Friends, the best time of year is finally upon us: sequin season! For the next 31 days (give or take) it will be socially acceptable—nay, encouraged—to wear sequins, glitter, and sparkles for absolutely no reason. God, I love December.
The next month will be filled not only with presents, parties, seasonal lattes, and kitschy holiday decor but also with velvet, leather, lace, and rhinestones. It's truly the best time of year. That said, if you're reading this, that means it's already past time to start thinking about your holiday outfit idea lineup. Trust me, those those invites are about to hit your inbox hard. That's why I've sourced the most festive, stylish, and downright chic December outfits for your copying pleasure. Just call me Santa Claus.
A Cherry Red Color Story
This trending color has been waiting all year long for its time to shine, and friends, that time is now. I recommend using the next four weeks to spotlight every festive red piece in your wardrobe, and if you're feeling particularly bold, doing it all at once.
Gray Cozies and a Luxe Fur Stole
Remember last year, when Rihanna announced her pregnancy via a 1920s-coded Miu Miu look? Yeah, me too. Channel her impeccable aesthetic by styling your coziest heather gray basics with a luxe faux fur stole. It'll look just as good at brunch as it did at the Met Gala.
Winter Neons
Now this is my idea of a Christmas outfit. No embarrassing holiday sweaters, just a cool-girl puffer and a whole lot of pink. Lean into neon colors for an unexpected take on the Barbiecore look.
Snowy Whites
Put your Little Black Dress on pause and try a smattering of winter whites instead. When employed with festive textures and glitzy gold jewelry, the snowy hue feels just as holiday-inspired as reds and greens.
Laid-Back Luxury
This outfit is the exact reason I have made it my 2026 mission to find myself a quality vintage fur coat—literally just so I can wear it with jeans and a hobo bag. It's the perfect effortlessly-cool winter look.
A Little Holiday Plaid
I love a red plaid moment for the holidays, because it's one of the few Christmas motifs that actually feels a little edgy. Plus, you can repurpose it throughout the rest of the year with more toned-down accessories.
A Peplum Blazer and Bubble Skirt
The category here? Simplicity. Though this outfit is the definition of minimalist, it grabs the eye, thanks to the bold structure and silhouette. Paired with glitzy heels and a face card that never declines, this easy combo transforms into a whole holiday look.
Festive Pinks
Is this the second time in this story that I've tried to convince you to wear pink this holiday season? Yes. Yes, it is. I wore a copy-and-paste version of this look for a Christmas party a couple years back and it still lives rent-free in my head to this day.
A Leather Jacket as a Top
This is my personal favorite fashion week hack for staying warm and looking extremely badass. Button, strap, and buckle your favorite leather jacket until it resembles a top. Then, all you have to do is add the statement bottoms of your choice.
Khaki and Snakeskin
This combo has been my emotional support outfit for pretty much all of November. And trust me when I tell you that it works every single time. Your favorite trench coat pairs shockingly well with snakeskin, so please feel empowered to pile it on.
Sequins and Fur
Sequins and (faux) fur are the ultimate holiday season combo. It's luxe, glamorous, and entirely functional. Trust me, you'll be the most stylish person in the room.
A Leather Bomber and Jeans
This is what we in the industry like to call the "Hailey Bieber effect." Leather jacket, plus white tee, plus baggy jeans rounds out to be an effortlessly stylish look. It's simple December girl math.
A Leopard Coat and Graphic Tee
If there's one thing Millennials know, it's our way around a good band tee. Bring back your high school favorite with jeans and a whole lot of leopard. Be sure to finish with something pink for an extra dose of playful flare.
A Jumpsuit and Leather Blazer
I'll be the first to admit that jumpsuits are simply not my vibe. But this lace number has me rethinking my position, because styled with a leather blazer and glossy patent pumps, the one-piece feels incredibly chic.
A Belted Puffer
Remember what I said about leather jackets? Well, the same goes for puffer coats. Throw a matching belt over yours to make it feel intentionally styled.
Kelsey (she/her) is a freelance digital fashion editor and writer with a knack for turning top-performing content into top-selling content. She has extensive experience in editorial and e-commerce strategy, having worked in both divisions during her years at Seventeen and Bustle. With more than a decade of experience in digital media, she also offers creative and social media consulting, as well as copywriting services. She enjoys cheeseburgers, traveling, and vintage hauls. Follow her on Instagram at @klstieg.
