wear.
That’s where I’m here for you! I’ve carefully curated a holiday capsule wardrobe that’s not only festive and chic, but easy to layer up depending on how frigid your temperatures are.
If festive outfits are your thing, head to my Satin Blazer post for more outfit inspo!
Use the drop down Table of Contents menu to navigate this post.
Why Have a Holiday Capsule Wardrobe?
Having a capsule wardrobe is a great way to streamline your closet, which makes putting outfits together easier.
Since the holidays are a special time of year, most of us will want to have a few outfits that embrace the festivities. By curating a holiday capsule, you’ll feel confident knowing your wardrobe is set for any event this season may bring.
Color Palette
Black and white are the neutral foundations of this capsule, while green and gold add glitz and Christmas tradition.
Holiday Wardrobe Capsule Checklist
Clothing
Shoes & Accessories
Extras
Cocktail Dress
Every holiday wardrobe needs at least one fabulous cocktail dress. The mid length hemline is perfect for all your formal holiday events.
Tops
Metallic Sweater
A metallic sweater is dressy, warm, and festive. It checks all the boxes for the perfect holiday sweater.
Festive Blouse
Look for a blouse with unique details to give it a slightly elevated look. You can dress a festive blouse up or down with either a skirt or pants.
Knit Sweater
Not all holiday gatherings are formal. A basic knit sweater is perfect for casual events like skating or decorating. Plus, you can still dress it up with a lovely skirt.
Bottoms
Leather Pants
Leather pants are super versatile because they work with casual and dressier looks.
Metallic Midi Skirt
Honestly, a metallic fabric can make anything look festive! Paired with knee high boots, a midi skirt can easily hide warm leggings so you won’t freeze your tushy all night.
Corduroy Leggings
Corduroy leggings are soft, warm, and sturdy, making them the perfect casual pants for winter.
Outerwear
Cropped Faux Fur Coat
A cropped faux fur coat is elegance meets modern and stylish. A winning combination for casual to formal looks.
Shoes
Platform Heels
Platform heels are so on trend for winter 2022. This gold pair is super festive, but so are styles with velvet, feathers, and sequins.
Dressy Ankle Boots
If the days of freezing your buns off for fashion are over, a pair of dressy ankle boots will be your go-to for all your winter holiday festivities.
Chelsea Boots
A classic Chelsea boot is warm, practical, and stylish. A neutral color like this cream will be hard to mismatch. For warmer options look for waterproof and fur-lined styles.
Gold Mules
Gold mules are where fancy meets comfy. If you’re not into wearing heels all night, swap them out for these gold mules.
Accessories
Hat
A winter hat is a must for outdoor festivities. Select a neutral color so you can pair it with multiple outfits.
Mittens
Create a cohesive look by matching your mittens to your hat.
Cashmere Lined Gloves
A pair of lined leather gloves are a perfect pairing for your dressy holiday looks.
Pearl Necklace
A pearl necklace is a classic that works with all dress codes from casual to formal.
Pearl Hoop Earrings
Wearing pearls on hoops puts a modern twist on the classic pearl earring.
Oversized Wrap
An oversized wrap works double time as scarf and pashmina and is the perfect item for day or night.
Crossbody Bag
A crossbody bag allows you to go hands free when Christmas shopping, ice skating, or searching for the perfect tree to take home.
Metallic Handbag
The metallic handbag is a festive neutral that will work with any elevated outfit.
Extras
Thermal Top / Thermal Leggings
Thermals
You don’t have to look like a Michelin man to stay warm in the winter. A pair of fitted thermals will be your secret weapon when dressing warm yet chic.
Holiday Outfit Ideas
Casual
Looks for days baking Christmas cookies, decorating the tree, trips to the skating rink, and holiday shop-a-thons.
Dressy Casual
Slightly dressy looks for family dinners, evening church services, Christmas brunch, family photo shoots, or festive holiday house parties.
Semi-Formal
For less-than formal work parties, New Years Eve parties, and nights out with your friend-girls.
Black Tie
Wear these looks for winter weddings, office holiday cocktail parties, and special events like the opera and ballet.
Do you like the idea of curating a winter holiday capsule wardrobe? If so, comment below. I love hearing from you!