A Philadelphian’s Guide to Holiday Style
Your holiday style guide: Lapointe satin feather top, $1,350 at Kirna Zabête (Bryn Mawr). Maya onyx and diamond earrings, $6,000, signature Caviar beaded bracelet (right), $900, and Caviar Spark diamond link bracelet, $1,000, all at Lagos (Rittenhouse). / Photography by Andre Rucker / Styling by Emilie Fosnocht
Not sure what to don for the nonstop lineup of soirees, gatherings, and festive fun on the calendar for the rest of the year? Don’t fret: We have a holiday style guide just for you. We scoured the finest boutiques in the region and curated outfits that will take you from Turkey Day to 2025. Cheers to that!
Friendsgiving
Easy sophistication is the way to go, so you can still lend a hand and indulge — then relax with board games and cocktails (and another slice of pie!) to end the night.
Avant Toi laminated round-neck furry knit cardigan, $1,088, and Etro laminated Vela bag with top handle or crossbody, $2,450, both at Joan Shepp (Center City). Bethén collar in gold, $120, and square pearl drop earrings, $89, both at Feast Jewelry (by appointment only, Fishtown). Bus Stop x Imbibe Port Manhattan burgundy velvet oxfords, $295 at Bus Stop Boutique (Queen Village).
Christmas Village
Look the part with a coat that feels like a gingerbread cookie plus some accessories to keep you warm and cozy while you’re strolling from booth to booth.
En Saison Logan trench coat, $208, and Closed Official mittens, $145, both at Kin Boutique (Washington Square West). The Nina short-sleeve mock-neck mod mini-dress, $148, and beanie, $38, both at Anthropologie (Rittenhouse). Vagabond Shoemakers AINO white wedge ankle boots, $200 at Bus Stop Boutique.
Jewelry: By Ren Squiggle hoops in gold, from $89, and Arielle Routhier mini Flow ring, $2,520, both at Aiyah (Fairmount).
Holiday Office Party
Celebrating the season with your work colleagues? Pair something smart and polished with something that pops — a preppy collar, a cute bow, and merry red pumps will do the job.
Cinq à Sept Sabelle dress, $465 at Skirt (Bryn Mawr). Covet diamond drop earrings, $2,650, and signature Caviar superfine diamond ring, $4,600, both at Lagos. Gianvito Rossi slingbacks in Tokio Rouge, $895 at Boyds (Center City).
New Year’s Eve
Pink, blue, white, and silver details attract attention in a room filled with all-black outfits — the traditional NYE attire — while a bold necklace and a bejeweled purse tie it all together.
Bronx and Banco Dahlia Leona embroidered gown, $880 at Shop Sixty-Five (Newtown and Margate). Rabanne silver crystal choker, $598 at Joan Shepp. Valentino Garavani Locò bag, $3,250 at Boyds.
Menswear Must-Haves
Whether they’re whimsical or polished, these accessories bring the final touch to your ensemble.
The Shoes
Photograph courtesy of Blue Sole Shoes
Step up your game by pairing these sleek Magnanni ombré lace-ups with dark denim pants at Friendsgiving. $695, available by special order at Blue Sole Shoes (Center City).
The Jewelry
Photograph courtesy of Tiffany & Co.
Add subtle edge to your NYE look with a piece from Tiffany & Co.’s new HardWear collection. Graduated link necklace in white gold with pavé diamonds, $83,000 at Tiffany & Co. (Rittenhouse).
The Pocket Square
Photograph courtesy of Brackish
Trade your traditional pocket square for this one by Brackish, made from sustainable pheasant feathers. We’d wear it to a holiday work party, but you do you. $95 at Ventresca (Doylestown).
Plus: Advice From a Local Stylist
Photograph by Kyle and Linette Kielinski
Lauren Hartman, founder of Pottstown-based Trousseau Style, has some tips to keep you looking your best from head to toe.
You know your pals best, so dress for their Friendsgiving.
If they live in a posh Center City high-rise, wear something sleek like a little black dress. If they live on the Main Line and plan on playing football in the back yard, go with a sweater, wide-leg jeans, and booties.
Wear something to your office party that tells a bit about who you are outside of work.
Pull out that conversation-starting jacket you got on vacation in Morocco. If the gathering is at an activity spot, like indoor golfing at Puttshack, try mixing dressy and casual elements such as a fancy top with dark skinny jeans and black lug-sole knee-high boots.
You’ll be bundled up when hitting the Christmas Village, so your outer layers make the outfit.
Opt for a look-at-me coat that will still protect you from the chill, and wear festive cashmere socks under your booties.
Staying in on New Year’s Eve?
Treat yourself to silk pajamas and a glitzy headband. Going out? You have the entire year to wear jeans and a top, so go glam. Consider unique textures and fabrics — a ruffle sleeve, a satin bow, a brocade mini-dress, or a top with faux ostrich feathers. Or try a luxurious neutral like champagne silk.
Published as “Dress for the Occasion” in the November 2024 issue of Philadelphia magazine.