For Marie Claire editor in chief, Nikki Ogunnaike, the holidays begin the moment she hears Mariah Carey sing, "It's tiiiiiiiiime!" Her favorite part of the season? Getting dressed, of course—she's a fashion girl, what do you expect? Nikki's approach to holiday dressing is refreshingly relatable. "I can always find all the cashmere, sequin pieces, high heels, and jewelry I need to get me through," she tells me. Whether she's updating her closet with staples like crewneck sweaters and merino knits or pairing a sequin skirt with cowboy boots for a desk-to-drinks moment, Nikki's holiday style strikes the perfect balance between practical and festive, and she's turning to J.Crew for all things dressing (and gifting!) this time of year. Let’s just say her J.Crew favorites—including accessories, coats, and those coveted cashmere socks—are guaranteed crowd-pleasers. Here's the cheat sheet you didn’t know you needed to navigate the season in style.
I'm with Nikki—is it even the holidays without sequins? I love that this skirt can be dressed up or dressed down. Either way, it makes a chic statement.
Nikki's new go-to staple sweater. The fit will stay classic for years to come.
The rhinestone buckle! The pearl straps! The sleek satin! What's not to love?
Yes, a simple gray sweater really can be that chic.
The brushed cashmere looks cozy enough to live in. You can't go wrong with gifting this to a loved one this season.
The green colorway is perfect for the holidays.
The sailor collar on this sweater paired with the rib detailing is truly *chef's kiss*.
Luxe-looking jewelry without the price tag.
Wear this out and prepare to be bombarded with compliments. I can't believe it's under $100.
At this point, if you don't have a pair of knee-high pointed-toe boots in your closet, where have you been? These dress up any outfit effortlessly.
"Obsessed" doesn't even begin to cover how I feel about this leopard-print bag. And the calf hair? Luxe. I already know I'll be wrapping this for my best friend in a few weeks.
Investing in high-quality outerwear is always a good idea.
