Festive Outfits Made Easy: The Everygirl’s 2025 Holiday Capsule Wardrobe

Every holiday season, I loosely plan out my outfits for Thanksgiving and my office party, but not much else. I The post Festive Outfits Made Easy: The Everygirl’s 2025 Holiday Capsule Wardrobe appeared first on The Everygirl.

Lifestyle Dec 3, 2025 0 4 Add to Reading List

Festive Outfits Made Easy: The Everygirl’s 2025 Holiday Capsule Wardrobe

Every holiday season, I loosely plan out my outfits for Thanksgiving and my office party, but not much else. I always figure that I’ll put my holiday outfits together when the time comes. But the problem with that is how much I’m underestimating just how many festive events December brings. Gift exchanges, dinners out, a day at a Christmas market… I need to account for far more outfits than just the ones for the actual days of each holiday, which is why I’ve ended up turning to a holiday capsule wardrobe.

But don’t get it twisted: Creating a holiday capsule wardrobe hasn’t meant adding six sparkly dresses to my closet and calling it a day. Instead, I’m pinpointing the pieces in my closet that lean festive—velvet, black dresses, anything red. Then, I’m identifying where a hair bow or metallic accessory could transform an outfit into something holiday-worthy.

It’s officially time to make the very most of the 2025 holidays. We’ve made a list, checked it twice, and created a capsule wardrobe that will ensure you’re celebrating in style.

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“Holiday outfits should feel fun and special, but definitely don’t require buying a dozen new pieces.”

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Why a Holiday Capsule Wardrobe?

A capsule wardrobe is a curated, intentional selection of clothes that can be mixed and matched to create outfits for anything that might pop up on your calendar. The holiday season usually ends up requiring more outfits than you prepare for—a day of gift shopping, cocktail parties, your annual office party—which makes a Christmas capsule wardrobe a no-brainer.

Your capsule wardrobe for the holiday season can—and should!—be created with pieces you wear year-round. While the “holiday outfit ideas” Pinterest board you created is likely full of sequins and velvet, you probably own more versatile holiday outfit staples than you realize. A black mini skirt, your favorite trousers, a cable-knit sweater—all of them can be mixed and matched to create holiday outfits that don’t require too much forethought or planning. Your festive holiday capsule wardrobe should spare you the “I don’t have anything to wear!” panic before your December events. Stress-fress dressing and more time enjoying the season? Yes, please.

The Essentials of a Holiday Capsule Wardrobe

Holiday outfits should feel fun and special. After all, they only come around for one fleeting season a year. But they definitely don’t require buying a dozen new pieces. I wanted this holiday capsule wardrobe to feel quintessentially holiday. However, I also wanted you to know that a festive feel can be achieved through just a few special pieces. Then, those can be mixed and matched with clothes that likely already live in most closets.

For example, if you already own a black mini skirt or a cream sweater, you don’t need to shop for another one this holiday season. Think about the clothes you already own, then identify any gaps that might exist that can be filled with pieces that make holiday dressing a little easier.

Holiday capsule wardrobe essentials include:

A Classic Red Sweater: Your most versatile holiday capsule piece that can be dressed up or down
A Festive Sweater: Whether it’s a cozy cable-knit or a sweater in a cheery shade of red, a festive sweater is a minimalist holiday wardrobe must-have
Statement Bottoms: Sequins, rhinestone, and satin reign supreme when it comes to holiday-appropriate bottoms
A Party-Ready Dress: A sequin, velvet, plaid, or metallic dress can be styled on repeat throughout the holiday season
On-Theme Accessories and Shoes: The bread and butter to any capsule wardrobe—if you’re going to buy one thing, let it be a great pair of heels and an accessory or two

But you can also pull from your year-round closet to complement these pieces. Capsule wardrobe pieces that you probably already own to work into your holiday outfits include:

A Cream Sweater
A Cream and/or Black Mini Skirt
Dark-Wash Jeans
A Chic Satin Top
A Long Coat
Knee-High Boots
Black Booties

How to Style Your Holiday Capsule Wardrobe

A Classic Red Sweater

A red sweater or cardigan is a great example of a piece that works year-round, but really pulls its weight during the holiday season. Pair it with a basic black mini, cream satin trousers, or embellished jeans to really make it pop. Of course, your on-theme accessories will give it that extra festive feeling.

red sweater outfits holiday capsule wardrobe

J.Crew

Supersoft Bubble-Hem Cardigan

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Abercrombie & Fitch

Crew Cardigan

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Old Navy

SoSoft Loose V-Neck Sweater

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Aritzia

Plush Knit Crewneck Sweater

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A Festive Sweater

Once you’ve got your perfect red sweater, I think it’s worth branching out to include a festive sweater in your collection. I have one that I bought years ago and have worn at least once every holiday season since. These are perfect for work events, Christmas markets, and more casual holiday hangs. Dress it up with a mini skirt or trousers, or pair it with jeans and winter wardrobe essentials for an outdoor activity.

festive sweater outfits holiday capsule wardrobe

L.L. Bean

Fuzzy Lantern Sleeve Jacquard Sweater

3 colors available

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J.Crew

Perfect Cashmere Bow Sweater

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Old Navy

SoSoft Fair Isle Cardigan Sweater

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Macy’s

Cheers Darling Sweater

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LOFT

Colorblock Fair Isle Sweater

2 colors available

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Aritzia

London Wool Cashmere Cardigan

2 colors available

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H&M

Bow-Detail Cardigan

2 colors available

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J.Crew

Relaxed Crewneck Pullover

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A Party-Ready Dress

If you have one great party dress in your closet, you’ll be set for any event the holiday season might bring. Paired with tights, boots, and a lady jacket, it’s Blair-Waldorf-chic. With monochrome accessories, it’s dinner-with-your-grandma-approved. And with the season’s hottest holiday item—red tights—it’s perfect for your work holiday party or a dressy Christmas Eve.

Dillard’s

Plaid Square Neck Bubble Hem Dress

2 colors available

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Nordstrom Rack | avec les filles

Embellished Bow Velvet Minidress

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Old Navy

Puff-Sleeve Plaid Taffeta Mini Dress

2 colors available

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Macy’s | Avec Les Filles

Bubble Trim Sweater Dress

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Eloquii

Draped Hardware Fitted Dress

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Macy’s | Donna Karan

Floral-Sequined Gown

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Tuckernuck

Plum Knit & Lace Midi Dress

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Tuckernuck

Green Shimmer Knit Maxi Dress

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Statement Bottoms

Statement tops seem to get all the love. But I think one amazing skirt or pair of pants can really make your holiday outfits shine. Whether you opt for sequins, satin, velvet, or embellishments, these pieces make an outfit. And the best part? They can be paired with basics that you definitely already own. Top the look off with a festive accessory or two and you’ll be best-dressed guest.

Old Navy

High-Waisted Sequin Midi Skirt

3 colors available

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Dillard’s

Velvet Plaid Mini Skirt

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Quince

100% Washable Silk Maxi Skirt

6 colors available

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J.Crew

Cosmo Pant in Luster Charmeuse

6 colors available

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Gap

High Rise ’90s Slim Straight Jeans

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Mango

Satin Pants

2 colors available

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Amazon

Sequin Shorts

10+ colors available

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Gap

Sequin Mini Skort

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Must-Have Shoes and Accessories for Festive Looks

If you’re just starting your holiday capsule wardrobe, the most worthwhile place to start is by adding a few festive accessories to your closet. A sparkly bag or hair bow can transform even jeans and a sweater into an easy holiday look. Here’s where I’d start:

A Hair Bow: Hair bows aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. Grab one in a fun pattern, like plaid, to switch it up.
Tights: While black always works, opt for red or burgundy for a touch that feels very intentional.
A Statement Bag: Boring outfit? Not anymore.
Fun Shoes: Metallic, studded, sequined, or embellished heels will be the festive finishing touch for your fancier holiday looks.
Festive Earrings: Bows, crystals, or pearls provide the perfect eye-catching statement.

Circus NY

Tallie Slingback Pump

5 colors and patterns available

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DSW | Sam Edelman

Silver Slingback Heels

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Charles & Keith

Patent Slingback Mary Jane Pumps

3 colors available

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Nordstrom | Dolce Vita

Shimmer Kitten Heel Mule

2 colors available

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Nordstrom Rack | Sam Edelman

Black Suede Pump

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LOFT

Satin Bow Slingback Kitten Heels

2 colors available

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Dolce Vita

Sequin Shoulder Bag

7 styles available

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LOFT

Satin Bow Handle Bag

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JW Pei

Crystal Top Handle Bag

10+ styles available

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Anthropologie

The Fiona Beaded Bag

8 styles available

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J.Crew

Chiffon Bow Clip

2 styles available

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Anthropologie

Plaid Headband & Bow Hair Claw Clip Set

6 colors available

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J.Crew

Velvet Bow Brooch

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Nadri

CZ Pearl Drop Earrings

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Anthropologie

Beaded Bow Statement Earrings

6 styles available

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J.Crew

Bow Pearl Drop Earrings

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Calzedonia

Soft Comfort 30 Denier Microfiber Tights

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Target

Opaque Sparkle Tights

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Tips for Creating a Budget-Friendly Capsule Wardrobe

Since money is usually tighter around the holidays, it’s totally understandable to not want to spend it on new clothes. To create an affordable holiday capsule wardrobe, start by wearing things you already own. So much of holiday dressing comes down to styling. By evaluating what pieces you have in your closet that can be worn throughout the holiday season, you can skip the need to shop for new pieces entirely.

Adding a silver purse or sequin bag can make almost anything feel festive. A budget-friendly holiday capsule wardrobe should start with basics that you know you’ll wear far beyond month of December. If you’re choosing between buying a red sweater or a sequin dress, opt for the one you’ll get more wear out of in the long-run. (The red sweater, unless you have a much more exciting social calendar than I do.)

A great dress, versatile sweater, and a couple of festive accessories are the only pieces you need for a minimalist holiday wardrobe. By working with what you already own or shopping secondhand, you can style looks you’re excited to wear this holiday season and make your wallet happy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jessica Welsh, Senior Fashion & Beauty Editor

Jessica oversees and edits all fashion and beauty content on The Everygirl. She also writes in-depth styling stories, trend reports, capsule wardrobes, and more. She was previously the Commerce Editor for The Everymom, where she oversaw all shopping content on the site and social. She has created editorial content for major brands such as Nordstrom, Old Navy, DSW, and Kohl’s.

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