This post is sponsored by Saks.
Know what makes a good holiday outfit? Something festive. And here in The Land of Low Expectations that “something festive” can be anything from a pretty lipstick or sparkly earrings to stunning silk skirt in a bold print.
Bonus points for a designer sweater that can be worn to an ugly Christmas sweater party but also out shopping because it’s juuuuust ironic enough.
Anyway.
While I tend to get really excited about getting dressed for the fanciest of events, my lifestyle is decidedly more everyday. So when Saks, the retailer of alllll the beautiful things, asked us to take a quick peek at its Friends & Family sale offerings, the combination of festive pieces (bold sweaters, statement earrings, cool bags) with the everyday (jeans, boots, etc.) proved irresistible. These eight cute looks — perfect for all kinds of low-key (and some not *quite* so low-key) holiday functions — are the result.
8 Low-Key (But Cute) Holiday Outfits: Mix Festive With Everyday Style
Saks’ Friends & Family sales event is happening now until December 4th. This sale is up to 25% off select items, and it’s a really fun selection to peruse (there are tons of great gifts too). That said, the clothes on sale are too exciting to ignore so…voila: eight cute holiday outfit ideas.
Outfit Idea 1: Pair A Cheery Sweater With Cropped Trousers & Tall Boots
Because we’re fully embracing dopamine dressing, a bright, colorful sweater with a gorgeous bag and quirky, mismatched earrings are exactly what I want to be wearing. Ground it all with boots in a seriously luxe shade of chocolate brown.
Outfit Idea 2: Mix Soft Neutrals With Gold Jewelry & A Green Smokey Eye
I already own most of these pieces (sweater, jeans, bag, similar boots and a similar necklace), so this is exactly my kind of outfit. I love giving a neutral outfit like this more of an impact with bold statement earrings (in gold) and adding a really dark smokey eye.
The holiday twist? Do a smokey eye in a fun color. Here I’m using green, but blue, purple or even rosy pinks (if you can pull that off) would work.
Outfit Idea 3: Contrast Distressed Jeans With Fancy Pieces
This has been my holiday move since before I had kids…and it will likely be my holiday move after my kids have kids. Darker-wash jeans feel exactly right against the bold red and black, and the sparkle takes it next level.
Outfit Idea 4: Ditch The Shirt For A Vest (Add Flares)
There’s something very “sexy nerd” about wearing a sweater vest as a top. Add leggy jeans (these Joe’s flare jeans are epic, especially for tall mamas), and I love how that Sandro sweater vest alllllmost looks Christmas-sweater inspired. I’d wear this to any event where I needed to wear my glasses (and I’d add a bold lip).
Outfit Idea 5: Dress Down a Silk Skirt
Silk skirts obviously look amazing with matching silk camis…but I love the idea of dressing it down in a really luxe way. To pull it off, think both monochromatic and texture. Which means that I’d pair the skirt with a cozy knit sweater in the same hue (should be cropped-ish for the best proportions), and then add suede boots, a leather-and-shearling bag, and chain-detail earrings. It’s both casual and dressy enough.
Outfit Idea 6: Look for Holiday Colors…But In Pastel
This is another look that benefits from a slight monochromatic bent. Instead of the usual holiday red, try pink (or even peach). Instead of emerald green try…mint green. And then keep things festive by pairing it with other light tones and tons of sparkle.
Outfit Idea 7: Wear Some White Jeans
Wearing head-to-toe white (or ecru or beige or ivory) is sooooo festive. I love it — one of my go-to moves. But I also like the idea of mixing in some army green with all of that white. It’s the perfect counterpart to sparkly silver, and it keeps the vibe decidedly low-key.
Outfit Idea 8: Tuxedo Vibes…But Edgy (& Casual)
There’s something about a navy-and-black color combo that will always remind me of a tuxedo. And when we vary the textures and add sparkle like in this outfit below? WOW. I’m in.
“Low-key but cute” is definitely the vibe for my holiday outfits. Let me know in the comments which one is your favorite.
Xo,
S
Thank you so much to Saks for sponsoring this post. It’s always a pleasure to peruse your fabulous promotions and select my favorites to share with our readers!

Love this! So many good ideas for fresh outfits and after the holidays they all work (maybe without the bling!)