Monday miscellany: “festive casual” holiday outfit ideas & more
Aaand, here we are in Thanksgiving week. Despite the holiday decorations going up earlier every year, this is still the week that I mentally shift into Holiday Mode. I’ve found it’s helpful to have a few go-to casual holiday outfit ideas on deck, as our crew tends to be a bit impromptu when it comes to arranging get-togethers.
Casual holiday outfit ideas with jeans
The past few weeks I’ve found myself absolutely craving color in my outfits. It feels energizing, so I’m not fighting the urge. I’ve styled both of these outfits with jeans for more casual holiday gatherings, but will share some other non-jean looks soon. Many of the pieces I’m wearing are marked down quite a bit in the early Black Friday sales.
Bright & whimsical
There’s no rule that holiday outfits have to be red, green, or blue. This “brushed” yellow sweater (that I first featured here) is so fun & festive, and very soft. I’m wearing the X-Small. If yellow isn’t your thing, it’s also available in a soft, smoky off-white.
I’d wear this to a casual holiday brunch, Thanksgiving leftovers lunch, or other relaxed gathering at someone’s home.
Someone asked about the sleeve length on this sweater. I’m 5″1″ and don’t find the sleeves too long.
Polished & playful
This outfit hits my sweet spot for a mix of rough and refined. Yes, that’s another “Betty” cardigan (you didn’t think I’d pass up one in leopard print, did you? 😉). I’m wearing size Small. I love it paired with red!
The lipstick I’m wearing is my new favorite red, Jane Iredale ColorLuxe Hydrating Cream Lipstick in “Poppy.” Manina at Red Leopard turned me on to it. I LOVE the color & formula!
Found in London
I’ve never really been much of a tea drinker, and still don’t care for most black teas. But I did get into the afternoon tea ritual, just with herbal varieties.
My hosts in London had this one on hand, and I had to order some as soon as I arrived home!
Have you watched the new episodes of “The Crown” yet? (On Netflix.) I’ve been fascinated with Diana’s earrings. Not the super big buttons, but some of those more sculptural gold ones have me hunting for similar styles.
The sales not to miss…
There’s some deep discounting already on ahead of Black Friday. Now’s a good time to shop for best selections…
J.Crew – up to 50% off almost everything
Madewell – 40% off your purchase, code LETSGO
Talbot’s – 40% off shoes and accessories (lots of really great earrings for holiday looks!)
Banana Republic – 40% off purchase
Jenni Kayne – 25% off everything
Nordstrom – Black Friday deals
Boden – 30% off select items with code E3N4
Tuckernuck – 20% off sitewide, code CHEERS. Plus progressive discounts up to 30% based on order amount
DeMellier London (gorgeous leather bags) – 20% off sitewide with code BF20
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Don’t blame you reaching for colour as your outfits are so flattering. I thought you looked fantastic in the yellow jumper and even better in the red/leopard print combo – the red lipstick is an absolute winner. As for this season of the Crown, I was so disappointed as it was boring and cringe worthy. I did have a smile about the gold earrings. When living in Saudi Arabia (during the 1990s), gold was so cheap that I stocked up on earrings similar to what Diana is wearing, but subsequently sold them all when I decided I preferred pearls – my mistake. I hope you have a lovely Thanksgiving even though it will be tinged with sadness
I love the outfit combinations you’ve been posting lately. They are all so fun and colorful. I’m not a big color person myself, but find I’m being swayed a bit by your choices! Those earrings on Diana take me back. I gave all my 80s and early 90s big earrings to my adult daughter who loves wearing them. They’re so in style again. They were too heavy for me now so glad someone can enjoy them.
Love your casual chic outfit. I’ve been spying on those ankle boots at Nordstrom. They have the heel and shaft height I’m looking for. Are they comfortable? I’ve read some mixed reviews on the comfort level.
Hi Sud, thanks! The boots I’m wearing here are from J.Crew and are comfortable for me. I’m not sure which Nordstrom boots you’re referring to.
Oops! I think spotted something similar on Nordstrom and didn’t pay attention to your link.
I love the second outfit with the amazing gold shoes!
Thanks, Pam!
The Sezane sweater is beautiful! The website suggests ordering up if between sizes. Do you agree?
Hi Jayne, thanks! I’m usually an XS or S in most sweaters, and for this cardigan I went with the S. It fits through the shoulders but has enough room through the bust are that I can easily wear it buttoned. It’s not an oversized piece.
Hi Susan,
You had me at soft Smokey white! Ha ha. But you look wonderful in that yellow!
And yes, I did predict you’d grab the leopard print too. Everything about your outfit is perfect, you look absolutely fabulous!
Thanks for the Poppy lippy rec…do you know of any other close matches please?
You are indeed back home from London. I will check out the “Poppy” colour from Jane Iredale lipsticks. Manina suggested to me that “Jackie” would work for me when I visited Red Leopard, because I am a warm Autumn, but I can purchase the line locally so that’s easy . After your mention of gold earrings, I must agree that I brought out some from the ’90’s that are bolder but not huge. I do like the look. To add to your list of sales…Athleta has nearly 60% off some puffer jackets and vests with coordinating tops. I have been very successful with my previous purchases from Athleta. Good colours that are a bit different.
Although we celebrated our Canadian Thanksgiving last month, we are excited to join our US/Canadian neighbours on Thursday for a festive meal. Warm wishes to you, Susan as you spend time with family and friends.
I have binge watched the latest episodes of The Crown and was also taken by the simplicity of Diana’s earrings. Thanks for finding similar current styles. Your posts always give me inspiration.
Do you find the gold shoes TTS and do they squeak? They’re on super good sale but not returns or exchanges. Reviews are mixed on them. Thanks!
Hi Stephanie, if you are in between 1/2 sizes, I’d go with the smaller one, especially if you have narrow feet. I haven’t noticed any squeaking.
I love that yellow sweater – but does it scratch? I see it has some alpaca and wool in it.
Thanks! It’s VERY soft, and I don’t find it scratchy at all.
Thanks for answering my question about the sleeve length of the lemon-y sweater. It looks absolutely fabulous on you, and the combination with dark wash jeans and animal belt is so classic.
Loving all the “sculptural” earrings you’ve been showing of late. I have a couple pairs of almost weightless Charles Garnier 18k gold ones I bought at Nordstrom in San Diego in the mid-90s that finally feel on point again. I need to wear them for the holidays. Happy Thanksgiving to you, Susan!