Holiday Try-On: Festive Skirts, Statement Blazers, and Unexpected Pairings
This post is sponsored by Nordstrom. Thanks for supporting the brands that work with AWSL.
I don’t have my holiday plans sorted out, but apparently I’m ready to dress for them. On my latest Nordstrom visit, I tried on festive skirts, statement jackets, and a tuxedo shirt that ended up with a fringe skirt. I hadn’t planned that combination, but that’s what I love about trying things on. We can surprise ourselves when we give an unfamiliar pairing a chance. Here’s what I put together, why I like the combinations, and how everything fits.
I’ve always liked Nic+Zoe for its slightly unusual textures and shapes. The clothes look classic at first glance but usually have a twist, and a lot of you agree.
Brown in every shade is everywhere this fall, so I started with this Knit Twill Wrap Jacket in Java. The soft twill has blazer-like structure without the usual stiffness. I like it tied, or worn open for a longer, more relaxed line. It runs true to size, so this medium is a bit too roomy on me.
I paired it with this crinkle knit top in Coconut, which gives you texture without bulk. I love how much a top like this does for even the simplest outfit.
I know these wide-leg stretch trousers are fabulous because I owned a black-and-white pair for more than ten years and wore them out. They’re a machine-washable stretchy knit with front slash pockets, a pull-on waist, and a dark print that ties into the jacket.
I love the long line of this jacket over the wide-leg pants. These proportions have an ease that appeals to me, especially with the jacket worn open. I don’t shorten every jacket just because I’m petite.
When I picked up this pintuck tuxedo shirt and fringe midi skirt, I had no idea I’d end up styling them together. But that’s usually where the best outfits happen… right in the dressing room when we start playing with contrast. I love how the shirt’s formal pintucks give the look clean structure, while the skirt’s fringe adds fluid movement and keeps it from feeling overly buttoned-up.
For a completely different look, you can easily break them apart and pair the skirt with a simple fine-gauge cashmere sweater to let the fringe shine, or dress down the tuxedo shirt with dark-wash straight-leg jeans and sleek flats. Both pieces run true to size.
I’ve linked some other festive holiday skirts here in my Nordstrom storefront.
This NIC+ZOE shimmer sequin sweater jacket is such a fun piece for the entire holiday season. Its clear sequins add subtle catch-the-light glam, while a touch of mohair softens the texture for an effortless, not stiff, feel.
I paired it with these NIC+ZOE wide-leg stretch twill pants in Java, which are quite long on me, so I would need the petite version. They’re an easy pull-on style that looks remarkably polished and can be machine-washed and tumble-dried. I find this type of trouser easy to pack and keep in my wardrobe, and they pack beautifully without wrinkling.
Here’s another bejeweled jacket, and this time, it makes the entire statement all on its own! This Cinq à Sept Le Petit Karlie Crown Jewel Blazer has vibrant jewel embellishments scattered across a cropped silhouette, adding just the right amount of sparkle without feeling overdone. I love that the classic notch lapels and single-button closure. Since this jacket does all the heavy lifting, we don’t need to overthink the rest. Just throw it on over a simple top with dark-wash jeans, wide-leg trousers, or a knit skirt, and you’re good to go. I haven’t tried this brand before and was very impressed with the workmanship and quality details.
This NIC+ZOE Anytime Sequin Knit Skirt adds instant fun with its subtle, allover shimmer. It’s a stretchy pull-on knit that’s so easy to wear. They call it an anytime skirt because you could pair it with low-profile sneakers and a sweatshirt or dress it way up for a fancy event. It also comes in black and runs true to size.
I paired it with this Nordstrom Asymmetric Gathered Tee because the asymmetrical hem and side ruching add an interesting, modern line. You can adjust the tee’s length by scrunching or lengthening the side ruching. It comes in several colors, but I liked the classic black-and-gold combo.
While we’re looking at festive skirts, I couldn’t resist trying on this Staud Fen Paillette & Feather Skirt! It’s over the top in the very best way and super fun. Because the skirt has so much going on, I paired it with this Rag & Bone Luca Shadow Long-Sleeve Top, which is interesting in its own way but doesn’t compete with the skirt. It’s slim-fitting, so I sized up and bought the large. I love this type of top for layering under other pieces or wearing on its own.
I shared this outfit a few weeks ago and still love these proportions. The cropped length of this Vince Camuto zip cardigan with faux fur collar hits at the exact right spot to define the waist and balance these Vince Camuto pull-on wide-leg pants. The cardigan runs a bit large, so I could have easily worn the petite small, but I always appreciate having a little extra room in layering pieces.
Both items come in regular, petite, and plus sizes here. I always love a touch of glamour during the holidays, which the faux fur collar cardigan provides without being over the top.
Do you enjoy dressing up during the holidays, or does your favorite sweater handle most of the invitations? I’d love to hear which of these outfits you’d wear.