Last year many of us turned to a bit of sparkle to brighten the dim Covid holiday season. This particular Anthropologie Sequin Duster sold out multiple times, and women were scrambling to get their hand on it. It is a good one. The holiday season is a time to shine, and this year it is needed more than ever. We had such high hopes for 2021, but they didn’t pan out too well. Adding a little sparkle to your holiday style shows optimism for our future – a brighter 2022 ahead.
Retailers must be feeling optimistic because the holiday collections are full of sequins, satin, and sparkles. I instantly broke out into song when I wrote my title, singing R.E.M.’s Shiny Happy People. It is such a happy song. Yes. Shiny things and happy people make us feel good.
There are so many fabulous holiday pieces to wear to large parties or intimate gatherings. I am rounding up my favorites of the season and offering a few ways to style them below.
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One and Done Shine
You can’t go wrong with a pretty dress. This year there are so many fabulous options available. Honestly, I wish my life was full of holiday parties just for the opportunity to wear some of these fabulous dresses. If I find one that I especially love, I will pick it up just in case. When I do this, I usually wait for the sale and pick a classic silhouette that will work for several years. The dress I am wearing above I picked up on sale last year from Anthropologie and will wear the next chance I get.
Sparkly Tops
My go-to holiday outfit usually starts with a unique top. Of course, a dress is an easy solution but separates offer so many more possibilities. You can easily dress up a fancy top or wear it more casually. I often wear a shiny top with jeans for daytime holiday get-togethers. Pick the right top, and you can wear it for date nights or girls’ nights out all year round.
Shiny Skirt & Trousers
You know me. I am definitely a pants girl even when I dress up. I prefer the comfort of trousers. There are so many fabulous pants for the holidays this year. I am drooling at the selection. The sequin trousers have me wishing I were a party girl still, and the velvet pants will likely be my holiday option.
Skirts are probably the least worn item in my closet. Because I am short-waisted and somewhat boxy, I don’t think they are that flattering on me, but the selection this year is good, and I am seriously considering giving one a try. I mean, just look at all the fabulous options.
Outfit Inspiration
If you are eyeing a holiday skirt, here are two outfit ideas for you. The outfits are a mix of casual and glam which I love for the holidays. I always choose comfort above all else. So adding this Naadam Cashmere Sweater to an outfit was a no-brainer. I cannot stand being cold. You all know I am a J.Crew Cashmere Crew fan, but I recently tried Naadam’s $75 sweater, and I am hooked (full comparison post coming soon).
Speaking of J.Crew, their new collection featuring celestial elements is to die for good. I seriously want all the things, including the stunning pajamas, but I think I will settle for the tee.
Outfit 1: Skirt / Sweater / Handbag / Pumps / Earrings
Outfit 2: Skirt / T-Shirt / Purse / Earrings / Bangles / Sneakers
You absolutely cannot go wrong with velvet pants. They are a holiday staple and never go out of style. For that reason, I suggest investing in the best pair you can afford. If you don’t want to break the bank, try the J.Crew Italian Stretch Velvet Leggings. They have an of the moment, side slit.
I must admit I am obsessed with a few items from these two outfits, including the bright pink handbag, which I am itching to pull the trigger on, and the Swarovski Crystal Cocktail Ring, which I am afraid I cannot live without.
Outfit #3: Pants/ Blouse / Clutch (similar) / Earrings / Ring / Ring / Sandals
Outfit #4: Pants / Bangles / Vest / Blouse / Earrings / Bracelet / Purse / Booties
Investing in a fancy top is always a good idea, and during the holidays, there are so many more blouses available. A pretty blouse can work as a base for several holiday outfits. Look for one that is festive but not holiday-specific if you want to get year-round use. If not, go all-in on with a holiday vibe like this Stewart Plaid Shirt. I prefer a blouse that hints at the holidays. The floral detail of the Ralph Lauren blouse below is so pretty and feminine. You can wear this blouse as I suggested below or with jeans for more casual gatherings.
Outfit #5: Blouse / Skirt / Boots / Earrings / Necklace / Purse
Outfit #6: Blouse / Pumps / Earrings / Purse / Pants
The holidays are perfect for letting your inner sparkle shine. Even if you don’t have anywhere special to go, dress up and put on R.E.M. and dance around. We all deserve to be Shiny Happy People.
Everyone around, love them, love them
Put it in your hands, take it, take it
There’s no time to cry, happy, happy
Put it in your heart where tomorrow shines
Gold and silver shine
R.E.M. Shiny Happy People
I would love it if you followed me on Instagram for my everyday outfits or on Pinterest for my fashion inspiration. StyleDahlia is a fashion and lifestyle website with a modern take on midlife. We hope to inspire you to step out of your comfort zone, try new things, and live your life in full bloom.
