The Celeb-Inspired Guide To Holiday Dress Trends

This year, famous folks have given us a wealth of inspiration to break out during the holiday season, like the rise of the pencil dress and formal turtleneck, as well as the comeback of the power suit.

Now that it’s party-dress crunch time, we’re pulling out all the tips and tricks we’ve learned (okay, co-opted) from celebrities. Ahead, check out the five trends that have stood out from recent glamorous Hollywood affairs, and shop similar styles that’ll surely suit the events dotting your calendar this month.

The Built-In Cape

What to wear when getting chilly is a distinct possibility? Or when you’re feeling particularly heroic? Try the built-in cape. This can take shape as a dress, with a little extra fabric draped on the shoulders, or as a structured top, like Solange’s fluorescent Milly look. Either way, you’ll take each step with a little more gusto. .

The High Neck

Turtlenecks have always been there for us, from the kind-of-chilly fall days to the coldest winter nights. However, when it’s proper dress-up time, this go-to gets cast aside. Not anymore: Celebrities have taken back the turtleneck as an all-occasion garment on the red carpet. It’s not knit, but the neck-hugging goodness remains. Take, for instance, Darby Stanchfield’s textured Altuzarra number: A frilly, baby-blue collar contrasts with (and stands out against) the rich, golden velvet, making vintage-leaning details feel a bit more contemporary. .

The Off-The-Shoulder

This classic silhouette gets an update in the form of a blunt cut, like the sharp neckline on Kerry Washington’s Hugo Boss dress, or as unexpected cutouts that show a little skin without leaving your shoulders totally exposed. .

 

The PenciThe Celeb-Inspired Guide To Holiday Dress Trendsl Fit

If we’ve seen one dress style rise above all this year, it’s the pencil fit: The figure-hugging, midi-length silhouette is sophisticated and uncomplicated. Selena Gomez’s ruby sequined Givenchy number from the AMAs, which was actually cropped from its original catwalk length (a flowy maxi), shows how contemporary some unexpected textures can feel. It’s easier to walk and move about in than the floor-sweeping gowns that often dust the red carpet, but still feels dressy enough to get you through the wide range of party scenarios this holiday season. .

The Sharp Suit

We’ve already established that the new suit suits us better. And celebrities are right there with us: Danielle Haim kicked it off at the Grammys with a creamy Stella McCartney ensemble; others followed suit at the Emmys and beyond. This season, we’re ramping up the matching-set game with sharp, tailored blazer-and-trouser combos that are sleek, modern, and unquestionably cool.