Holiday parties. Concerts. Dinners. Church events. Office gatherings. December brings a full calendar—and plenty of opportunities to dress up. But while it’s fun to pull out sequins, shimmer, and sparkle, a few common styling mistakes can make an outfit feel overdone or unbalanced.
The good news? With just a little intention, you can create holiday looks that feel festive and polished. Below are five holiday outfit mistakes to avoid, what to wear instead, and how to tailor each tip to your body type for a flattering, confidence-boosting look.
1. Mixing Too Many Textures
Sequins + rhinestones + glitter heels + metallic bag = too much of a good thing.
Textures like sequins, embellishments, and metallics are gorgeous for the holidays, but piling them all on at once can overwhelm your outfit.
What to Do Instead:
Pick one hero piece and let it shine.
- Pair a sequin top with black trousers or matching trousers for a monochromatic look.
- If you’re wearing embellished pants or a metallic skirt, keep the top simple—a soft sweater or cotton button-up is perfect.
- You can add a little more bling with your sequin or metallic piece, but keep it small and minimal.
Body Type Tips:
- Apple: Choose a sequin top with a V-neck or wrap style to draw the eye up and elongate the torso.
- Pear: Go festive on top and keep the bottom darker and smooth to balance proportions.
- Rectangle: Add shimmer to the bottom half to create curves and interest.
- Hourglass: Choose fitted, streamlined sequin pieces that follow your shape.
- Inverted Triangle: Save the sparkle for your skirt or pants to visually balance broader shoulders.
2. Wearing Too Many Statement Pieces at Once
A bold dress, sparkly earrings, metallic shoes, and a statement bag can easily compete with one another.
If you’re wearing something dramatic—whether it’s a bright red dress or a glittery jumpsuit—let that piece take center stage.
What to Do Instead:
- With bold colors or shine, stick with simple jewelry and neutral shoes (black, nude, or soft metallic).
- If you want to wear standout shoes, pair them with your everyday basics so they get the attention they deserve.
Body Type Tips:
- Apple: A bright dress with clean lines and minimal accessories keeps the look sleek.
- Pear: Choose statement tops rather than statement skirts to draw the eye upward.
- Rectangle: A bold jumpsuit with a defined waist adds shape without needing extra accessories.
- Hourglass: Keep accessories streamlined so your natural curves stay the focal point.
- Inverted Triangle: Metallic or eye-catching shoes help add visual weight to the lower half.
The outfit above is perfect for the rectangle body shape with the defined tie waist. Velvet is perfect for the holidays.
3. Choosing the Wrong Tights
Tights can make or break the overall look of your outfit. The weight of your hosiery should match the weight of your garments.
What to Do Instead:
- With chiffon, satin, or lightweight materials, opt for sheer black or sheer nude hosiery.
- With sweater dresses, ponte knits, or heavier fabrics, choose opaque black tights.
- Lighter or metallic shoes pair better with sheer hosiery, while black or heavier shoes look best with opaque.
Body Type Tips:
- Apple: Sheer tights elongate the legs—especially with pointed-toe shoes.
- Pear: Opaque tights help visually slim and balance the lower body.
- Rectangle: Ribbed or subtly textured opaque tights add dimension to your look.
- Hourglass: Matching your tights to your dress creates a long, balanced line.
- Inverted Triangle: Sheer tights with lighter shoes soften and balance the silhouette.
4. Forgetting About Proportion
The holidays bring out dramatic silhouettes—tulle skirts, wide-leg velvet pants, ruffled sleeves, and more. But pairing volume with volume can make your frame disappear.
What to Do Instead:
- Balance a voluminous skirt with a fitted knit top or sleek bodysuit.
- Style wide-leg pants with a cropped jacket or a more fitted sweater.
- Keep one half structured and tailored.
Body Type Tips:
- Apple: Keep the top soft and structured, and choose streamlined bottoms to add length.
- Pear: Fitted, waist-defined tops pair beautifully with A-line skirts or wide-leg trousers.
- Rectangle: Add shape with a belted or peplum top over sleek bottoms.
- Hourglass: Emphasize the waist with wrap tops, belts, or fitted knits.
- Inverted Triangle: Place the volume on the bottom—wide-leg pants or full skirts—to balance broader shoulders.
5. Choosing Festive Pieces That Aren’t Comfortable
No matter how stunning an outfit is, it’s not worth it if you’re tugging at straps, itching from sequins, or shifting in uncomfortable shoes all night.
What to Do Instead:
- Choose shoes you can stand or walk in for hours.
- Test tops and dresses for slipping straps, gaping, or scratchy fabrics.
- If you’ll be seated for long periods (concerts, dinners), choose fabrics that won’t wrinkle severely.
This look is perfect for the apple body shape- a soft velvet top that won’t cling and a vneck to draw the eye up. Bow flats also draw the eye down.
Body Type Tips:
- Apple: Look for fabrics that skim the midsection—nothing too clingy or stiff.
- Pear: Opt for stretch-friendly fabrics in the hip area for all-night comfort.
- Rectangle: Elastic waists or belted styles offer comfort and help create shape.
- Hourglass: Choose flexible fabrics that glide over curves without feeling restrictive.
- Inverted Triangle: Soft knits on top balance the upper body and feel great all evening.
Final Thoughts
Holiday dressing doesn’t have to be stressful. With just a few adjustments—and tips tailored to your unique shape—you can create outfits that feel festive, flattering, and completely you.
