I enjoy creating a special holiday outfit each year. Last year I was cozy and casual in gold jeans and an oversized chunky knit pullover. The year before I wore a long sleeved body con metallic midi and red shoes. And the year before that I wore a ball gown and moto jacket with a pile of pearls. This year I’m in the mood for something ladylike and tailored. Not too dressy, but not as casual as last year. 

I used to be more of a frock than a skirt gal, but that preference has changed. I love the two easy throw-on-and-go Kamalikulture dresses that I added to my wardrobe this year, but overall I have enjoyed skirts more. I particularly like the creative process of remixing skirts with a variety of tops.

And although I prefer wearing full skirts to pencil skirts, I could not pass up on the opportunity to purchase the lace skirt of my dreams. It’s taken four years to find one that was knee-covering, woven, black with a non-black lining, sufficiently tapered at the side seams, scalloped at the hem, non-scratchy and well made. As soon as I stopped looking for it, my skirt found me. I love it when that happens. 

I wanted to wear a soft knitted pullover because it’s warm, cuddly, and a nice juxtaposition against the formality of the lace skirt. I had several options: a fuzzy light blue cropped sweater, fluid ink blue turtleneck, chunky cream cropped cabled sweater, or basic formfitting black turtleneck, all of which work well with the skirt. But Greg and I liked the combination of this short-sleeved, sequined and beaded black cashmere turtleneck best because it’s a little dressier, different to my other black turtlenecks, and worked better as a column of colour under my pink man coat. It’s slightly fluid, which looks updated against the highly structured skirt. 

It’s unusual for me to expose my entire forearm at this time of year when I prefer to cover up. It was also not my intention to wear this much black for the holidays. But the texture-rich surfaces of both the pullover and skirt, plus the extra forearm skin, break up the expanse of the black.

Fine gauge black micro fishnets are still my favourite choice of hosiery for the holidays because they finish off the leg line in a polished, yet interesting way. After the addition of the hose I was absolutely done with black. That’s why the outfit’s finishing touches are gold, mint and shocking pink. 

I initially wanted to match the outfit with Boutique 9’s Mirabelle champagne pointy toe pumps because they were sleek, simple and elongating. But the dainty ankle straps on the Calvin Klein Baishas stole my heart. Not as minimal and leg lengthening, but awfully pretty and a lot more comfortable. So I went with those and I’m glad I did. They look great with boyfriend jeans, which I’ll sport to another holiday occasion with fuzzy cropped pullover, gold belt and clutch. 

I chose Kate Spade’s New York radio Samira clutch as my party bag because it’s a playful juxtaposition against the classic lace pencil skirt, and provides a little colour. My shocking pink man coat provides extra colour, which makes me even happier. The versatility of my new pink man coat has been great. It works as well with jeans and Converse sneakers as it does over business casual and dressy attire. Specs, wedding ring and watch are all I need in the accessory department.

I have many opportunities to wear party outfits this holiday season, which has made it extra fun. I’m sticking to party separates and remixing this lace skirt and my Alice & Olivia black trousers with different tops and toppers. I’ll also be dressing up jeans with a festive sweater from time to time. But this is the outfit I’ll be wearing for the first two bashes. Let the festivities begin.