What to Wear for the Holidays When You Hate Red: Holiday Outfit Ideas from a Bay Area Personal Stylist
The holiday season is full of parties, gatherings, and photo ops, but what do you do if you’re not a fan of the traditional red outfits that dominate the season? Whether it's red dresses, sweaters, or accessories, not everyone feels comfortable in this bold hue. Luckily, there are plenty of stylish alternatives that will keep you festive and chic without a hint of red. As a Bay Area personal stylist, I’m here to share some of my favorite holiday outfit ideas for those who want to stand out in style.
1. Opt for Burgundy Instead of Red
If you want to embrace a rich, festive color without going full-on red, burgundy is your go-to. This deep, wine-colored shade is elegant, sophisticated, and perfect for the holiday season. It pairs beautifully with both dark and light neutrals, allowing you to create versatile looks. A burgundy velvet blazer, for instance, can be dressed up with a sleek black dress or dressed down with tailored trousers.
Styling Tip: For a balanced look, mix burgundy with navy or charcoal for a modern, polished vibe. Accessories like burgundy scarves or handbags can add just the right amount of festive charm to your outfit.
2. Jewel Tones: A Colorful but Classy Alternative
Colors like emerald green, sapphire blue, and amethyst purple offer the rich, luxurious feel often associated with holiday attire without the need for red. Jewel tones are versatile and flatter a variety of skin tones, making them a fantastic choice for anyone looking to stand out.
Pairing an emerald-green satin blouse with black wide-leg pants, or a sapphire-blue midi dress with metallic accessories, creates an effortlessly chic holiday outfit. The depth of these colors also gives your look a sophisticated edge that’s perfect for any festive occasion.
Styling Tip: When choosing jewel tones, mix and match textures like velvet, silk, and satin to add dimension to your outfit. A velvet emerald green dress paired with gold jewelry and a metallic clutch makes for an ultra-glamorous holiday ensemble.
3. Combine Metallic Accents with Neutrals
Metallics are a staple for holiday dressing and can be your secret weapon for festive style when you want to avoid red. Gold, silver, and rose gold accents instantly elevate any look and add a festive sparkle without being overwhelming. Pairing metallics with neutrals like black, gray, or nude tones creates a balanced, elegant look perfect for holiday parties.
Try wearing a sleek black jumpsuit with a gold belt and matching metallic heels for a simple yet eye-catching holiday outfit. If you prefer a more casual vibe, combine a metallic pleated skirt with a cozy neutral sweater for a chic, laid-back holiday look.
Styling Tip: Don’t be afraid to layer metallics for extra glam! A gold statement necklace, silver shoes, and a metallic clutch can bring just the right amount of festive flair without needing to wear red.
Bonus Tips from a Bay Area Personal Stylist
Layer Textures: Mixing different textures like knits, velvets, and silks can make your outfit look more festive and luxurious without relying on color. For example, a chunky knit sweater with a satin midi skirt creates a fashionable yet cozy holiday outfit.
Play with Prints: Opt for festive prints like plaid, houndstooth, or polka dots in neutral colors or jewel tones. They add a playful element without being overly bold.
Statement Accessories: Sometimes all you need is a statement necklace or a bold pair of earrings to give your outfit a holiday feel. If you’re avoiding red, try accessories in jewel tones or metallics to keep things festive and fun. I love BaubleBar for fun holiday jewelry that doesn’t feel overly cutesy.
Conclusion
When it comes to what to wear for the holidays, red isn’t your only option. By choosing alternatives like burgundy, jewel tones, and metallic accents, you can create a stunning holiday outfit that reflects your personal style while staying festive. Whether you’re attending a formal event or a casual get-together, these holiday outfit ideas from a Bay Area personal stylist will help you feel confident and stylish all season long.
If you need personalized holiday styling tips, don’t hesitate to reach out! As a Bay Area personal stylist, I offer one-on-one wardrobe consultations and personal shopping services to help you look and feel your best for every occasion.