Holiday dressing doesn’t have to mean buying something new for every event. This season, I focused on holiday outfits using closet staples, starting with a few cozy fall and winter layers from Aventura. Think soft knits, textured sweaters, and versatile separates that already live in your everyday wardrobe but adapt easily for the holidays.
As an Aventura ambassador, I love how their pieces are designed to work year after year, not just for one moment. For this post, I styled three Aventura favorites two ways each to show how small tweaks—like layering, richer colors, or dressier accessories—can give everyday pieces a festive feel. Every look uses items I already own, proving that holiday outfits can feel special without extra shopping.
Holiday Outfits with a Plaid Cardi-Jac
The Abigail Plaid Cardi-Jac is one of those pieces that earns a permanent spot in your closet. It blends the ease of a cardigan with the structure of a jacket, which makes it incredibly versatile. The plaid feels timeless and wearable, not trendy or seasonal. Details like the shawl collar and button front give it a polished look without feeling stiff. It’s the kind of layer that works for everyday wear but still looks intentional.
Outfit 1: Holiday Errands Look
For the first outfit, I styled the Cardi-Jac in a casual way that still feels festive. Adding a red sweater instantly created a holiday vibe. Red is one of those colors that signals Christmas without feeling costume-like. I kept everything else simple and comfortable, using pieces I already own. The plaid adds interest, while the red does the seasonal heavy lifting.
- Make it your own- Start with color. Red gives an instant Christmas feel, but burgundy or deep green work just as well. Switch sneakers for loafers or flats for a bit more polish. Adding festive earrings or a favorite winter scarf is another easy way to lean into the season using what you already have.
Cardi-jac-c/0 Aventura | Red sweater | Shoes | Bag | Socks
Outfit 2: Glam Holiday Party
In the second look, I wanted the Cardi-Jac to feel more dressed up for holiday gatherings. I switched to richer textures and deeper tones from my closet. A more elevated bag and shoes changed the feel right away. Nothing about the jacket itself changed. The styling did all the work. This is a great example of how a classic piece can flex between casual and festive with a few thoughtful swaps.
- Make it your own- Think about texture and richness rather than sparkle. Deeper tones like emerald, navy, or even charcoal elevate the look. A metallic bag or shoe adds just enough holiday interest without overpowering the outfit. Statement jewelry can also shift this look toward evening while keeping it true to your personal style.
Cardi-jac-c/0 Aventura | Pants | Lace blouse | Heels
Holiday Outfits with a Corduroy Skirt
The Aurora Cord Skirt feels like a true closet staple with holiday potential built in. Corduroy always reads warm and seasonal. The classic button-front design keeps it timeless, not trendy. I love that it wears like a jean skirt but feels softer and more comfortable. The stretch and back kick pleat also make it practical for long days and real life.
Outfit 1: Dressed-Up Holiday Look
For the first look, I leaned into a dressier holiday feel. I paired the skirt with a black top and red accessories. The red heels and bag do most of the festive work here. Everything else is simple and neutral. This is an easy example of holiday outfits using closet staples, where accessories create the moment.
- Make it your own – Start with accessories. Red heels or a handbag instantly make the outfit feel Christmas-ready. If red feels bold, try burgundy or metallics instead. Keep the top neutral so the color pops stand out. This is an easy way to create holiday outfits using closet staples without changing the base layers.
Corduroy skirt-c/o Aventura | Tweed top | Heels | Bag
Outfit 2: Work-Ready Holiday Winter Outfit
In the second outfit, I styled the skirt in a more relaxed way. A cozy sweater instantly makes corduroy feel approachable and seasonal. The texture-on-texture combination works well for winter. Tall boots balance the length and keep it polished. The tartan button up adds a subtle Christmas vibe. It’s still festive, just in a quieter way that works for daytime holiday plans.
- Make it your own – Start with texture. Pair corduroy with a cozy knit to soften the look. Swap tall boots for ankle boots if you prefer something lighter. Use plaid, color, or subtle sparkle through accessories you already own. This outfit works well when you want festive without feeling dressed up.
Burgundy sweater | Button up | Corduroy skirt-c/o Aventura | Boots | Bag
Holiday Outfits with Closet Staples: A Fair Isle Cardigan
Fair Isle sweaters naturally feel festive, which makes this Alani cardigan an easy starting point for holiday outfits using closet staples. The warm dijon tone reads almost like gold, especially in winter light. That makes it feel seasonally special without being limited to December. It’s a piece that already does a lot of the work for you. From there, small styling shifts are all it takes to give it a holiday-ready feel using what you already own.
Outfit One: Casual Holiday Layers
For this look, I styled the cardigan with rich textures to keep it relaxed but festive. The soft Fair Isle pattern adds interest without needing sparkle or embellishment. Pairing it with deeper tones helps ground the look and keeps it from feeling too sweet. This is the kind of outfit that works for daytime gatherings, school concerts, or casual holiday plans. It feels thoughtful, but still comfortable and familiar.
- Make it your own – Think of this cardigan as a warm neutral. Burgundy, wine, or even dark green bottoms will all feel seasonal. If you don’t have faux leather, denim or corduroy works just as well. Swap boots for loafers or flats if you want less height. Simple gold jewelry or a structured bag adds polish using pieces already in your closet.
Fair Isle cardigan-c/o Aventura | Skirt | Boots | Bag
Outfit Two: Dressed-Up Holiday Neutral
For the second look, I leaned into contrast to give the cardigan a more elevated holiday feel. Light-colored trousers brighten the pattern and make the whole outfit feel fresh. Layering a crisp collared shirt underneath adds structure and keeps the outfit feeling classic. This is a great option when you want to look a little more dressed up without wearing something overly festive.
- Make it your own – Cream, bone, or white pants all work here. If bright shoes feel like too much, try tan or nude instead. A belt you already wear on repeat helps define the waist. Finished with simple accessories, this becomes one of those holiday outfits using closet staples that feels effortless but pulled together.
Fair Isle cardigan-c/o Aventura | Trousers | Booties | Lace collar | Belt
What I love about these looks is how easily they come together using pieces already in rotation. Holiday outfits using closet staples don’t have to feel boring or repetitive. With classic Aventura layers as the base, it’s simple to create festive outfits by adjusting color, texture, and accessories. A small swap can completely change the mood of a look. That’s what makes these pieces such strong options for winter and the holidays alike.
Confident Twosday Linkup
Last week’s favorite post was from Mireille at Chez Mireille who shared two beautiful, thrifted teal tops.
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