10 Wardrobe Essentials for your Holiday List
Written by Ali Straka Wednesday, December 08 2010
Take a break from shopping for your loved ones and consider what you want for the holidays – and what your closet wants. Every woman should have these winter wardrobe essentials on her holiday wish list:
10. Shoulder-grazing earrings
Studs are timeless, but lately celebrities and fashion insiders have been turning heads with long, shoulder-grazing earrings. Whether you prefer long delicate danglers or cascading chunky baubles, the trend is clear: the longer the better. If you’re lucky enough to find some dropping dazzlers in your stocking, show off them by pulling your hair back in a high bun or low messy knot, or let them subtly sparkle with your locks down in natural waves.
9. Boyfriend blazer
Boyfriend blazers are quickly moving from trendy to timeless thanks to their versatility: They’re as chic over a cocktail dress or at the office as they are with jeans and a T-shirt. The slightly loose fit and rolled-up sleeves signature to most boyfriend blazers add a modern and fresh touch to any ensemble.
8. Leather gloves
Ladies in chilly climates can attest that leather gloves are essential to a winter wardrobe. Leather gloves keep fingers frostbite free and resist moisture (unlike knit gloves) so you don’t get icy hands. These days, leather gloves are available in a wide array of colors – red, plum, yellow, or navy – and at a wide range of price points, which is key for shoppers on a budget. For a standout and stylish look, pair a coat with three-quarter length sleeves with elbow-length leather gloves.
7. Fringed bag
An emerging accessories trend is the fringed bag. Most commonly found in earth-toned leather and suede, these handbags range from slouchy shoulder bags to party-ready clutches. A fringed bag is not for the prim and preppy woman, but more for the boho-inspired fashionista who doesn’t mind paying homage to hippies past. Put this on your holiday wish list, and you’ll be ahead of the fashion curve.
6. Faux fur vest
A faux fur vest is an affordable and stylish way to infuse a dose of bohemian glamour into your closet. The fashion factor of a mundane T-shirt or dull sweater dress goes up a notch when you layer on a vest. For an earthy ensemble, stick to fur in a brown or tan hue. If you prefer a more luxe ski chalet look, opt for a shiny black fur. Faux fur vests are both cruelty free and a celebrity favorite.
5. Camel coat
One of the most notable trends to emerge from the fall runways was the return of camel, most especially the camel coat. Now that temperatures are cooling, it’s the ideal time to test drive this hot trend. Take a note from top designers Michael Kors, Celine, and Phillip Lim, and add a camel coat to your holiday list. If you’re in a warmer climate, opt for a camel cardi coat.
4. Touch of leopard
Head-to-toe leopard has long been a fashion no-no, but a touch of animal print is a fashion-savvy way to add wild allure to even the most prim and proper ensemble. Leopard print was big on the fall/winter runways, and now celebrities and top fashionistas are being snapped sporting leopard print purses and leopard booties. If you’re conservative, try a printed pump or scarf. To go bold, try leopard outerwear in a ladylike silhouette, perhaps a retro swing coat.
3. Chunky sweaters
Slim and simple sweaters have a permanent place in everyone’s closet, but this season it’s all about chunky knits. Oversized sweaters with slouchy cowl necks or cable-knit designs are essential for a stylish and cozy winter wardrobe. Remember to balance your proportions: When wearing an oversized sweater, it’s best to wear skinny jeans or straight-leg pants to avoid an unflattering look. Click here to read more on this season’s must-have cardigans.
2. Leg wear
You simply can’t go through winter without leg wear. Options to have in your arsenal include opaque tights in both black and fashion-forward colors such as olive, plum, and teal; sheer black hosiery; patterned tights in black or nude; extra-cozy sweater tights; stylish leggings, including those with embellishments such as buttons; and jeggings, the comfy love child of leggings and jeans. Leg wear is essential not only because it wards off chills, but because it helps you translate warm-season favorites into winter. Click here for tips on how to wear dress your legs.
1. Boots, boots, boots!
What’s the No. 1 necessity to wish for this holiday season? Boots! And lots of them. From ankle booties to thigh highs, flats to stilettos, fashion to function, and everything in between, boots are the most essential shoe to have this winter. Classic styles are always in, but if you’re after the latest trendy boots, seek out combat, military, and desert-inspired boots. Click here for advice on which boots to wear to work.
Shopping Guide:
Earrings
Urban Outfitters - Linear Teardrop Earrings click here
Charm & Chain - Lemon Ora Earrings click here
Urban Outfitters - Metal & Bead Duster Earrings click here
Boyfriend blazer
Kohl's - Apt. 9® Solid Boyfriend Blazer click here
Leather gloves
Nordstrom - Nordstrom Embroidered Cuff Short Leather Gloves click here
Nordstrom - Nordstrom Keyhole Leather Gloves click here
Fringed bag
Tea Leaf Clothing - JJ Winters Suede Fringe Hobo Bag as seen on Vanessa Hudgens and Haylie Duff click here
Wal-Mart - Miley Cyrus & Max Azria - Washed Fringe Shoulder Bag click here
Faux fur vest
QVC - Rachel Zoe V-neck Vest with Faux Fur Front click here
New York & Company - Faux Fur Vest click here
Camel coat
Overstock - Jones New York Women's Grooved Wool Toggle Coat click here
Karmaloop - The Riverton Coat in Camel Women's Winter Coats & Jackets By BB Dakota click here
New York & Company - Camel Wool Trench Coat click here
Leopard print
Bluefly - Kashmere scarf click here
urbanog - Qupid Nelson Animal Print Bootie click here
Ann Taylor - Snow Leopard Clutch click here
Chunky sweaters
Bloomingdale's - French Connection "Nik Nak" Chunky Sweater click here
Macy's - American Rag Sweater, Cowl Neck Long Sleeve Chunky Waffle Knit click here
Leg wear
ModCloth - Toasty Warm Tights click here
Piperlime - Blank Denim Knit Pull-On Skinnie Jeans click here
Anthropologie - Opaque Tights click here
Boots
Shoes.com - Steve Madden Women's Dessertt click here
Target - Women's Mossimo Supply Co. Kaden Tall Buckle Boots click here
Macy's - Lucky Brand Shoes, Gai Over The Knee Boots click here
Ali Straka is a graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism. She majored in magazine journalism with a minor in textile and apparel management. She used her experience as a college student to contribute to developing products from University Chic in addition to writing regularly for the site. In her free time, Ali muses about fashion, interior design, and all things pop culture on her blog According to Ali. She hails from the North Shore suburbs of Chicago.
