Full Coverage Festive Dressing

Because we are excited to dress up, but still trying to play it cool.

Something about bare skin in the winter makes me feel extra exposed. Not only am I cold but I never feel quite comfortable in my get ups. Today, lots of outfit ideas all around the idea of covering up but still feeling extra dressed and extra special. Holiday armor if you will.

A note about today’s letter. It’s DENSE. There are lots of styling ideas in here. So today is about finding the one or two bits of holiday specialness, and then making it work with your stuffed closets. There are many things you probably already have! Plain grey sweaters, our favorite 501s, black patent pumps, your special occasion earrings, etc. Time to bring it all out! Now for some newness:

A Great Big Metallic Cableknit

I love this sweater. It’s gigantic, its sparkly, but it’s strangely not that loud? (I do think I ordered a size to big, think I need the XS) but its an immediate holiday outfit. Paired back with satin elastic waist pants and velvet Mary-Janes, it has all the elements of holiday specialness, while being almost TOO comfortable. Would also be great with leggings or jeans or just some sheer tights!

Silver Toteme Sweater, Black Satin Attersee Pants

The Gigi Burris bow from last weekend and old Row velvet Mary Jane (more options at the bottom)

Silky Pants, part ii

Shine on shine (with a little pink/orange drop earring for color) but paired it all back to a brown suede boot here which makes the whole thing feel slightly less “mature” and more unexpected.

Vintage jacket, but here are a few TRR similar scores! Size 6. Size 16. Size 10. Black silk Attersee pants from above. Dark brown suede boots. Here’s a great option.

When in doubt, go vintage-ish

Oh this old thing!? JK. None of what I’m wearing here is vintage, but all has an old Hollywood glam feel. If its lunchtime, add grey sweater. I like the idea of old feeling clothes for the holidays because one, its glamorous. And two, it gives off a sprezzatura feel: “oh I had this in the back of my closet, I didn’t think for four days straight on what I was going to wear tonight!” This silky dress and feather pin are from Indress, a great little French brand. I often look to them for a little punch of sparkle or feathers, brought to my attention a few years ago by friend of 5 Things Rory Satran. Wies, the designer has a great eye for color!

And lets talk shoes. I LOVE an over the top shoe. In fact, I actually prefer an OTT shoe with an outfit that already has a lot going on. Sometimes, on its own, a statement shoe is just that, too much of a statement. Which is why I paired them here with the most colorful outfit in this thread. Though I plan on wearing them with EVERYTHING.

Indress dress and feather pin. More colors here! My tried and true Men’s medium Everlane sweater, freshly purchased Gucci sandals from TRR after the Alessandro Michele’s resignation announcement. He was such gift to fashion these past few years and I had to have an “archive” piece.

More on bringing out your special jewelry below.

For cocktails in a forest green lacquered library

Not a lot I love more than a full embrace of the 1980s preppy handbook. Tan blazer, red stripes feel wintery. Velvet flats and a big bow (if you are a paid subscriber you are already fully versed on this magical bow!) make it festive. Jeans for a little rebellion, since still no jeans allowed at the club (I assume?)

FULL PREP FOR THE BEST TIME OF YEAR ON THE UES: Tan Blazer, Red Striped Shirt (and a great similar option), 501s, BOW!

Not to leave out: velvet Mary Janes (options at the bottom) and a matching velvet pouch.

Sheer tights!! Red sweater!!

Not a lot to say here, other than big yes to a perfectly bright cherry red sweater paired back to black. Also, sheer tights are having a moment which I am so here for, embrace being warm and comfortable in a mini!

Prada metallic bag, vintage Pringle red cashmere sweater (worth the Ebay deep dive, this sweater is 40 years old and in amazing shape!) Khaite mini skirt which in the link you can see is perfectly styled with the sheer tights and the inspo for this look. Sheer tights, though I’d prefer sheer-er to be honest, more like THESE, and old Dior pumps I bought for $200 at the outlet mall. More options below.

Get yourself a fabulous sequined skirt, and wear the heck out of it

Find yourself a shiny, sparkly and/or fluttery skirt. It works for so many things. I think this could be worn to a black tie event with a satin shell or tee, and below with my favorite huge Everlane sweater, said tan blazer, a vintage tee (for those of you who will be New Years Eve-ing in the tropics), and a white turtleneck for a classic Ralph Lauren look.

Its possibly the most functional piece in this whole letter!? Since its 40% off, sizing is sparse, but here it is on a few different sites in a few different sizes.

Left: with a white knit turtleneck ala 90s! Right: with a vintage croc bag, tan blazer and bow.

Left: with the Everlane sweater and Prada bag from above. Right: With a goodwill Royal Caribbean t-shirt I bought for $2 in Blaine, MN. Seems right for a tropical holiday soire!

Not the same…but THIS Polo Ralph Lauren dress (for less than half the price) is my less pricey suggestion here. Love the texture and the shape and it would be great layered under a sweater or blazer, over a turtleneck, or on its own for something super fancy. She’s a gem!

Lets talk accessories

Here is your moment to bring out your super fancy heirloom pieces. Jewelry helps make a more comfy outfit feel dressed and intentional. So use your best stuff! What else are you saving it for! I am wearing a pair of vintage diamond drops throughout that my mother in law gave me as a wedding gift. They are SO special to me, and they make everything here feel that much more so.

Two costume and one REAL idea. Left: Simone Rocha Middle: Fallon Right: Alison Lou - these are her “cocktail” line which I think is the best bang for your buck out there for real stones and enamel!

Or maybe your takeaway here is a seasonal fabric swap. Go for the little velvet pouch or metallic mini bag. Add a patent leather shoe or a brown suede boot to really winterize everything. And of course, TOP IT OFF with some feathers or a bow!

Party Bags! Left: Prada Middle: Attersee Right: Judith Leiber @ TRR. I almost grabbed her, but decided to share, you’re welcome!

Party Shoes! Left: Gianvito Rossi ankle strap pumps, great with tights! Middle: Khaite for some bling and a great heel height. Right: Tamara Mellon old hollywood reds.

Mary Janes, the answer! Left: Le Monde Beryl Middle: Cole Haan Right: J.Crew

Indress feather pin, Gigi Burris bow

Now, signing off with my unintentionally Wednesday Adams inspired holiday look that I’ve already worn to three things this season to much fanfare. Enjoy getting dressed these next few weeks, because in January, we will be sad the sparkle is over. Though don’t worry, we'll talk flannel robes and perfect PJs then.

Tory Burch velvet shirt, navy pleat front trousers (similar pair here) and MJs.

Yours TRULY,

Becky

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