October 30, 2026

The Holiday Edit: A Dress, a Boot, and a Coat

Three pieces. Every event this season.

Prices at time of posting.

A navy velvet dress, burgundy kitten-heel boot, and gray wrap coat from The Holiday Edit

Don't wait until the invites roll in and then panic shop. Hosting this year, or heading to a party? Either way, keep it simple: a dress, a boot, and a coat. Here's why each one matters, and the ones I'd buy.

The Dress

One piece. One line. Done.

A dress is the easiest way to get dressed. You slip it on and you're done. No hunting for a top that goes with the bottom.

It elevates a look fast. Stick to a solid color. It creates one long vertical line, so the eye has nowhere to stop. Play with texture instead. Prints get complicated: the size, the color, the kind of print. A separate top and bottom break that line, and matching them is more work.

Skip the red and green. Go for navy, brown, or burgundy. They're rich neutrals. They flatter most skin tones and hair colors, and you'll wear them long after the holidays.

Here are a few good ones, and why I picked them.

Tie-Waist Turtleneck Midi Dress

It’s cotton, not wool, so it’s comfortable all day, even as a turtleneck. It works for work, holidays, and events from fall into winter. The small side slit shows just enough skin. Roll the cuffs, show some wrist, and stack your bracelets. P.S. Let the turtleneck stand and fall on its own. It doesn’t need a perfect roll.

$145

Shop it at Nordstrom

Velvet Flutter Sleeve Midi Dress

Velvet screams winter, so it doesn't have to be a holiday-only thing. Skip the red and green and go for navy. It makes velvet versatile. The fit is easy and flowy, with covered arms. The clean neckline is made for a beautiful necklace. Wear it with delicate heels or tall boots.

$178

Shop it at Nordstrom

Knitted Shirt Dress

Best on a lean or athletic build. It’s not meant to be fitted because you don't want the buttons pulling open. The center trim draws a long, lean line and still shows some leg. Roll the cuffs here too and stack your bracelets.

$220

Shop it at Boden

Ribbed Knit Fit and Flare Dress

The fit and flare flatters a lot of body types. The knit has structure and shape. Just know it’s a rib knit, so it hugs the bust. If you’re fuller on top, size up or pick another dress. The V-neck is great if you don’t love high necklines, and the red trim creates vertical lines that lengthen you. It comes in several colors and carries into spring.

$260

Shop it at Boden

The Tall Boot

A little heel, a loud walk.

A winter must. It doesn't need a high heel, but a little height, even a short block heel, helps your posture. I included a full side zip for thicker calves and high arches. I'm one of those ladies!

Tip: have a cobbler add a rubber sole. Your boots will outlast the winter and grip slippery floors. A little heel, a loud walk. That's confidence.

Kitten Heel Boot

Just enough height to change how you stand and walk, without the heel pain.

$109

Shop it at Zara

Knee-High Boot with Full Side Zip

The full side zip makes it easy to get on over thicker calves and high arches.

$398

Shop it at Nordstrom

The Wrap Coat

Invest here.

What's a holiday outfit without a good coat? It completes the look and it’s necessary!

A wool wrap coat is your best coat. Don't be afraid of structured shoulders and seams. It's the easiest way to elevate any outfit. Running to the grocery store or school drop-off in sweats? No one will notice. They'll see the coat first. The sharp collar points, the rich fabric, the easy tie. It looks effortless.

Go long if you can. Petite? The Ralph Lauren runs a little shorter, and the Reiss comes in petite.

Check the fabric. You don't want it to pill.

Look for: tightly woven fabrics like twill, poplin, denim, leather, and suede.

Wool: virgin or new wool beats recycled wool. A little nylon or cotton in the blend adds strength.

Skip: fleece and loose, nubby weaves. They get fuzzy fast.

That's why I say invest. A good coat lasts for years. Not ready to invest? Then keep an eye out for sharp details, like crisp collar points and structure. Questions about fabric? Message me.

Sam Edelman Stand Collar Wrap Coat

Clean lines and set-in sleeves. Good color options. It's fully lined, so it doesn't feel heavy or pull on your clothes. I don't like wool touching my skin directly. The budget-friendly option.

$159.99 (was $240)

Shop it at Nordstrom

Lauren Ralph Lauren Wool Blend Wrap Coat

RL always knows what he’s doing. A nice tailored line and a true wrap coat, finished with topstitch details and cuffs. Plus big patch pockets, easy to drop your cold hands or phone in.

$249.99 (was $400)

Shop it at Nordstrom

Reiss Martina Wrap Coat

This is luxury. It has the button front and the belt, and the flange in the back is actually flattering for the waistline. Wool herringbone.

$698

Shop it at Nordstrom

A quick note

I don’t get a commission on any of these. I haven’t tried on every piece, but I only shop stores with good return policies, so it’s easy to send back what doesn’t work. Use these as examples, not rules. The tips matter more than the exact item, and not every piece works for every body. But don’t be afraid to spend on the right dress, boot, and coat. They’re versatile, and you’ll wear them this year and for years to come. I promise, they’re worth it.