Everyday Pieces With A Holiday Twist From Chico’s
I popped into Chico’s last week to see whether their holiday pieces could work for those of us with very casual lifestyles. I’m not going to any black-tie events, and chances are you aren’t either, but it’s still nice to feel a tiny bit festive when December rolls around. The pieces are in the same comfy shapes we like, but the fabric is what adds the festive feel. Everything is marked way down, so that’s a bonus this time of year.
This was one of those try-on days when it looked like a couple of hamsters had been wrestling in my hair, so I tucked it behind my ears and pretended not to notice :).
This is a festive look that would take you to a holiday party at the neighbors’, a nice dinner out, or racing around town running errands…it all depends on your shoes! This black sweater has an all-over diamond pattern in soft sequins that gleam rather than shine like spotlights. You could toss it on with black joggers, low-profile black sneakers (I have my eye on this pair), and call it a day. I paired it with these Brigitte pants, which have minimal detailing. Because they’re full-length, I was thrilled my store had the petite in stock, because many do not. These come in 6 other colors.
These gray slim pants are available in regular, tall, and petite sizes. These are the regular length, so I had to fold the hem under to shorten them for this photo. It’s a nice charcoal shade that’s softer than black. On top, I’m wearing this Luxe Cable sweater in Lilac smoke. The raglan, all-over cable pattern is beautifully designed in their Eco-Vert fabric blend, that is kissed with cashmere. The sweater also comes in cream. These tapered ankle pants come in the exact same lilac shade…or 9 other colors. I wish I’d seen the pants to try on because the pairing would be great for hanging on the couch, watching holiday movies.
This Boućle jacket feels a size too large for me, so I could have gone down a size. The jeans also felt a bit large on me, so I suspect I’m dealing with vanity sizing, since I haven’t lost any weight. Either that, or things were mistagged, which happens at all retailers. The jacket has a nice, clean zipper front with a waist seam in the back, which creates a slight peplum effect. The straight-leg jeans have a more relaxed boyfriend fit in two washes. This lighter one has a vintage vibe. I would simply wear some fun earrings and/or a brooch to give this outfit a festive feel.
The star of this outfit is the Faux Fur Cocoon wrap. You could pop it over anything and immediately feel festive. I’m wearing black, and it also comes in a purplish wine shade. It has a poncho/ruana shape, and it’s just fun! You could wear it to the Nutcracker or the grocery store and feel very elegant. I’m wearing it over this cowlneck sweater in the most vibrant lilac color. If it were me, I’d be tempted to pin a brooch like this to the side of the collar, right where it meets the front shoulder.
TRAVELERS VELVET NO-TUMMY PANTS size 1
These pants are a pull-on style in stretch velvet with darts in the front, meaning flat against the tummy with no extra bulk…always a nice touch. These are black, and they also come in teal or the same purplish shade of the faux fur Cocoon above. I’ve paired them with this Teal knit blazer, which to be honest, feels more like a lightweight jacket…principally because the shape of the lapels (the spots you see are on the mirror).
I spotted this necklace in gorgeous shades of aqua, teal, and blue, on my way out of the store. You could virtually toss this on a T-shirt and pair it with jeans to head to a casual holiday party.
Here are a few more one-and-done festive pieces:
If your holidays look more like grocery runs than gala nights, you’re not alone. These pieces make it easy to feel a little festive without dressing like you’re headed somewhere you’re not. Sometimes all it takes is a richer fabric or softer texture to make your usual outfit feel just a little more December-ready.
Do you like to lean into the season a bit, or are you mostly trying to stay warm and avoid anything with a zipper?
Hi Jennifer,
Like you I love socks!🧦🧦 and have a ton of them. I found a site that I can buy socks and still be supporting great causes at the same time! It’s called Conscious Step. They donate a percentage to lots of groups. They have socks with books, sloths and other animals, stars and several other choices. It’s a good way to buy something and support good causes at the same time!
That sounds fun
I have a couple of velvet tops from Chicos that dress up slacks and denim. That necklace was a great idea for tops. I never thought of that!
Hi Jennifer,
Funny you should ask, l just went for an early morning walk with a dear friend and both of us texted each other beforehand to wear holiday gear, something festive. She had a lovely green velveteen/ corduroy jacket(new from Talbots} and l wore their velveteen black watch plaid pants from last year. Fun times enjoying the holiday season while getting our steps in!
I love that!!
What cute clothes. The sweater with the diamond pattern would take me through a few parties. Thinking about it, wish it wasn’t black,, I’m trying to bring some color into my wardrobe. If I had the nerve I’d also try the faux fur cocoon, but I’m just not that adventurous…Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday season….
Happy Holidays Nancy!
Pretty outfits. The fur boa is very appealing to drape a little something for added warmth and a pretty touch.
Chico’s has great statement jewelry. I liked everything you showed, especially the knit teal blazer.
I love Chicos because they fit my waist without making me look like a bubble butt. I especially love the Brigitte pants. They are comfortable and look stylish. That lilac sweater is gorgeous and I love the hematite earrings too. I laughed as well at your hair remark. You managed to tame it.
They fit me well too
I’m having a “interesting” hair day, too, Jennifer. I saw no evidence of hamster wrestling but my hair insisted on falling forward into my eyes. I settled for pulling it into a short pony tail and tucking the even shorter bits that were still a mess behind my ears. Luckily, no one but my cats need to see it since I’m working from home today. Be well!
If mine was long enough I’d probably wear it up in a gorilla clip on days like that.
I loved the lavender sweater fun to wear now and later.
You are right, sometimes the hair looks like a nest of a small animal. I enjoy your blog and follow your suggestions. So much helpful information.
I really love all the jewelry at Chico’s and the sparkly sweaters. I like something festive to wear for the holidays even though we don’t really go anywhere fancy. These are great looks.
It’s fun to add something festive to a casual outfit.
Nice looking items you found at Chicos. The bib necklaces,,,a bit much for me. I prefer understated and classic pieces.
I have been reading your entries for a long time, Jennifer, and always enjoy it. We have very similar coloring and hair texture, so I pay attention to what works for you. I also love your honest, but often very entertaining, writing style. “A couple of hamsters wrestling in your
hair “ made me literally LOL!
I knew it was bad in the changing room, but the pictures confirmed it!
I enjoyed this post….The information is valuable and I’m laughing so hard about the “hamsters wrestling in the hair” visual. My hair is shorter than yours and I often wake up looking like a dandelion gone to seed!
I love that visual!
Great looks!