Casual Holiday Style: What I Wore
This time of year it’s fun to break out our festive clothes. But what if you don’t have an occasion to wear them? What if your lifestyle has changed and you don’t go to dress-up parties? Don’t let these luxe and fun clothes languish in your closet. Style them with ultra-casual pieces so you can enjoy them.
My lifestyle is ultra-casual and I wear a lot of jeans so velvet and denim is a favorite pairing for me.
I styled this jacket for you last year with things already in my wardrobe. The suede boots aren’t particularly dressy, the pants are stretch crepe ones I wear on a daily basis, the sweater tank came from an Eileen Fisher outlet, and the earrings are inherited from my grandmother. The jacket is the only new thing and it’s now on sale. A classic velvet blazer never goes out of style.
Last weekend I paired this same jacket with a chambray shirt and blue jeans. I popped the collar and decided to add a vintage pin at the neck. The velvet and sparkly pin are enough to feel festive for a day of holiday shopping or running errands.
If it wasn’t the day after Thanksgiving, I probably would have done a half or full tuck on my shirt and worn a tonal belt. It would have helped my legs look longer.
Velvet Blazers
My daughter got a hoot out of watching her dad snap my pictures. It feels weird to have strangers see us do a photoshoot but it’s even stranger to have your kids watch.
Have you tried pairing velvet with denim?
Thanks for reading ladies and wear what makes you feel confident.
I love that blue velvet jacket. I actually bought it last year and returned it. the large was too tight across the back and the xlarge was too big. and sometimes tailoring does not always help the fit. I was so bummed because I like it a lot.
That’s a shame. It really is awesome
What a great idea. I, too, have fancy clothes languishing in my closet. I can give them new life!
Also love the collar and pin idea. I so enjoy your blog.
You look beautiful in blue! It took me nearly five years after retirement to choose to wear jeans daily. In hindsight, perhaps thats how long it took me to accept I no longer worked in an office and to accept a more casual persona. Now it’s jeans, casual blouse and a touch of lipstick. I only wear full makeup when out and about.
Jennifer, you always look great, but this outfit is particularly fab! It comes across as very fun and hip! What a great idea for dressing down a velvet blazer!
Thank you Kristina!
I love going casual with velvet. I learn from you all the time. I have to do this but will prob do a necklace instead of pin. I don’t like anything tight around neck. Great look for small community like mine. Casual chic at its best.
What a fun blazer to play around with! You always have such inspiring and creative ideas!!
You are so right about clothes effecting our moods. Even if I’m not planning to leave the house, I always feel better once I’ve gotten dressed for the day, dried my hair and put on some mascara. I still have to look at me in the mirror! ?
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Hi Jennifer! Love your style and your blog. Thank you! Wanted to grab the EF velvet blazer on sale, but it is sold out except for SMALL size. Looked at Nordstrom and Dillard’s, but not on sale. Anyone know where else to look? Thanks!
I don’t but I’ve linked to several that are similar.
Great ideas. I have a burgundy blazer that I can style like this. Everyone seems to dress more casual these days!
They do dress more casual but I’m not letting it bring me down
Jennifer, you look great, so put together! And happy! I think denim paired with velvet is a great casual look for the holidays, and my life these days is very casual. I love the vintage broach, and you’ve given me inspiration to start wearing mine. Your blog is the first one I read every day, and always look forward to your ideas to help us all look our best!
Awesome Dawn! I’m going to try wearing several at one time.
Love the look!! I have a pair of black velvet jeans that I have paired with a denim jacket. I always feel put together when I wear it.
That sounds so fun!
I almost sent my Christmas broach to Goodwill because I didn’t want to look like an old lady … today it’s going center on my work shirt ! Thanks
Awesome! I almost never donate accessories. They’re small and easy to keep for just the right moment.
What is your favorite jean?
My very favorite jean this is the NYDJ Bootcut https://shopstyle.it/l/bbfxA. It’s flattering for my shape and very comfy.
Looking good Jennifer and excellent advice! Love the addition of the vintage brooch as well. (Unfortunately where I am we are already into our first of the season outerwear jackets/coats, however no heavier ones and no snow boots required yet….touch wood!) -Brenda-
Lol. I love you’re sense of humor Brenda
I absolutely love this look, and you wear it so well. It’s more fun than the usual sweater for running errands. I need to try this look, but I have to go with a different blouse color. I love chambray, but the pale blue washes me out.
It would look great with a crisp white shirt too! Any color shirt Lynne. Have fun
Although I used to love to rock my outfits, I’m currently experiencing an extended bout of major depression to the extent that my “wardrobe” has been literally reduced to just yoga pants and t-shirts sans any makeup whatsoever.
But then a couple of weeks ago, I found your blog and while reading it, I felt the tiniest spark of WOW! So, despite my current state, I started following you and even looked forward to your blog posts, not only for the clothes but for the obvious joy that emanates from you and your obvious love for what you do.
It may not seem like much to most folks, and although I am still wearing yogas and tees and haven’t yet been able to face the mirror, to me it’s a (baby) step forward and truly something to be thankful for.
I’m so glad you’re here! Be gentle with yourself. If you have a tube of lipstick in your house, swipe some on. Smile to yourself. You’re caring for you and that’s the first step. What we wear has such an impact on how we feel. We can use it as a tool to change our feelings.
Love your jeans. I wear a lot of skinny jeans but like the way your jeans fit also. What is your go to brand?
Love the velvet and jeans together!
I love several brands of jeans. These are by Talbots. I also really love and wear NYDJ high rise, Chico’s girlfriend, Kut From the Kloth, Frame and my latest find are AG. For skinny jeans, the most flattering on me are AG but they’re pricey. You have to try a lot to find the best shape for you.
I look forward to your daily e-mails.
And after today I know that we are kindred spirits
When you said that you were wearing your inherited grandmothers earrings.
Merry Christmas,
Naniscah
Merry Christmas Naniscah!
I like how you are wearing this jacket with the chambray shirt. The jacket is very cute that way. I like it better worn casually than for dress up. The pin at the neck looks very stylish!
Thanks Linda
I added a black and a burgundy velvet blazer to my winter wardrobe! I can not wait to try them with the denim and chambray! As always thanks for your creative ideas!
I love rich burgundy velvet! Have fun
Love these ideas!
Brilliant post! I was just looking at my black velvet blazer yesterday and wondering how to style it casual. BTW – Congratulations on your Nordstrom gig – I love the outfit ideas.
Thank you Vyonne. Have fun playing with combos. I feel blessed to be offered this opportunity from Nordstrom
Very timely post! I was feeling a little sad this weekend seeing clothes in my closet I don’t have anywhere to wear and this motivates me to restyle them.
I’m so glad Janet! Play with them and mix it up. They’re yours so you can do whatever you want with them. Enjoy them.
A really cute combination! You look like you’re having the best time! Fun!