Snowflakes drop heavily against the darkened NYC skyline, then flitter away suddenly with each breath of wind. White lines the window sills and rooftops. The sky is darkened, yet somehow spirits are light. Twinkling lights from street to the highest high rise, the shops have begun their elaborate display of Christmas. A tree every-other door, ornaments dangling from store windows tantalizing passerbys with an overwhelming urgency for shopping. Restaurant windows glow with a warm light and scene of smiling faces toasting to the day, a most welcoming sight from the cold of the streets. Visitors and NY locals alike flood the streets, bundled in down coats with hoods up, rushing to find the last items from their holiday list.
It’s Christmas in New York, the most magical time of year.
I’ve never been one for much holiday decorations, but I must say, it’s a beautiful sight to behold. It’s as if the world for a moment forgets the harsh cold of winter – warmed by thoughts of family and festivities to come. And so many festivities there are! Office parties, cocktails with friends, family reunions and endless celebrations of the new year. So what is a minimalist supposed to do with a wardrobe of un-festive black and whites? Not wanting to slay the holiday spirit while still maintaining my MO, I’ve put together some holiday fashion tips for the minimalist in collaboration with my favorite source for silk, Grana.
Let’s start with the do’s and don’ts:
- Do: Dress a bit more special, it is the holidays after all
- Don’t: Feel obligated to wear a Christmas tree sweater and jingle bell earrings
- Do: Stay true to your self finding balance in holiday style and your day to day fashion
- Don’t: Try to do it all, you might look like the tree itself
- Do: Try to break out of your monochrome color combos, deep red and emerald green are in this season
- Don’t: Wear red and emerald green together. Just don’t
It’s easy to get in a panic on how you can maintain your minimalist preferences and yet converge with all of the holiday party style. The best guide to follow, be yourself. Don’t feel just because it’s the holiday that you need to break completely away from those things that make you feel comfortable. However if you want to dress it up just a bit – gold accessories, a leather jacket or a pop of red is plenty to portray a holiday spirit without going overboard. Subtlety is key – as it always is in minimal fashion.
For the first holiday look, I paired Grana’s red silk dress with an edgy moto jacket for a look that’s festive, but still makes me feel like a badass. The simple, clean lines of the dress are calming enough that the red was actually not so far out of my comfort zone as I had expected. And the movement of the fabric… incredible. Perfectly simple, perfectly acceptable for holiday dress wear.
For office parties, modesty remains a concern for most avocations. Grana’s new button down shirt dress was perfect for me. Studded mules made the look more festive, and for those that aren’t quite as much a minimalist, a silver or chunky crystal necklace could add an extra pop of sparkle.
Plus the dress is so versatile, it won’t be a holiday wear-and-dump (you know you’re guilty of it). Instead, you can wear it with a blazer for office days, with cuffed sleeves for casual interim seasons, or even as a super light-weight jacket when worn open. Do play with your clothes. It’s fun.
And of course, looking cute while trudging through the streets of NYC running your last minute holiday errands is essential. For cozy family events or after-errand happy hour, this silk cami and two-tone jacket were my saving grace. The gorgeous silk material makes it dressy enough for the minimalist holiday style, while still being comfortable, and luxuriously understated. Hair’s up… can’t have any of that mess getting in the way of holiday shopping.
On that note, I’m dashing out to wrap up the last of mine in the snowy streets of New York! If you haven’t finished yet, check out Grana’s selection for men and women – I actually purchased some pieces for my mom’s last birthday in November and she loved them. They also have an incredible line of Mongolian cashmere sweaters and some basic staple pieces that are a no-stress solution for Christmas gifting.
If you want to check out some more of my favorite Grana styles, you can check out my thoughts on their cashmere collection, or my first introduction to their attainable silks.
Happy holidays, stay warm and wherever your are, may your spirits be light. God bless.
day in my dreams 
rocky rock…nice
http://7-sevendays.blogspot.gr/
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thanks so much Sara!
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Great photos!
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🖤🖤🖤
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OMG! I can’t believe I’ve never heard of GANA before. Great post! Thanks!
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they’re amazing!!! I’ve been living in their cashmere joggers this week. it’s so cold on the east coast
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I think I might get a cashmere turtleneck.
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I have the grey one, liked it so much that’s one of the pieces I got for my mom too 🙈
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Ooh! Good to hear. I’ll get the black one when the stars align.
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Perfect pictures..
Regards.
walkindiscount.com
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thank you and happy new year!
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♥
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😚
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Amazing Outfit, Looking Great!
Modlily Coupon
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thanks so much kiara
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Love these different minimalistic looks you’ve put together Kristina! I think the little red number is my favorite one, such a classy silhouette and the moto jacket adds that snippet of edge to it! Happy holidays to you and your loved ones hun! I’m off to do some Christmas shopping myself :) xo~ Lena
http://www.thewanderliste.com
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Hi Kristina! I don’t think my last message went through (shoddy network connections here) but I wanted to say that I love all your minimalistic look, especially the little red number which is my favorite one on you! Such a beautiful classic silhouette and the moto jacket adds the right amount of edge to it! Happy holidays to you and your family hun! I’m off to do some Christmas shopping myself :) xo~ Lena
http://www.thewanderliste.com
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Lena you’re always such an encouragement and always such an amazing inspiration. love you and thank you for being such an incredible woman and friend. xoxo
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Loved this!!!!
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xoxo
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Great photos !
https://annabelswardrobe.wordpress.com/
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thanks so much babe!
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