Hey friends! I am so happy to bring you a special post today, dedicated to how to dress different bodies for the holidays. Many of you may not know this since it’s been a long time, but when I first started this blog, I wasn’t working alone. One of my curvy and stylish friends was my sidekick and together I thought we’d rule the fashion world, lol. Long story short, this did not come to pass and after struggling for the first year she bailed and I was solo. Had I known I’d be running the show alone the blog would have had a different name but I digress.
People decide to start blogs for lots of reasons. For me, as a mental health professional and 15 years as a Weight Watchers leader, I saw how closely tied self esteem and image were tied together. In fact, I once hosted a fashion show at our Weight Watchers location and got Macy’s on board to supply the fashion, make up, and hair for select members of mine who had lost significant amounts of weight and needed help dressing their new bodies. It was well attended and even if it wasn’t, the smiles on my members’ faces once they got their makeovers was enough to last me a lifetime. Now, that kind of thing would be my dream job! Ahh, but I digress yet again.
Let me get to the point, I want this space of the internet to be about loving yourself and feeling confident regardless of age, body type, etc. So I am constantly looking for and admiring women I come across who embody that kind of vibe. This space is not about filters or photoshopping – you can see that in magazine and on TV. I hope you come here to see real women in real clothes.
My specialty, if anything, is attainable fashion. That means it is affordable. I want everyone who stops by and visits to feel like what they are seeing is something they can do. That is always my goal.
So today, I am sharing how to dress for the holidays alongside my gorgeous and kind friend, Cathie from Cathie’s Closet. I met Cathie on Instagram and felt like we connected right away. She is one of those women that I could probably sit and talk with for hours if we ever get the chance to meet in real life.
Here’s what you should know about Cathie. She is the mom of two – a 25 year old son and an almost 18 year old daughter. Seriously she does not look old enough! She is married to an over the road truck driver and is the dog mom to two little girls. She lives in Arizona and says she’s a true “desert girl” who has always loved shopping on a budget. In fact she is a talented thrifter not only buying fashion, shoes, and accessories, but homegoods too. She happily gives discarded items a second life and loves keeping pieces from the landfill. She loves a great sale, especially clearance, and never passes up a good deal. Cathie posts everyday style ideas and affordable fashion for real life women. You can follow Cathie on Instagram!
Without further adieu, let’s talk about how different bodies can dress for the holidays, looking current and FABULOUs!
Blazers for the Holidays
Different bodies but blazers still work! Cathie wore her black blazer with red bottoms for a festive look, and she is wearing those cute mules with the gold buckle.
A blazer adds a touch of elegance and makes everything more chic, don’t you think? There really are so many good ones out there right now. Not only do blazers look good on everyone but they really go with just about everything too.
I copied Cathie’s look somewhat but I did red on top and black on bottom. You first saw this blazer here. While I do like this one from Mango, my favorite is still this one. I check daily and it has not been restocked in red. I do have my eye on this double breasted one however, I think the cut may be better on me. Are you a blazer fan like me?
Sweaters for the Holidays
Sweaters work on every body type and I just love the fair isle style Cathie chose. How cute are those polar bears? I am loving that she is wearing wedge sneakers – certainly comfortable but stylish and trendy too!
I chose a sweater vest and distressed denim. I am loving the trend of sweater vests and feel like this is the perfect way to wear a sweater here in FL. I added my trendy boots and a little bling (okay, a LOT of bling) with my necklace. It feels festive and fun!
My sweater vest is linked here. It comes in 13 colorways! It runs TTS so size up if you want that extra roomy fit – I did not, this is my typical size small.
Patterns for the Holidays
Nothing is more festive than a pretty plaid in holiday colors. Patterns work on all body types regardless of what you’ve heard. Old rules about size and color of the pattern have gone out the window – thank goodness. Let’s all wear patterns and prints and be merry!
Cathie’s plaid is the prettiest color combo for the Christmas season. This would be perfect for tree trimming, gift wrapping, cookie decorating, pretty much any holiday activity. One cannot go wrong with plaid!
My plaid shirt is old and a little too snug across the front so I had to add a Half Tee to it (use my code KELLYANN20 for 20% off your order).I much prefer it this way rather than have it gape open between the buttons. This may be the year I replace it but my weight is up right now – thank you vacation so I’ll wait to see what happens in a few weeks. When I gain weight I gain it in my chest first and then my tummy, oh the joys!
Old Navy has the best plaid in my opinion. So many great colors and all so affordable.
Faux Leather for the Holidays
Faux leather is another YES for every BODY! My faux leather leggings are years old but I still love them. I think they are perfect for dressing up or down and regardless of what your holiday plans are – they can work. Faux leather adds another texture to an outfit so rather than go with plain black leggings, elevate the look with faux leather.
I wore my faux leather with an old OTS top and my black booties. I don’t have vest like Cathie’s but if I did this would be perfect for cooler weather.
Wasn’t that fun? I LOVE that Cathie wears blazers, sweaters, patterns, and faux leather leggings! Cathie is not afraid of trends nor does she shy away from color. This is what I love about my friend – THIS is a woman who is comfortable and happy in her skin! My hope is that you are inspired by these looks and the next time you are wondering what to wear, you’ll think of this post. I hope you’ll go visit my friend Cathie and tell her how much you love her style and confidence!
Need more ideas? Follow me on the LTK Shopping app – this is a great way to shop not only what I post on the blog but other finds as well. I am constantly updating! Follow me here.
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