How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe, Holiday Edition

It’s the most wonderful time of the year for many people. Myself included! But I'm less excited by the longstanding traditions, mulled wine, or even sparkly decorations; instead, it’s the festive outfits for me. Office parties and cocktail soirées have my calendar filled to the brim (I'm even taking on hostess duties!), and I intend to embrace both fashion and holiday cheer.

That said, it is also the least wallet-friendly time of year. With gift-giving, travel booking, and stocking stuffing, there’s never much coin left to splurge on a party outfit, let alone three. If you, too, promised yourself you’d be more economical this season, then allow me to introduce the holiday capsule wardrobe.

You’re probably familiar with the idea of a capsule wardrobe: a collection of timeless and essential pieces that lend themselves to multiple ways of styling. They act as base items that can be accessorized, dressed up, down, and worn to a wide array of occasions. And while that means a basic white T, some trendy jeans, and a good button-down in everyday situations, we’re adding a pinch of pizazz to the concept for the holidays.

We’ve pulled three foundational pieces and shared the styling tweaks we recommend to make each a fit for the different occasions you have this season.

The Little Black Dress

The iconic little black dress is a wardrobe staple, holidays or not. I slip into one when I want to look chic without expending too much energy deciding what to wear. Perhaps you already have a number of them in your closet, but whether this is your first LBD or your seventh, you're never going to regret owning a dress that stuns. For the holiday capsule collection, I chose this endearing little piece due to its knitted fabric and modest coverage. She's little, but she's warm — a must during these cold times.

How to Style It: Office Holiday Party

Office parties are the hardest to dress for: You want to look festive, modest, chic, and professional all at the same time. The only stories coming out of these events should be those of the delicious hors d'oeuvres and not somebody’s risqué wardrobe choices. The little black dress we picked is a tasteful building block, with shoulders and decolletage covered. Add a layer of warmth with Wolford’s famous merino tights, which I can personally vouch for. Block heels are playful and elegant, and the burgundy pair below go well with the Poléne leather bag. A classic trench coat you might already have in your closet; if not, this one from Dissh is a timeless choice that helps balance all the colors. A little gold jewelry polishes off the look.

How to Style It: Dinner With Your In-Laws

Dinner with your S.O.'s family can be intimidating, especially if it’s a new relationship. An outfit that looks impressive but leaves you feeling relaxed hits all the right notes. I'm giving the legs a moment to shine by eschewing tights (much as I love them) in favor of tall boots. Layer on a cape coat, an always-in-style pick in my book. And just to give your second set of parents something to gush over, this Dorsey emerald collar necklace acts as a splash of color. It exudes elegance and refinement, giving you that extra boost of confidence when you need it the most. Lastly, Coach's sleek Bandit bag, with its clean-cut appeal, balances the eye-catching necklace.

How to Style It: Cocktail Soirée

Time to dial up the sparkle. Swap chunky shoes for a pointed heel with a bedazzled bow from Tony Bianco. In keeping with the theme, add some sparkle via gorgeous Swarovski crystal mixed-cut drop earrings. Tying everything together is this clutch from Cult Gaia, which has rhinestones splattered across its clear case. Instead of opting for a simple black or brown coat, we found this soft blue option—the only winter blues I want this season. The length provides a little extra coverage from the elements.

The Velvet Skirt

A maxi skirt may seem too overwhelming, a mini skirt too revealing, but the midi skirt functions as a happy (and elegant) medium. The touch of velvet subtly gives it that holiday glam and the perception of warmth that's very much needed this time of year. And while I love red for the season, it's not the easiest hue to wear year-round, so I've opted for this gorgeous green instead. She's graceful and eye-catching — a magnet for compliments the minute she enters the room. She's also easy to dress up for a nice occasion and down for a casual brunch in the new year.

How to Style It: Office Holiday Party

Black tops are my go-to when I need something formal, simple, and elegant. The below turtleneck from Uniqlo has the added benefit of being made from their heattech fabric, meaning it retains warmth. Pair with a sleek, heeled Chelsea boot to ensure feet stay warm through the winter slush, then add a bit of edge with Mango’s cool faux shearling jacket. And because pearls are back, what better occasion to don them than at the office party? A clutch purse looks stunning with the low-rise fit of the skirt, so I'm holding my lipstick and mints in this cute leather pouch from Quince.

How to Style It: Dinner With Your In-Laws

Going out to that expensive restaurant that required three months and eight voicemails to secure a reservation? This calls for an elegant outfit, like metallic kitten heels and an open-shoulder sweater. So that the skirt's olive green color can pop, keep the supportive players neutral; everything from the cream-colored top and blazer to the silver shoes and crystal earrings should create a cohesive look that enhances rather than competes with the skirt. For a touch more velvet, I'm carrying all belongings in Ralph Lauren’s Polo ID Velvet Mini Bag.

How to Style It: Cocktail Soirée

The vibe of this ensemble is playful yet sophisticated, making it ideal for a cocktail bar. A ribbed mock neck top and kitten heels are the perfect puzzle pieces for the lowrise skirt, as they add touches of modesty and flirtatiousness, respectfully. Rather than reaching for statement earrings, find balance with something accenting the wrist. When it’s time to head home (or hop to the next bar), wrap yourself in this extra luxurious scarf coat by Helsa. Not only will outerwear keep you warm, but it matches perfectly with these Sam Edelman oat-colored pumps. The aim is to keep everything sleek here, so a minimalist bag from Freja is the way to go.

The Silk Blouse

When special occasions arise, a silk blouse is a safe bet to lean on to add a sense of festivity to the 'fit. For the holidays, I've selected one in a nice champagne gold tone — to match the bubbly and the ornaments hanging around. The halter neck on this piece allows the shoulders to remain bare without exposing too much skin, making this perfectly appropriate for all occasions under the sun (or snow, in this case).

How to Style It: Office Holiday Party

We love a smart look for the office — that means structured (but unboring) trousers, a fitted blazer (which covers up the bare back of this halter top), and some pointed booties. For a gold top such as this, choose a simpler palette that allows the festive color to shine. Pearl drop earrings and leather pouch add a final touch of sophistication to the look. The whole outfit exudes confidence and professionalism...and fun!

How to Style It: Dinner With Your In-Laws

When you see your partner's parents this time around, how about a feminine silhouette that isn't overly sexy? You want to feel confident but keep things modest, which is why I'm draping a beautiful cashmere scarf over my shoulders (which also gives the look a bit of softness). As for the bottoms, a maxi denim skirt elongates the legs. To keep from looking like one long champagne flute, try accessorizing with this season’s trendiest color: burgundy red. Divide the top from the bottom with a slim burgundy Ralph Lauren belt and finish with swanky earrings and a studded clutch purse.

How to Style It: Cocktail Soirée

It’s only fitting to wear champagne as you sip on some bubbly. Accenting with burgundy works here, too, but add more visual interest through touches of velvet, faux fur, and crochet. Like this sweater-weight skirt with fun floral appliqués, which tones down the seriousness of the mature-leaning silk top. The faux-fur coat and velvet shoes make the whole look appear cozier. And with a trendy bag from Sandro Paris and a classic pair of hoop earrings, this 'fit is for the girl looking to raise her glass high to the end of the year. You know that one bar where the bartender improvises cocktails based on your *aura*? Yeah, that's the perfect place to wear this.