How to Create 13 Holiday Outfits from 4 Chic Pieces
If the thought of buying new things that you might only wear for the holiday season makes your wallet weep, we are on the same team. As you know I am not a fan of holiday specific wardrobe or decor items with a limited “shelf life”. I popped into Banana Republic ( I just love their offerings right now) and picked up four surprisingly chic and versatile pieces that were on sale. They are perfect for enjoying now during the christmas season and long after. Even better, you might already similar items in your closet! Let’s chat about how to create 13 holiday outfits from 4 chic pieces.
How to Create 13 Holiday Outfits from 4 Chic Pieces
The Four Foundational Pieces
Admittedly I favor a more artistic look so my pieces may not be the ones you find many others touting. I think you should own your own style and create looks that are creative and uniquely you.
Clockwise from left to right. Organza maxi dress, taffeta tiered skirt, taffeta mini dress (or in my iteration a top), and organza shirt.
How to Create 13 Holiday Outfits from 4 Chic Pieces
The Organza Midi/Maxi Dress
I LOVE this piece. If you are taller (unlike me) it could also be worn over a pair of slim faux leather pants or jeans. Unfortunately the gold colorway is sold out. The black is equally if not more lovely.
Here I am styling the dress (small) it simply with a necklace I have owned for several years from Parham and Co, similar here, a vintage clutch (you probably have one that would work), and Ikat mules similar here.
This scarf from Pierre Louis Mascilla was a major splurge for me this year, vintage turquoise necklace inherited from my MIL, pin from my collection (similar here), and mules from Etsy.
Why not wear it as a “skirt and shirt” under a leopard sweater (I am wearing a medium) with a vintage rhinestone brooch (similar here), and velvet birdies with vintage rhinestone shoe clips (similar here).
I scored this vintage Polo Ralph Lauren paisley smoking jacket this year (the measurements quoted were a little off so I think I need to have it altered.) I think it looks great with this dress, mules from Etsy, and vintage silver clutch.
You have seen this vintage Kantha coat (similar on Etsy here) that belonged to my sister ( I am so grateful that my niece sent to me). I wear it often with so many things, and I think it is great with this organza dress for the holidays or anytime with turquoise accessories from my collection and my Gigi Pip hat.
How to Create 13 Holiday Outfits from 4 Chic Pieces
The Fabulous Taffeta Tiered Skirt
This skirt is so good, it drapes slightly lower in back, fits like a dream, and is very flattering. I am wearing a size 6.
I am styling the skirt here with a lovely gifted blazer from L’Agence (size 6) with holiday friendly lace inserts. I added vintage rhinestone brooches, j crew rhinestone earrings from eBay (J Crew has great rhinestone jewelry on the resale sites) and my comfy Gentle Souls booties.
Here I styled the skirt with a simple red cashmere sweater from COS (found last year on sale, wearing small), booties, and rhinestone earrings and bracelet (thrifted from eBay old J Crew similar here)
I love the combo of black and brown. If you have been following me for long you have seen this scarf for many years (originally gifted from IBU Movement several years ago), similar scarf below and here) I belted it with a belt from my collection (similar on Etsy here) (with an added rhinestone brooch) and Gentle Souls boots.
A simple look here with a sparkly sweater purchased locally from Bijou on the Park a few years ago ( very similar here), gentle souls boots.
How to Create 13 Holiday Outfits from 4 Chic Pieces
The Taffeta Mini Dress Worn as a Shirt
This “dress “ (size 6)really has possibilities. If you are young you could wear it as a dress. FYI it can be worn with the ties in back or the front. There are pockets on both sides. If you are my age, you will not be wearing it as a mini dress but I think it works creatively as an interesting/shirt that can be layered for interest.
This look features a poncho styled as a scarf that I picked up at the Fabric Merchant ( a fave in Los Olivos), similar here. If you go to Los Olivos you must visit her. She has such an eye for fabrics and textures. The pants are from Chicos (size 0 very flattering), velvet birdies monogrammed and gifted years ago. Vintage clutch.
How to Create 13 Holiday Outfits from 4 Chic Pieces
Organza Blouse
I love this organza blouse it has a slimming silhouette that forgives the curves. This is such a versatile piece. I would wear it with jeans or pants with rhinestone accessories all through the season.
Here I tied it at the waist with an inexpensive tulle skirt found here, or several on Poshmark here.
Here I tied the blouse at the waist with the taffeta skirt, booties, and a gaucho hat from Overland Sheepskin Company.
I tossed my scarf from the Met, over the organza blouse, faux leather pants from Chicos, birdies, and vintage brooch similar here.
If you are looking for more ideas:
You can find all my “holiday dressing’ favorites (that I scoured the internet for) here in my shop.
11 Festive Fabulous Holiday Looks for Women Over 60
Five Stylish Holiday Hacks for Adding Holiday Sparkle to any Outfit
How to Make any Look Holiday Ready
Thanks for reading How to Create 13 Holiday Outfits from 4 Chic Pieces. I created these holiday-ready looks from just four versatile pieces from Banana Republic. Instead of buying something new for every party invite, focus on those high-quality, high-value staples that work overtime, in your own closet Now that you’ve seen the power of mixing and matching, take a quick peek in your own closet: Which of these four foundational pieces are you already rocking in some version, and which one piece are you going to add to your capsule to unlock your own 12+ outfits? Let me know in the comments below!
Now let’s pop over and visit Kim. She will have some great ideas.
I, for one, LOVE your fashion choices. I kinda want to steal that RL smoking jacket from you — I’m a 12 or 14 in old school Ralph, if you’d like to sell it rather than tailor it. Not kidding, yet not holding my breath that’ll happen 😝 Heading over to BR now, they do tend to mix well with RL.
Hi Christine
I will think about that!!
Cindy, I enjoyed such a creative mixing and matching of your new pieces. You are so talented in how you wear your clothing to decorating your lovely home. I always look forward to opening your emails.
I have been looking at the Kantha jackets and some are OS and others are S-M-L. My question to you is, if it is OS does it overwhelm you? In S-M-L, do you wear a small? I am normally an 8 or 10 in a jacket so do not know what size to order. Can you please advise me on the sizing as you seem to have a few of their jackets? Thank you so much and happy holidays!!!
Hi Sharon
I do feel like some of the OS can overwhelm. These are made in India obviously. If you are an 8-10 I think you would be safe with a medium
I love all of your posts, Cindy, especially those including fashion. November 19 post was more fabulous than usual. Your creativity and ability to create distinctive, but wearable looks, is unmatched! Thank you for your inspiration and direction, especially from me, a person who is in a bit of a fashion “rut.”
OMG – if you ever decide to sell the caramel organza midi-maxi, can I have first dibs? It’s STUNNING! And so perfectly styled.
Also the taupe and black floral organza skirt – it’s really sweetly elegant.
Fabulous looks, Cindy. Thank you.
Hi Prue
Isn’t that vamel dress fabulous? I love it too!! I am sure you can order that skirt from eBay or Poshmark for pennies, or order it from Chicwish! Thank you so much for always being so supportive Prue!
The dress and the Poshmark tulle skirt with the Organza shirt are my two favourite outfits. Having said that, you look great in all of them. I bought a Sally Phillips silk skirt with matching shirt earlier this year, which I will wear to a smart Christmas party with blingy silver Mary Jane’s. I can mix and match the skirt with several other pieces I own, but would order the organza shirt if I could figure out the sizing.
Hi Susan
I rechecked and mine is an XS. I thought it was a small it can be worn tied or “tail out” over pants or jeans. I would wear it with slim jeans. I am obsessed with Sally Phillips I would love to collaborate with her in what would always be her sale season. I can barely stay out of trouble on her website-I am obsessed! Your outfit sounds wonderful!
Cindy I love seeing all these looks in your lovely house! You have it so festive and pretty.
You choose some great pieces at BR. I was just there and the organza sheer tops are so beautiful . I adore the tiered skirt on you as well and the cute short one as a tunic. My favorite is the L’agence jacket and skirt.
You always inspire with your great styling. That RK jacket was a find and I adore the brooches as buttons! It all is super chic with your great styling and eye!
xo
Hi Kim
Thank you so much. It is really hard to get photos inside my house with that darn brown overhang! Everything turns yellow!
Loved your choices and I especially love the dark gaucho hat. It looks smashing on you. XOXOX, Brenda
Hi Brenda
You need that hat!! It is you!!
Cindy, looking at the organza blouse…I realize it’s completely see thru…what did you wear under it…the photo doesn’t show what you are wearing.
Hi Karen
I just wore a black knit camisole.
Love all the looks! So versatile and flattering.
Hi Sue
Thank you so much!!
I especially love the leopard sweater and Polo Ralph Lauren looks. Classy but edgy. I admire how you think outside the box and create new looks by using things you already own. These two styles in particular transform the dress into totally different and unique looks. No one would ever think about the fact you are wearing the same dress. Terrific ideas. Now that you have inspired me, I have to go explore my wardrobe.
Hi Susan
Always shop your closet first! I went to a wine event last night and many of the ladies had read the post. They all put together outfits from their own closets that they had been ignoring! It was so fun to see. One friend had a similar jacket to the RL that she said she hadn’t worn in ages. It made me so happy!!
You really have such great style!
Thank you so much Mary!!
Very inspirational. I was wondering what to pull together . I would not of thought of this fun skirt. Happy holidays. So enjoy your posts!
Hi Pam
I try to use items that I already own, and add just a few new items in case someone is shopping for something in particular. I really love what Banana is doing these days, very RL which you know I love!!
Cindy,
You look absolutely fabulous in every one of those holiday outfits. I can’t decide which one I like best but I will put all of your outfit ideas in my memory to pull up when I need to look “oh so chic!”
Hi Gail
I am pretty sure you look oh so chic all the time!!
Honestly Cindy I think you could take a white sheet, wrap it around yourself, put on one of your beautiful necklaces, a great belt and look like a million dollars. Gorgeous outfits! Amazing!
Hi Mary
You are so kind. I always try to think of ways to bring new life to what I already own by adding just a few items.
Hi Cindy,
These are such amazing outfits you look so beautiful in all of them and if I was not travelling far over Christmas to a very hot climate I would jump on many of these wonderful finds!! Love the Banana Republic skirt and gold dress and that Polo Paisley jacket ,wow! Have a wonderful time celebrating the season xo
Hi Francesca
I was thrilled to find that RL jacket on an obscure website! I was a little worried it might not come but it did!! I agree Banana has the best holiday looks!
Love all your ideas!
Hi Didi
Thank you so much! Enjoy the holidays!
This is such a great blog post, Cindy! And I love how you style things. I have a long black taffeta skirt that I love and you’ve given me so many pointers. Thank you!
Hi Juliana
So nice of you to stop by!! I wore a long gray taffeta skirt to my daughters wedding with a crisp white shirt many moons ago and I still get questions about where to get it! It was Caroline Herrera and I found it on eBay!