Holiday Style, Reimagined: Celebrating in Sparkle and Comfort
Let’s be honest—holiday parties in 2020 weren’t exactly what we were used to. Big soirées and glitzy galas took a back seat to intimate dinners and family Zoom calls. But if there’s one thing I took away from that season, it’s this: style never has to take a break, even if your plans do.
After a year spent in sweatpants and slippers (no shame here), I found myself more excited than ever to embrace a bit of holiday glam. And the perfect excuse? A festive family dinner, a cozy staycation, or even a scaled-back New Year’s Eve celebration at home. With the help of Stuart Weitzman’s Shine Capsule, I rediscovered the joy of dressing up — with a healthy dose of comfort, of course.
Intimate Dinners, Elevated
There’s something timeless about a little black dress — especially when you want to look effortlessly put-together. For a low-key dinner party at home, I reached for my favorite LBD and paired it with the Carine Crystal Booties. These booties strike that sweet spot between sparkle and sophistication, adding a bit of edge without sacrificing comfort.
The subtle crystal detailing brings just the right amount of shimmer, and the pointed toe creates a sleek, elongating silhouette. Honestly, they make me feel like I’m dressed for a red carpet, even if it’s just the dining room table and a tinsel boa I threw on for fun.
Staycation Style That Works Overtime
My family has always leaned into staycations — even before they became the default. Whether we’re baking cookies, building gingerbread houses, or settling in for a movie marathon, I want to wear something that feels equal parts festive and functional.
Enter: the Mulearky Ballsoffire mules. These slide-on beauties are equal parts chic and cozy, making them the perfect holiday go-to. I styled them with classic denim and a soft knit top, but they’d look just as great with a playful holiday dress or even a luxe loungewear set.
They’re easy to wear, easy to pack (if you’re doing a local getaway), and best of all — they don’t feel like a compromise. You’re still dressed to impress, but totally ready to take on your family’s annual gingerbread house showdown.
A New Kind of NYE
Let’s talk about New Year’s Eve. These days, I’m ringing in the new year a little differently than I did in my twenties. With kids in tow and bedtime routines to stick to, midnight often comes and goes without much fanfare. But that doesn’t mean I’m skipping the sparkle.
This year’s NYE uniform? A silky matching set that feels like wearing pajamas — but looks like a million bucks — and the Dede Slingbacks. These kitten heels bring just enough glam with their gleaming finish and sleek shape, but they’re still comfy enough to wear as you dance around the living room (or, if you’re me, while sipping sparkling water on the couch at 9 p.m.).
And just because the party’s scaled down doesn’t mean the spirit has to be. I still play music, pour something bubbly, and celebrate with my family like we’re watching the ball drop in Times Square — even if we do it on East Coast time and call it a night early.
Style, No Matter the Setting
The biggest lesson I’ve learned from rethinking holiday style? You don’t need a big event to justify a little glamour. Dressing up — even just a little — can totally shift your mindset. It brings intention and joy to moments that might otherwise blur into routine.
Whether it’s slipping into crystal-studded boots for dinner at home, finding the perfect mule for family festivities, or adding sparkle to your NYE loungewear, there’s something truly powerful in choosing to celebrate yourself — style and all.
And I couldn’t have done it without the beautiful pieces from Stuart Weitzman. The Shine Capsule makes it so easy to mix elegance with ease, and that’s exactly what I’m about these days. Fashion that fits your life, not the other way around.
So here’s to embracing the small moments, dressing for yourself, and finding reasons to shine — even from the comfort of your living room.
