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    1. Fashion
    2. Winter Fashion

    I'm a Proud Capricorn—My Birthday Must-Haves Double as Holiday Party Essentials

    This month belongs to me.

    Jessica Habich Thomas's avatar
    By Jessica Habich Thomas
    Published 18 December 2025 In Buying Guides

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    Jessica Habich Thomas holiday dressing 101 Style at Large
    (Image credit: Jessica Habich Thomas)
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    It’s officially the final stretch of the year, but as a proud Capricorn, I do the exact opposite of wind down. While everyone else is getting cozy and settling in at home, I’m searching for a birthday look suited for freezing temperatures. Because I was blessed with a December birthday, I have become my friends' go-to inspiration for their New Years and holiday party plans.

    Dressing for a winter celebration isn’t quite as effortless as a summer soirée or fall dinner party. Over the years, I’ve mastered the art of looking chic, fabulous, and warm. (Well, as warm as possible.) If I’ve learned anything about holiday glam, it’s this: more is more. Feathers, sequins, diamonds, leather, fur, velvet, the richer the better. When showing skin isn’t the star of the show, the fabric of the pieces becomes the attitude. Think texture, shine, and drama doing all the talking. In my opinion, the holidays are not the time to show off your quiet luxury skills.

    Jessica Habich Thomas holiday dressing 101 style at large

    (Image credit: Jessica Habich Thomas)

    This kind of dressing also isn’t for the faint of heart. I get it, we all want to live in sweats and plush coats this time of year. But if you’re someone who wants to be glam this season and doesn’t know where to start, these three investment categories will instantly elevate your holiday glam game.

    Latest Videos FromMarie Claire
    Watch full video here:

    The Hero Piece

    One standout piece can do all the heavy lifting. I’m talking beaded vintage corsets or a feather-trim pant. Start with the hero, then build around it using the (warm) basics, such as a thermal turtleneck or wool bias pants already in your closet. I’ve rounded up some of my favorite statement pieces that pair effortlessly with wardrobe staples you already own.

    23 / Indigo Resin

    TWP
    Mott St. Jean with Feathers
    $1195
    SHOP NOW

    Levanto Poncho in Sand Georgette Chiffon

    DE LA VALI
    Levanto Poncho in Sand Georgette Chiffon
    $705
    SHOP NOW

    Velvet Lace Balloon Pants

    Arakii
    Velvet Lace Balloon Pants
    $320
    SHOP NOW

    Etsy, Beaded Fringe Cape

    Etsy
    Beaded Fringe Cape
    $168$134
    SHOP NOW

    Beaded Sequin Pants

    ZARA
    Beaded Sequin Pants
    $80
    SHOP NOW

    Ralph Lauren, Black Label Silk Jacquard Corset Bustier Forest Moss

    Ralph Lauren
    Black Label Silk Jacquard Corset Bustier Forest Moss
    $257$180
    SHOP NOW

    Accessories

    Accessories are where the magic happens. Pick out a great feather boa, a beaded headpiece, velvet gloves, and chandelier earrings—and then wear them all. Style them with a chunky cable-knit sweater and silk skirt for a look that’s warm, chic, and deceptively easy. Your basics stay simple; your accessories will do the talking. I’ve linked my favorite holiday-ready accessories below.

    Ylvana Gold Cap

    SACH ATELIER
    Ylvana Gold Cap
    $318
    SHOP NOW

    Etsy, Champagne Ostrich Feather Brooch

    Etsy
    Champagne Ostrich Feather Brooch
    $55$28
    SHOP NOW

    Etsy, Cream Mongolian Lamb Tibetan Fur Boa

    Etsy
    Cream Mongolian Lamb Tibetan Fur Boa
    $130
    SHOP NOW

    Etsy, Black Mongolian Lamb Tibetan Fur Boa

    Etsy
    Black Mongolian Lamb Tibetan Fur Boa
    $130
    SHOP NOW

    Royal Tudor Chandelier Earrings

    Met Museum
    Royal Tudor Chandelier Earrings
    $125
    SHOP NOW

    Burgundy Velour Gloves

    Mugler
    Burgundy Velour Gloves
    $400$220
    SHOP NOW

    Black Lace Flower Beanie

    VAQUERA
    Black Lace Flower Beanie
    $305
    SHOP NOW

    A Dress + Faux Fur

    Skip the predictable black silk slip. Go for gold, or silver, with a chainmail moment (think Paco Rabanne energy). Add your most fabulous fur (leather or fringe) coat, and you’re done. Forget the blowout; a glittery eye, a bold red lip, and suddenly you’re serving effortless Parisian chic. Below, I’ve shared my favorite holiday dresses and faux furs to complete the look.

    Dahlia Long Dress in Beige Shine

    Auteur
    Dahlia Long Dress in Beige Shine
    $650$460
    SHOP NOW

    V-Neck Long Dress W/ Tags

    Portia & Scarlett
    V-Neck Long Dress W/ Tags
    $275$234
    SHOP NOW

    Strapless Long Dress

    Magda Butrym
    Strapless Long Dress
    $1175$999
    SHOP NOW

    Silk Long Dress

    Paco Rabanne
    Silk Long Dress
    $725$653
    SHOP NOW

    Blair - Chiffon Maxi Dress With Gathered Detailing

    SIEDRÉS
    Blair - Chiffon Maxi Dress With Gathered Detailing
    $1325
    SHOP NOW

    Ludovic De Saint Sernin X Zara Metallic Mesh Halter Dress

    ZARA
    Ludovic De Saint Sernin X Zara Metallic Mesh Halter Dress
    $529
    SHOP NOW

    Sai Mink Coat

    Apparis
    Sai Mink Coat
    $545
    SHOP NOW

    Short Faux Fur Jacket

    Arakii
    Short Faux Fur Jacket
    $840
    SHOP NOW

    X Christina Elezaj Vincent Faux Fur Coat

    Lovers and Friends
    X Christina Elezaj Vincent Faux Fur Coat
    $429
    SHOP NOW

    Liana Faux Fur Jacket

    Line & Dot
    Liana Faux Fur Jacket
    $198
    SHOP NOW

    Marie Claire Newsletter

    Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!

    By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
    Jessica Habich Thomas
    Jessica Habich Thomas
    Social Links Navigation
    Contributing Editor

    Jessica Habich Thomas is a New York City-based stylist, creative, and writer. She is committed to inspiring others to fall in love with the art of getting dressed and finding their personal style. She can be found on Substack and Instagram.

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