Huge thanks to Nordstrom Rack and ShopStyle Collective for sponsoring this post
The holidays are approaching, and I’m excited for them! My family and I will be gathering for more events this year compared to the last couple of years, and I’m looking forward to it. I want to share three dressy casual outfits for the holidays with pieces that are really, really good and really affordable—they’re seriously such great finds! And I’m partnering with Nordstrom Rack and ShopStyle Collective to do it.
Nordstrom Rack has AWESOME clothes at even more incredible prices! I want to highlight items for dressy casual holiday events because I know that dressier items can cost more, which is why Nordstrom Rack is a fantastic place to shop for special events. It’s such a great place to shop for clothes that are typically more expensive, like really good denim, super comfortable moto jackets and blazers, really comfortable work pants, great coats and jackets, good quality shoes, dressy blouses, and, well, basically EVERYTHING 😄 without breaking the bank.
On top of that, you can shop conveniently by placing your order online and utilizing their in-store and curbside pickup services. You can also easily return orders to any Nordstrom Rack and Nordstrom store. (Yes, you can return Nordstrom Rack orders to Nordstrom stores!)
Let’s talk through some items for some of your upcoming dressy casual events this holiday season!
SIZING: I’m 5’6″ and usually S/M or 6 in clothes and 8.5 to 9 in shoes.
Outfit #1: Printed Blouse + Jeans + Moto Jacket
This is one of my favorite go-to dressy casual combos! I can stay in my my comfort zone with jeans but make it look chic with the help of a moto jacket!
This printed blouse with a peplum hem is a great option that helps you dress up jeans for an elevated casual outfit or that you can pair with black slacks for a holiday work party. It is very lightweight with a flowy fit and an elastic waistband to keep you comfortable. The peplum creates shape, helps define a waist, and adds a finishing touch without having to tuck in the top. Find it in 2 prints, HERE. I wear size S.
This moto jacket is one of the many AWESOME pieces that you can find at absolute steals at Nordstrom Rack. This is really SOFT, super duper STRETCHY, and very lightweight. It is so, so, SO easy to wear, and it helps you add a chic and polished element to your outfit while being super COMFORTABLE. You know stylish + insane comfort is my jam! And this jacket is only $32.97!! It comes in 6 colors in straight sizes, HERE. Find plus sizes HERE. I wear size S.
If you are in the market for an affordable, COMFORTABLE moto jacket, definitely look at Nordstrom Rack first. They carry them in straight, petite, and plus sizes from a variety of brands, which you can check out HERE!
These jeans are by Democracy, which is another great brand for super comfortable jeans that are stretchy and have the ultra comfortable elastic waistband! Nordstrom Rack carries Democracy jeans, and you can get them at fantastic prices compared to elsewhere. Find the newer version of the pair I’m wearing, HERE. I’m wearing size 4. Check out all Democracy jeans HERE!
Also, these flats are the ones I wear the most often because they basically go with everything, and they’re available for way less right now at Nordstrom Rack! I love this color, and they’ve been sold out for a while, so I’m glad to see they are available here—and for less! Check them out HERE. I wear size 9.
Shop the Outfits:
Top: Nordstrom Rack (exact—wearing size S)
Jacket: Nordstrom Rack (exact—wearing size S)
Jeans: Nordstrom Rack (updated version—wearing size 4)
Shoes: (exact—wearing size 9)
Tote: (similar, similar—pricey but buttery genuine leather)
Necklace: (similar, similar, similar)
Outfit #2: Blouse With Sheen + Jeans or Slacks
Another great option for a dressy casual outfit is to wear a blouse with some sheen! Adding metallic elements or shine is one of the easiest ways to dress up a look! This top is lightweight with a flowy fit that’s comfortable and easy to wear, and the sheen instantly makes you look holiday-ready. The subtle print adds a nice texture and gives it extra character and visual interest. I love how easy this blouse is to wear and makes you look dressed up without having to put in a lot of effort! This comes in 4 colors, HERE. I wear size S.
These straight leg jeans are really stretchy and allow you to move around easily and comfortably, but the “sculpting” element shapes things up and helps you feel more secure. They do stretch out a bit immediately upon wear, so size down one at least one size. I’m wearing size 6 but would prefer size 4. If you can get the sizing right, these are a GREAT option for a pair of classic straight leg jeans that are very comfortable but also look very polished and are affordable! Find them HERE.
Shop the Outfits:
Top: Nordstrom Rack (exact—wearing size S)
Jeans: Nordstrom Rack (exact—wearing size 6 but prefer 4)
Shoes: (similar)
Tote: (similar)
Necklace: (similar, similar, similar)
Outfit #3: Sweater + Jeans + Bootie
Last, if you want a warmer option, wear a great statement sweater, and finish it off with sleek booties!
This sweater is by Cece, and it’s soft, comfy, and cozy while being lightweight and easy to wear. (I hate when sweaters are heavy and weigh you down!) The puff sleeves, collar, and cable knit details down the sleeves help to elevate this sweater from a basic to a statement piece. I have other sweaters by Cece, and they are usually great but pricey, so I think it’s awesome that you can get them for less at Nordstrom Rack! This comes in 3 colors, HERE. I wear size S.
These faux leather boots have a soft, buttery-feeling upper and a thick heel that makes them easier to stand in for longer periods. They also have a very tall and narrow shaft, which I mentioned on the recent post How to Wear Booties With Different Cuts of Jeans is key for pairing with slimmer cut straight leg pants. These are just $49.97 and look and feel way more expensive! They come in 3 colors, HERE. I wear size 9.
Shop the Outfits:
Sweater: Nordstrom Rack (exact—wearing size S)
Jeans: Nordstrom Rack (similar)
Shoes: (similar)
Tote: (similar, similar—pricey but buttery genuine leather)
Necklace: (similar, similar, similar)
Those are three options to help you dress up a little this holiday season! Check out more great items that Nordstrom Rack has by shopping through the widget below:
While I love sharing all the great clothes out there with you, I also want to make sure that you’re purposeful about what you add to your wardrobe. When you are, you can actually do more with less clothes, saving money on clothes and saving time getting dressed because your wardrobe is well-built and works together.
For a simple tool to start building a wardrobe full or versatile pieces, download our free Wardrobe Staples Mini Guide.
You’ll get a checklist of 16 wardrobe staples that will turn your wardrobe into a mixing-and-matching machine, plus 6 outfit formulas to help you make outfits with them! You’ll make better use of what you have, be able to make more outfits with less pieces, and always have something to wear.
Click HERE to enter your info and download your free copy!
