A pant suit that doesn’t look corporate is an excellent, versatile and easy outfit to pull out for the holidays. It’s less formal than a skirt suit, a whole lot warmer than a dress, can be layered with knitwear for extra warmth, and works with practical and weatherproof footwear. The suit can look as dressy, casual, festive, fun and elegant as you style it. The jacket and pants can be separated and remixed with other items.

Men’s fashion shows practical, warm and swish holiday attire every season, while women’s fashion continues to showcase a plethora of skimpy sleeveless dresses. It drives me bananas. I for one want to look festive AND feel warm.

As much as I adore wearing dresses, I’m into the fun holiday pant suit, and hope to encourage you too. Pant suits are cosy, versatile, and a great combination of dressy and smart casual. Here are four ideas.

1. Brocade Suit

The dandy and baroque integrity of a brocade suit is classic, romantic and luxe. This one is multi-coloured, but the more subtle self-colour brocade suit does exist. Choose a neutral or non-neutral, pop a silky camisole underneath, or a simple knitted layering top. Finish off the look with pumps, boots, Mary Janes, loafers or oxfords. Add knee-highs or trouser socks for warmth, and a clutch for dressiness.

Eloquii Brocade One Button Jacket

2. Velvet Suit

Velvet, another regal and luxe fabric, is a fabulous idea in a pant suit. Think neutrals or non-neutrals. Subtle or bright. Pop a casual tee, fitted knit top, turtleneck, striped top, or silk camisole underneath, and wear anything from boots to loafers as footwear. A velvet blazer can be remixed with jeans as holiday outfit #2, while the pants can be remixed with a dressy pullover for holiday outfit #3.

Boden Velvet Straight Leg Pants

3. Plaid Suit

A plaid suit is another way to go. High-contrast plaids are a commitment to wear from head to toe so make sure you’re comfortable doing that. Here’s a classic low-contrast plaid that looks streamlined with a navy turtleneck. It’s easier to wear than a bright or high-contrast plaid. Your choice of pumps, boots, Mary Janes, loafers or oxfords as footwear with hosiery or socks. A sparkly bag and brooch would lift the dark palette of the outfit if that tickles your fancy.

Hobbs Cassidy Jacket

4. Bright Suit

Think of a brightly coloured suit like red, pink, mustard or purple. Or less bright, like teal, plum, blush, forest green, burgundy or cobalt blue. Finish off the outfit with a top, shoes and small handbag in the same colour or pattern. Finish off the look with a suitable layering top, footwear. Add as much bling as you’re comfortable sporting for the festive season.

Karen Millen Waist Emphasis Tailored Jacket

You could wear a leopard print pant suit, a metallic suit, or a classic black “Le Smoking” tuxedo too. Switch out the layers, footwear and accessories to create a fresh look, and layer a warm cape, coat or puffer over the top.