If there’s one consistent theme I’ve stuck to my entire time at TME (and honestly, my whole life), it’s that I love clothes that are fancy and sexy and festive and fun–but they HAVE to be comfortable. (I mean, my most recent wedding dress didn’t even have zippers or buttons or closures of any kind…it was definitely sexy but also SO comfy.) So when the holidays roll around, I love to dress up, but I always keep comfort at the forefront. I’ll add a festive element (sequins, sparkle, a bit of lace, something silky) but make sure to pair them with cozy, warm pieces so everything still feels easy and intentional, not overdone.
Cozy Holiday Outfit Ideas From Nordstrom
And that pretty much sums up my holiday style: a cozy-but-festive vibe that works for holiday parties, extended family gatherings, and even NYE. On my most recent trip to Nordstrom, I kept stopping at everything sparkly and silky (per usual)…and then immediately hunting for cozy layers to pair with them. And while I’ve always loved a good sweater dress, this time I was looking for shapes that felt a little more interesting…something with a bit more personality and a slightly sexier vibe to make them feel special and unique.
1. Sweater Dresses – But Make it Sexy
Sweater dresses have always been one of my go-to holiday pieces (and, let’s be honest, wintertime in general), but this year I wanted versions with more shape and a bit more edge. Both of these feel sexy without trying too hard, with just enough detail (that high slit, that off-the-shoulder neckline) to make a cozy dress feel intentional instead of basic. Here are two I loved.
dress (m) | similar boots | clutch
I LOVE the shape of this dress–the high slit gives it just the right amount of spice. It shows a peek of skin (and your favorite boots that have been hiding under all the baggy jeans we’re all wearing right now) without crossing into the “wtf is she wearing?” zone. To dress it up, accessories matter–a statement bag and a gold bracelet elevate it instantly and make the look feel intentional. (And if you need extra warmth, you could always add patterned tights or tiny fishnets without taking away from the shape of the dress.) Some reviewers say it runs large, but I followed the size chart for my usual size 6 and the small was perfect. The black is sold out right now, but there are six other colors available.
I agree with the reviewers who said the pictures online don’t do this dress justice. The fit is spot-on, and it somehow manages to show off curves and be comfy at the same time. The way it drapes and blouses at the waist is so flattering, and you can wear the neckline slightly off the shoulder without showing any cleavage, which keeps it sexy but still classy. I’m wearing a medium here, which matches the size chart, and it comes in three other colors. (That espresso shade is so good.)
2. A Sequin Skirt that Works with All the Sweaters
Chocolate brown is obviously having a moment, and I couldn’t not try these two skirts the second I saw them. The color feels a little more unexpected than black but still crazy versatile–it works with almost every cozy sweater in my closet. (And if you need extra warmth, matte brown tights or a fun patterned pair blend in beautifully without taking away from the sparkle.)
sweater (s) | skirt (m) | boots
The color and sparkle of this skirt were the first things that caught my eye, but the fit is what really sold me. It sits right at the waist without the waistband feeling too tight, and the stretchy jersey lining is soft against skin (it even goes all the way to the top so the sequins don’t scratch).
The sequins lie flat, too, so you get the sparkle without any extra bulk, and the bottom has the slightest flare so it’s not skintight. There’s a zipper for easy on and off, and I stuck with the medium, which lines up with the size chart.
sweater (s) | skirt (m) | boots
But if you prefer a bit more length, this velvet faux-wrap brown skirt has all the sparkle with just a little extra coverage.
sweater (s) | skirt (8) | boots
The faux-wrap draping gives it a really pretty shape, and, like the shorter one, it’s lined with soft, stretchy jersey and has a hidden back zipper for easy on/off. I’m wearing the size 8 here (the size chart says it fits like a US 6–8), and it’s spot on–comfortable at the waist without feeling too tight.
3. A Lace Trimmed Satin Midi Skirt
And if sparkles or minis aren’t your thing, this lace-trimmed satin skirt works with all the sweaters too–just with a bit more coverage. And that color! 😍 I love that the lace trim is long enough to be a true statement rather than a small detail, and the satiny fabric catches the light in such a pretty way.
sweater (xs) | skirt (s) | boots
There’s also a small slit (you can’t quite see it in my pic) that keeps the shape from feeling too straight and makes walking easier. I followed the size chart (size 6 = small), and the fit was perfect. It’s such a good piece for making cozy sweaters and boots feel instantly festive. I’m wearing the burgundy here, but it also comes in black and a taupe shade.
4. An Easy NYE Outfit
And if you want an easy one-and-done option for New Year’s, this two-piece set is perfect. You get all the sparkle and shine of the pieces above, but with the versatility of two separates — the sweater and the slipdress — that look great together and can be worn individually.
I love the subtle sparkle on the sweater, thanks to sequins that are placed strategically instead of just…everywhere screaming SPARKLE. The cropped length is perfect, too–it shows off the waistline when you wear it with the slipdress, and it would look just as cute layered over high-rise jeans or a crisp white button-up.
The shimmery metallic slipdress has a cool asymmetric seam that adds a bit of uniqueness and gives it a nice drape. And even without a slit, there’s enough fabric that walking doesn’t feel restricted. It could easily be layered under different sweaters and cardigans, but I think it would also be adorable layered over a sheer top and tall boots.
For me, the best holiday outfits are the ones that feel a little sparkly, a little sexy, and still completely comfortable. All of these pieces hit that sweet spot–wearable enough for real life but special enough to feel like you put in the tiniest bit of effort. Whether you’re heading to a party, hosting at home, or ringing in the new year on the couch, these outfits make it easy to feel festive.
Cheers to feeling good. (Sequins optional.)
XOXO,
Scotti
