Best-Dressed Holiday Guest: Trends to Shop This Holiday Season

Local shop owners and stylists clue us into the biggest trends for holiday partywear this season, from sequins and pearls to animal print

Trend: Sequined Statement 

A holiday outfit is not complete without a bit of sparkle. Luckily, sequins are still all the rage for this winter season and beyond, taking on a new life this year as fashion houses began mixing the shimmering occasion wear with more tailored, daytime pieces.

courtesy of Serge + Jane

Try it: This off-white sequined tank from Serge + Jane is the perfect neutral shade for executing this high glam-casual look, and will be a seamless tie-in with trendy holiday hues like poppy red and emerald green this season. ($68) Serge + Jane, sergeandjane.com 

Trend: Wild at Heart

Mary Janes are here to stay this winter, and so is the all-too-contentious animal print trend. Love it or hate it, the pattern has a staying power (or perhaps a comeback power) like no other.

Courtesy of Anthropologie

Try it: High fashion has officially endorsed the print for winter, but for those still skeptical, these Mary Jane flats from Anthropologie offer a subtle yet playful peek at the wild trend. ($160) Anthropologie (Mall of America, 50th & France), anthropologie.com

Trend: All Buttoned Up

While cardigans are traditionally treated as layering pieces, buttoned-up cardigans are going to stand in as the quintessential staple this winter. The look evokes a sophisticated, academic feel, and offers a stylistic twist to the classic sweater.

Courtesy of Parc Shop

Try it: Parc Shop recently added Copenhagen-based Hosjberg to its lineup of sustainable designers, and with it, a collection of elevated winter basics that offer a minimalistic take on the season’s top trends. The Pearl Knit Cardigan is a holiday party must, perfect for pairing with a satin or leather maxi skirt to offer a sleek contrast to its fuzzy texture. ($163) Parc Shop, parcboutique.com

Trend: Green Reigns Supreme  

Serge + Jane co-owner Jamie Carl is leaning into rich shades of green for this Holiday season—from emerald to olive.

Courtesy of Serge + Jane

Try it: This Free People Emilia maxi skirt in uncut emerald glistens just as bright as emerald itself and offers a romantic silhouette with its sweeping, ankle-length style. ($98) Serge + Jane, sergeandjane.com 

Trend: Sweet as Chocolate 

Deep chocolate brown is going to be the new black this winter, a stunning neutral to add to your revolving wardrobe queue.

courtesy of Idun

Try it: The Demi Lune bag from Idun is a sleek embodiment of this seasonal hue, and surprises with its compelling asymmetrical shape. ($584) Idun, shopiduncom

Trend: Pearls Are a Girl’s Best Friend

“Classic, classic, classic” is the state of jewelry trends this season according to Queenie & Pearl owner Lisa Banwell, and there are few embellishments quite so classic as pearls.

Try it: Try the Drip Perla Bracelet from Idun to kick the elegance up on any ensemble this winter. ($195) Idun, shopiduncom

Trend: Burgundy Bliss

“Although red is still reigning supreme this season, burgundy has entered the chat in a very strong way,” predicts Lisa Banwell in her trend forecast for the season.

courtesy of J. Crew

Try it: When represented in luxe fabrics like this faux leather maxi skirt from J. Crew, the dark hue creates a sleek, effortless look— a blank canvas to dress up with bold holiday shimmer. ($248) J. Crew (Mall of America, Grand Avenue), jcrew.com

As Minnesota Monthly's Style Editor, Emma keeps a close pulse on all things retail, style, and fashion in the Twin Cities and beyond. Since graduating from Miami University in 2022 with degrees in English Literature and Media and Culture, Emma has accumulated a wealth of experience in both the editorial and fashion industries, including producing a soldout runway show for Fashion Week Minnesota. She harnesses this experience, as well as her passion for storytelling, to communicate the diverse perspectives of individuals who have helped shape the Minnesota fashion scene and its one-of-a-kind events, brands, and businesses. When she is not writing, you might find Emma at a yoga class, thrifting, walking her Bernese Mountain Dog, traveling, or drinking overpriced coffee. You will never see her in the same outfit twice.