5 Holiday Outfits with Wardrobe Basics

If simple and elegant holiday outfits are your vibe, you are going to love the outfit inspiration you find in this post and video.

Styled especially for you, these five outfits use wardrobe basics as the primary building block for each look. They have that understated element of sparkle, perfect for looking elegant for the holidays. If you want to know how to look expensive on a budget, these outfits are perfect for you. They are both lovely and sophisticated, and will take you through the holiday season and beyond, looking chic and timeless.

Ideal for mature woman with distinctive style, these holiday outfit ideas will have you looking polished and beautiful with items you probably have in your closet.

This post is all about styling holiday outfits with wardrobe basics.

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What to Wear?

What do I wear? This ultimately becomes the question we ask ourselves when we find the holiday season upon us with gatherings to attend. While buying fancy new sparkly outfits may make sense if we have black tie events and galas ahead of us, glitz and glamour are usually out of place for simple gatherings with family and friends. So if you are looking for a festive outfit, but want something appropriate for the affair and comfortable to wear, start by looking into your own closet.

Elevate Your Wardrobe Basics

There is no better way to elevate your wardrobe basics for the holiday than with a bit of sparkle, shine, and glitz. And what’s great, there are so many accessories to consider. Here’s a few:

A holiday hair accessory, such as a festive headband or barrette
A statement necklace with rhinestones or jewels
An elegant pearl or rhinestone cuff bracelet
A statement ring or ring stack
Sparkling drop earrings that need no introduction
Shoes with interest and elegant personality
An evening bag or purse with shimmer

Wardrobe Basics with Statement Accessories

Consider these five wardrobe basics when planning what to wear to your upcoming holiday gathering. By adding a few choice accessories, you can create a beautiful, festive outfit perfect for your holiday event.

1. Black Turtleneck with a Statement Belt

One of the most sophisticated and versatile pieces of clothing in our fall and winter wardrobe is a black cashmere turtleneck. What a beautiful holiday outfit when paired with an ivory pencil skirt and gold strappy sandals.

Add the glitz of a gold mesh belt, a beautiful pearl bracelet and pearl stud earrings to create a fabulous elegant look.

Transform your wardrobe basics into sophisticated, classic outfits with a few key accessories to create beautiful festive outfits appropriate for any smart casual holiday gathering.

Get This Look: Black Cashmere Tunic Turtleneck, Ivory Pencil Skirt (similar),, Gold Mesh Belt, Gold Strappy Sandals (similar), Pearl Bracelet (similar), Pearl Stud Earrings, Gold Evening Bag

2. Black Pointed Toe Knee-High Boots with Faux Leather Leggings

Black pointed toe knee-high boots are a fabulous wardrobe basic. Especially when styling smart casual outfits, they elevate a look with little effort.

Style your black pointed toe knee-high boots with faux leather leggings, a black sleeveless turtleneck, and a long cream blazer or sweater to create a beautiful holiday look.

Add a silver chain belt with rhinestone accents and a pair of rhinestone drop earrings to create a sophisticated, yet edgy, color blocked outfit.

Tasteful and fashionable, this outfit is comfortable, statement making and memorable.

Get This Look: Long Cream Sweater (similar), Black Sleeveless Turtleneck (similar),, Sterling Silver CA Leverback Earrings for Women | 14K Gold Plated, Pearl David Yurman Bracelets – Inspired, Silver Chain Belt with Rhinestone Details (similar), Black Faux Leather Leggings, Black Pointed Toe Knee High Boots

3. Black Blazer with Holiday Jewelry

Such an elegant way to style a black blazer! An elegant rose rhinestone brooch, in full bloom, elevates this jacket to make it a standout as part of this festive outfit.

Paired with most any festive cocktail sheath dress, gold strappy sandals, pearl stud earrings and a rhinestone cuff bracelet, you are ready to go!

Timeless and beautiful, this outfit screams sophistication while looking modern and youthful.

Get This Look: Flower Brooch, Rhinestone Cuff Bracelet (similar), Black Wool Blazer with Standing Collar, Festive Sheath Dress (similar), Gold Strappy Sandals (similar), Pearl Stud Earrings

4. Black Moto Jacket with Opera Length Pearls

Who says a moto jacket needs to be rough and tumble? Paired with a maroon sheath dress, maroon patent leather heels, opera length pearls, and a multi-strand pearl cuff bracelet, you look sophisticated, polished and ready to go.

Very modern, and a little unexpected. When you are wearing this outfit, you will look elegant and refined.

Slip off the jacket to reveal this beautiful maroon sheath dress. Perfect for the office, a dressy event, and great when dressed up for the holidays.

Pull this outfit out of your closet any time of year when you need a simple dressy outfit.

Get This Look:, Black Moto jacket, Maroon Sheath Dress, Multi-Strand Pearl Bracelet (similar), Opera Length Pearls, Pearl Stud Earrings, Maroon / Plum Heels

5. Black Turtleneck Dress

Warm and cozy, a black turtleneck dress styled with a statement belt for a holiday event is not only comfortable but will have you looking like a million bucks. Very slimming, this dress is perfect for the coldest, most blustery nights.

Beautifully styled with a gold or silver statement belt and pearl earrings, this is a refined, effortlessly chic outfit. Slide on your black leather knee-high pointed toe boots for a sleek, glamourous look.

To elevate the look, you may wish to consider adding a long fur vest (fau, vintage or pre-loved) for an additional touch of glam.