Casual Winter Plaid

Happy happy Friday, friends!

Today I’m ecstatic to start sharing a series of truly festive holiday outfits with you, continuing over the next few weeks and right into Christmas! By the way, Christmas is officially two, I repeat, TWO weeks away from today! How did that happen?!

It always seems to surprise me how quickly this favorite season of mine comes and goes. Most likely because I’m usually in the midst of final projects and exams in the weeks prior (like this week and next). But thankfully, the end is in sight and preparations for Christmas have kept my spirits up in the meantime. Now on to the outfit!

If there is one pattern that is existentially Christmas for me, it would have to be a festive plaid. And this Stewart plaid button up is no exception. I picked up this one while in Chicago with my mom and I’m absolutely obsessed with it. Can you blame me? It’s the perfect plaid shirt for the season and can be dressed up (coming soon) or dressed down (here!)  for just about any occasion.

I wanted a more casual look first, so I paired this perfect plaid button up with a super warm and chic shearling vest and my favorite skinny jeans. I’m not usually one for faux furs in the winter, but this black shearling version struck the perfect balance between texture and shape.

The ones I’ve tried on before have just been way too furry and end up overtaking any shape I have. So finding this one was a happy surprise and a nice way to mix up my love of puffer vests this season. In particular, I like that the fur on this one is a bit more understated but still provides plenty of winter warmth. It’s on sale right now too, if you are interested!

And what festive holiday look is complete without a little sparkle? I picked up this necklace at the beginning of the season and cannot stop wearing it with just about everything (last seen here). But I also love this classic sparkly necklace too.

The bracelet I’m wearing is a recent purchase for $14 at J. Crew. You heard me, $14! Crazy, right?! I always make sure to check the clearance jewelry section at the back of the store to see what fun treasures I can find. I can’t seem to find one online (similar one linked below), so I thought I’d just put a friendly little PSA here to check out your local store for other great finds like this. I like to think it was just too good of a deal to put online. At least that’s what I keep telling myself. 😉

This ensemble would be perfect for a casual holiday party and I intend on wearing a similar version of it on Christmas day. Perhaps with a cream colored sweater layered over this perfectly plaid shirt for a slight variation on the look here. What do you think?

These cognac leather boots from Steve Madden are one of my all time favorites, and I’ve actually had them for an incredibly long time. They’ve been a part of my winter wardrobe since high school and are still going strong! I couldn’t recommend these boots more.

Don’t believe me?…so many people agree they are amazing that Steve Madden still makes them! And guys, I’ve been out of high school for over 7 years now. If that’s not a great selling point, I don’t know what is. They are seriously some of the most comfortable boots I own and look great with everything. Here I’ve mixed the cognac color of the boots with the black shearling vest and blue skinny jeans, but I’ve also worn them with black leggings and a chunky knit sweater too. The possibilities are endless.

Also, how cute are these gift boxes? While I love individually wrapping my gifts and making each one unique, I also know that sometimes there’s just not enough time in the day to get all those presents wrapped. (#gradstudentlife with all these finals right before Christmas.) Enter, Target!

These colorful gift boxes are a great alternative for the busy bee. And the best part? The recipient can reuse them, whether as a new gift box for someone else or as a cute storage container around the home or office. Speaking from personal experience, they are great for holding all your special little doodads you don’t know what to do with. I’ve got a couple small boxes stacked in my bedroom that hold things like my favorite graduation cards and trinkets from my travels around the world. A great double use, no?

At any rate, I’ll be living in this plaid shirt up until Christmas and most likely into the new year. Do you have any festive plaid pieces you love? I’m going through a not-so-subtle plaid addiction right now, so I’d love to know your favorites!

Photos by Outside Ourselves

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Get the Look…

Top: J. Crew | Vest: Madewell | Jeans: Gap | Boots: Steve Madden | Necklace: J. Crew Factory (similar) | Bracelet: J. Crew (similar) | Watch: Movado (from Switzerland) | Rings: Aggie Ring, KD Ring gifted | Lips: Revlon (certainly red) | Packages: Target (large, small, more colors too!)