The holidays look a little different this year. Normally, I’d be making plans for bustling family gatherings, festive nights out with friends, or maybe even a quick winter trip. Instead, the season has taken on a quieter, more intimate rhythm. And while that shift has taken some adjusting, I’ve found myself leaning into it with surprising comfort.
Maybe it’s because life has been a whirlwind. With our wedding just days away, the past few weeks have felt like a blur. I’ve been running from one task to another, and often catch myself standing in front of my closet mid-mission, suddenly forgetting what I set out to do. If you know that dazed holiday feeling—equal parts excitement and exhaustion—you’ll understand exactly where I am right now.
A Holiday That Feels Different
Yet beneath the busyness, there’s a sense of gratitude and joy. Celebrating on a smaller scale, during such a challenging year, feels even more meaningful. This season isn’t about extravagant parties or elaborate wardrobes. It’s about creating moments of connection—however small—and cherishing them.
Which leads me to the inevitable holiday question: What do I actually wear?
I started pulling pieces out of my closet—hanging them across the room like a gallery of potential looks. A sequined dress, frilled blouses, the occasional statement skirt. But every time I held one up, I asked myself, does this really make sense right now? Heels or flats? Bag or clutch? As I sat cross-legged on the floor surrounded by fabric and shoes, it dawned on me: this season isn’t about being “dressed up with nowhere to go.” It’s about why I’m dressing at all.
Tossing the Rulebook
So I threw out the traditional “holiday handbook.” Gone (for now) are the glittery tights, the tweed minis, the endless sparkle. Instead, I gravitated toward timeless staples—pieces that make me feel good without feeling fussy. Think: black trousers, a silky blouse, gold earrings, sandals that go with everything.
There’s something refreshing about an all-black, monochrome look. It’s polished without trying too hard, chic but understated, and most importantly—it works anywhere. Whether I’m stepping into a Zoom celebration, greeting family for a safe, small gathering, or even running last-minute wedding errands, the outfit adapts.
And because I can’t resist the right accessory, I added one piece that makes the whole look sing: the Mini Amelia from Brahmin. I’ve always loved petite handbags, but this structured bucket style has completely stolen my heart. With its luxe texture, gold closure, and versatile gray-and-black palette, it’s one of those rare finds that feels festive but also practical. I wear mine as a top-handle satchel, though it doubles as a crossbody when I need hands-free convenience. The best part? It’s not a “holiday” bag—it’s an every-season piece I know I’ll reach for again and again.
Lessons From This Year
If there’s one takeaway from 2020, it’s this: sometimes less is more. I’ve grown weary of chasing trends that expire before the year ends. Instead, I’m learning to invest in quality pieces that last. Staples that transition across seasons. Accessories that never lose their charm. A wardrobe that feels just as meaningful in March as it does in December.
This mindset feels especially right for the holidays. Classic pieces aren’t just timeless; they’re grounding. They remind me that even when the world feels uncertain, I can create stability—and even beauty—in the everyday.
What Really Matters
Of course, clothing is only one part of the holiday season. With days until Thanksgiving (and our wedding!), I still have so much left on my list. Appointments to keep, calls to make, final details to tie together. Soon, I’ll get to safely hug my siblings for the first time in a year—a moment that means far more than any outfit I could plan.
Still, these quieter moments—pausing to reflect on what to wear, taking time to organize my space, finding joy in the simple act of pulling an outfit together—help me breathe amid the chaos. They remind me that fashion, at its best, isn’t about extravagance. It’s about expression, ritual, and finding little sparks of joy even when the world slows down.
So whether you’re semi-dressed up at home, going full glam for an intimate wedding, or logging into a virtual family gathering, my reminder (to myself as much as anyone) is this: focus on what matters most. The rest will fall into place.
A Holiday of Intentional Joy
This year may not look like the holidays we’re used to. But maybe that’s the beauty of it. Instead of rushing through parties and packing suitcases, we’re slowing down. We’re redefining what celebration means. For me, that means black trousers, a blouse I love, a bag that will carry me into the new year—and the reminder that the best accessory is the joy we find in the moment.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not about where we go or what we wear. It’s about who we are, who we love, and how we choose to honor this season—quietly, meaningfully, and with open hearts.