As we rapidly approach the holidays, a veritable cornucopia of magazine articles, Substacks, and Instagram Reels will arise promising the perfect festive look. Fortunately, we're in a particularly beautiful moment for such occasions. With designers like Heirlome, Colleen Allen, Fforme, and Carven offering luxurious silk, organza, and satin pieces that are heavy on the drama, there’s never been a more apropos time to dress up. From the capes I've also spotted at online retailers, as well as the pearls, brooches, and whimsical evening bags on offer, Winter 2026 feels like the 1920s all over again.
Maybe your dance card is full with Gatsby-worthy parties all season long—how lovely! Or, perhaps, you have a few fêtes in your Google Cal to look forward to, but can’t possibly justify a new wardrobe of eveningwear and accompanying accoutrements for just a cocktail party or two, even if they’re pieces you’ve fallen for.
I’m here to say: buy the special piece. Get the cape, wear the long silk skirt with the sash, and invest in enough pearls to make Marie Antoinette blush. Wear them to your glittering after-dark affairs and take all of your Instagram selfies to immortalize them. Then—and this is the important part—keep wearing them. How? You may ask. I’m not ready to go full Little Edie Beale yet, you may think.
Well, I’m here with some styling ideas to take your most luxurious evening pieces into the daylight. Have to wear a suit to the office? Pair it with some emerald earrings. Think you can only wear that long bias-cut skirt for date night? Do like The Row and pair it with flats and a good knit. Wear the clothes you love, and don’t wait for an invitation.
Below are some looks that work for actual holiday parties and tips on how I’d wear these pieces on a Tuesday afternoon, too.
The Straightforward Evening Edition
The Pieces
I’m after statement pieces that are still streamlined in nature, in a palette of black and ivory. The standouts for me are a full-skirted Jonathan Simkhai strapless dress, a very special Heirlome skirt with a sash (paired with a Malina satin jacket), a strapless satin long Anna Quan dress, and a high-neck evening blazer by designer Kris Maran, paired with an old lace skirt from Zara.
The Accessories
I love an accessory with impact—that makes a statement without taking over. A little fringe on a bag? Yes, please. A silver collar necklace. For sure. A silk fringe scarf for drama. Absolutely. And a great black pump is a must.
How to Dress It Down
Now onto how to wear these pieces out of the candlelight and into the real world.
Your strongest tools for this, first, are great knits, preferably a bit oversized. Pop them right on top of the more evening-worthy piece and bring it right back down to earth, while still letting it shine. Secondly, embrace preppy-influenced pieces like a cashmere navy blazer, a great white button-down, and shoes to bring it all into more casual territory like loafers and equestrian boots. Lastly, crossbody and tote bags ensure the vibe is pure daytime. And have fun wearing something a bit fancier while doing your regular routine—hopefully it lends a dose of the magical and unexpected to just about everything.
The Pieces
