Festive Men’s Holiday Party Outfits in 2025

by Keli Lytton | Nov 14, 2024

How to Dress for a Holiday Party, Men's Outfit Ideas

Holiday season is finally here! And with the holidays come holiday parties... thus perpetuating the yearly question: What should you wear to all of your end-of-year gatherings?

Here’s the scoop: In 2025, we’re moving away from classic suit and tie ensembles in favor of relaxed silhouettes and non-traditional layering. 
Trending texture-forward statement pieces, colorful cardigans, bold patterns and fresh layering combinations create the perfect opportunity for men to lean into their creative side! It’s easy to feel out of your comfort zone if you’re new to exploring standout texture, color or pattern. That’s why we’ve come up with a few simple guidelines to get you started. 

Want to ring in the new year in style? Check out Personal Stylist Meg Gallagher's Men's Styling Services.

What Keeps The Look from Being Too Casual, Sloppy or “Weird”:

The best way to keep standout pieces appearing balanced within your outfit is to surround them with elevated yet simplistic basics.
Examples:
-A velvet Blazer worn with a basic silk blend tee or polo, a great trouser, and finished off with boots, leather sneakers or loafers for your office party.
-A fuzzy plaid statement cardigan paired with a silk-blend black tee and trousers or dark jeans, , and finished off with boots for a stylish holiday dinner gathering.

What to Wear to an Office Party

For many, office parties have shifted into a confusing gray area between dressed up and casual.
This can be addressed with thematic festive pieces and maintaining an elevated look through smart layering/interesting texture.
Example: Define your outfit with a snappy holiday blazer in velvet, corduroy or leather and layer it over a silk blend tee, polo shirt, mock neck or turtleneck sweater. Finish the look with trousers and boots or loafers. 

Check out this blazer layering inspo from Mr. Porter & Banana Republic:

Some inspiration for what to layer under your blazer:

What to Wear to a Home or Semi-Casual Gathering 

This year's Holiday sweaters and cardigans aren’t like your grandma’s brightly colored Santa sweaters!
Play with 2024’s greatest sweater trends.

Pattern: Plaid, houndstooth, stripes, fair isle
Texture-heavy: Boucle and fuzz
Color (Saturated, but not overt): Thematic holiday reds, winter greens, fall orange 
Silhouette: Polo sweater, cardigan, mock neck, funnel neck
What to wear with it: Pair with trousers or jeans and leather sneakers

We love these festive polo-sweaters in Plaid, Red Velour, Stripe and Fuzzy Pine Green:

Festive Going out Look, Define it With the Jacket

If you’re headed to an outdoor event or need to lean into another casual yet elevated gray area, pair a thematic jacket over a tee, polo or sweater and trousers or jeans.

Here's some jacket layering ideas from Mr. Porter:

The Men's Holiday Edit: It's All About Texture, Pattern and Color

Enjoy our edit of starter-friendly standout pieces that feel fresh, unique and festive.

Shop our favorite festive men's layers below:

Want more shopping inspo? Check out Los Angeles Personal Stylist Meg Gallagher's blog here.

Travel Capsule Wardrobe Essentials for Easy Style on the Go

by Keli Lytton | Oct 18, 2024

Stumped on how to pack for your next long weekend trip? Learn to travel in style step-by-step with Personal Stylist Los Angeles Meg Gallagher's guide on how to pack a weekend trip travel capsule wardrobe!
We'll cover all the bases from dressing for the plane ride, to city walks and evenings out.

Keep reading for Meg's Ultimate Fall & Winter Travel Capsule Wardrobe Packing Guide, her Travel Wardrobe Essentials Must-Haves Shopping List and tips and tricks for planning itinerary-based outfit ideas.

A Common Packing Mistake: The Problem with "Wearing All-Black"

If I’m going out on a trip, I want to feel fabulous. How on earth do you do that with a limited wardrobe?
A typical mistake I see clients make with their capsule wardrobe is packing an all-black wardrobe in an attempt to avoid figuring out what to wear. For many, black is comfortable for avoiding stains and wrinkles, along with sticking to the idea that it "pairs with everything". I don't know about you, but I don’t want to walk around in all-black travel clothes. Purchasing a bunch of pieces in one color not only feels boring, but looks boring. It's a mindset that's all about playing it safe. It's time to dispel the habit of hiding away in all-black clothing!

What I do believe in is traveling comfortable and chic. For beginners, a capsule wardrobe can easily be achieved by limiting yourself to coordinating neutrals and select easy-to-pair classic colors like red, pink or blue. There are so many options these days for versatile, anti-wrinkle pieces to include in your travel wardrobe. Sticking to a few classic pieces that can mixed and matched, as well as built up or down with accessories keeps you from not packing too much or too little.

Start with breaking down your itinerary.

Where are you going? Are you headed to New York or Paris, where everyone dresses up? Or a casual mountain lodge with friends where loungewear, denim and sweaters will be appropriate? Don't look like a tourist! A simple search on instagram or google will give you a good idea of what people typically wear at your destination.

Don't forget the weather. Check the weather before your trip to figure out what kind of layers you will need.

What's the itinerary? Break down your itinerary and determine the outfits you'll need throughout the day based on your activities.

Will you have time to change? If you're going from a city walk to a nice dinner or evening out, you'll want to make a decision on whether it's feasible to go home and change, or if you'll need to plan out a day-to-night transitional outfit by bringing alternative accessories or shoes, a removable sweater or shirt over a dress, etc.

Can you wear the same thing twice? Think about access to laundry machines, the amount of physical activity and walking you'll be doing, which pieces could get sweaty or dirty, and whether you'd want to wear the same outfit twice to determine how many outfits you'll need to pack.

A 4 Day City Weekend Sample Itinerary:

DAY 1: Flying to your Destination and Dinner
Travel Look: 2-Piece Knit Set and sneakers.
Once you arrive to your hotel, you change into your dress with jewelry, a coat and ballet flats and head to dinner.

DAY 2: Sightseeing at museums, walking the city and shopping.
Sightseeing Look: White tee, denim, ballet flats or sneakers and coat.

DAY 3: Meeting friends for lunch, then going to the theater in the evening.
The Day to Night Look: Re-Wear your Dress from Day 1 with a sweater layered over the top. Remove the sweater and swap for a wrap, then add jewelry for theater look.

DAY 4: Brunch and fly home
Travel Look 2: Re-wearing your Sweater, Denim and sneakers.

How many pieces were used? Only Ten:
2-Piece Knit Set 
White Tee
Denim
Dress
Sweater
Coat
Wrap
Sneakers
Ballet Flats
Jewelry

The Travel Capsule Wardrobe Packing List

Here is a great list to jumpstart your minimalist travel capsule wardrobe.

-Light to Mid Weight Coat (that can go from day to night)

-A Top Layer (cardigan, sweater, hoodie, sweatshirt)

-Dress or Jumpsuit (for dinner looks)

-2 Piece Knit Outfit 

-Versatile Pants/Bottoms (knit pant, denim, trouser or midi skirt)

-Versatile Tees/Tanks (if they get sweaty, you switch it out)

-Button Down Shirt (to layer with clothing and change up your look)

-Sneakers

-Shoe for Evening (ballet flats or ankle boot)

-Crossbody Bag (that converts to clutch for evening) 

-Scarf/Wrap (for airplane and potentially as a wrap for evenings)

-Accessories (the easiest way to change up your look)

Shop Stylist-Approved Fall Travel Capsule Wardrobe Pieces:

Light to Mid-Weight Coat

Pack a light to mid-weight coat (determined by your destination's location and projected weather) that's versatile and easy to throw over denim and t-shirts, along with dresses and skirts. Aim for simple, oversized neutrals that are easy to layer and wear over thick knit tops and sleeves. We love double faced wool coats, relaxed leather jackets and cape jackets for Fall 2024!

Top Layer (Cardigan, Sweater, Hoodie, Sweatshirt and/or Button Up)

Use a top layer over tees, tanks and dresses to change up your outfit:

Pants or Skirt (Knit Pant, Denim, Trouser or Midi Skirt)

We love these basics for travel!
The Ruti Ultimate Barrel Jean is both comfy and not an overly exaggerated silhouette.
The Effortless Pant is a low maintenance trouser ideal for travel.
The Westport Brushed Pant is a sophisticated pull-on pant with a comfortable waistband ideal for plane rides and traveling around the city.
The Flannel Midi Skirt is another favorite that gives the same versatility as denim or a trouser, but in the form of a packable skirt.

Dress or Jumpsuit for Dinners and Evenings Out

Pair or layer over these dresses/jumpsuits with cardigans, sweaters, button ups and sneakers for days out. Dress them up with accessories and flats or booties for evenings and going to dinner.

Two Piece Travel-Friendly Knit Sets

Versatile two piece knit sets are great for plane rides and sharp casual outfits, along with mixing and matching into other outfits. We suggest purchasing a set in a neutral or easy-to-pair color way:

Tops (a Tee, Tank and Knit)

Mix your basic tees, tanks and knit tops with denim, trousers, skirts and more. Check out our favorite chic basics that open the door to endless outfit ideas on your trip:

Sneakers

We love a great sneaker that pairs with trousers, dresses and denim for plane rides and days full of walking the city. We suggest this year's hottest sneaker, the Adidas Sambas, or Veronica Beard's elevated slip-on Valentina Sneaker:

Shoe for "Everything" (Day to Night Shoe)

Pack a shoe in addition to your sneakers that you can walk around in and wear to dinner. Ballet flats and booties are great choices for Fall 2024:

Accessory Essentials (Multi-Purpose Bag, Scarf/Wrap, Sunglasses, Jewelry)

Personal Stylist Meg Gallagher loves this pocket scarf from Lafayette. It’s a blanket for the plane, and an extra layer to throw on while walking around on nights out, or at dinner. You can even keep your phone, glasses and AirPods in the pockets!!!:

Use this great belt as a versatile accessory to dress up denim and trousers, or for belting coats and dresses:

The LV Pochette Coussin Bag is a versatile 3-way hybrid bag, converting from shoulder or belt bag during the day to a clutch for evenings out.
The Mango Black Shopper Bag is a versatile large bag that's useful for carrying city essentials, umbrellas, and more on shopping and exploring days out in the city:

Here are some great examples of packable trend-right versatile jewelry and accessories that can change and elevate your outfit while not taking up any space in your carry on bag:

Want more great styling tips? Check out more of wardrobe stylist Meg Gallagher's blog posts here!

Meg Visits NYFW SS25, Here are the Top Trends For Spring 2025

by Keli Lytton | Sep 11, 2024

Personal Stylist Meg Gallagher travelled to NYC for the NYFW Spring/Summer 25 Trunkshows to get the scoop on the top fashion trends for SS25. Find out what collections are worth all the hype, and how to get exclusive access to runway pieces below.

The Top 7 NYFW Trends for SS25

Here are 7 trends we've been noticing at fashion week for Spring/Summer 2025. Stay ahead of the trend and see how you can shop your favorites straight off the runway with Meg's special access to Trunkshow pre-ordering.

Textural Details

TONS of texture on the runway and at the trunk shows. Beading, netting, colored leather, feathers, tassels and more are paired together as texture-on-texture, or used as a statement pieces.

Butter Yellow

Pale "butter" yellow (or, should we call it Sabrina Carpenter Yellow?) is hitting the runway in full force with everything from head-to-toe ensembles, to usage as an "almost-neutral" grounding color in coats and bags. It pairs effortlessly with white, browns, soft black and gray, or bold colors like red.

Barrel Jeans

Barrel jeans were seen EVERYWHERE in NYC, both on the runway and in street style. Embraced this relaxed, roomy denim trend for 2025 with anything from roomy tucked in button ups and tees to fitted tank tops, vest tops and crops. Polish your look with a tweed ladybird jacket or leather bomber. (Photo via Rachel Comey/Getty)

From Crop Tops to Long Tops

Crop top domination is taking a few steps back - We're seeing long tops all over the runway, mirroring the drop hem we've been seeing in dresses over the past few months. (Photo via Toteme/Getty)

Sheer Details

Sheer details create an ultra-wearable variation to the ongoing sheer trend in the form of delicate trim, layerable sheer cardigans, shirting layers, layered skirts and more.

Belts High and Low

Belts are used for both cinching at the waist, draping it low on the hip or layering both! Go beyond the standard belt; varied pieces like tassel belts, braided, studded and emblem belts were all seen on the runway for SS25.

Straight from the Boudoir: Silk and Lace Slip Dresses, Tanks and Skirts

Silky dresses, tanks and skirts adorned with lace and sheer details cascaded down the runway!

What's a Trunkshow?

Ever fall in love with pieces on the runway, and wonder how to get your hands on it? You may see these familiar pieces pop up in paparazzi photos on celebrities at parties, but about 70% of pieces from the runway never actually make it into stores where you can buy it too. Exclusive? Yes - But are these pieces reserved only for celebrities? NO!

Experience first dibs on the latest in fashion, months before anyone else. Shopping with Meg Gallagher gives you boundless access to entire runway collections. (IMAGE VIA GETTY/PROENZA SCHOULER)

Order it Right off The Runway!

Building your dream wardrobe becomes possible! Define your personal style with fabulous and functional pieces from your favorite designers, made just for you.

Pre-Ordering from collections has a time frame, so orders must be placed within a window, typically with a deposit to the designer to ensure production in your size and the final balance paid upon shipment.
Order cancellations and full refunds are pending dependent on the designer if you change your mind, or find that the piece doesn't fit. (IMAGE VIA GETTY/KHAITE)

Your Pieces Arrive A Little Later.

Pre-ordering takes time. With craftsmanship and attention to detail as the priority, your pieces will arrive in accordance to the designer's production schedule; weeks, or potentially a few months later. Ordering in advance guarantees high-quality on-trend pieces that will set you up for the season in style. (IMAGE VIA GETTY/SIMKHAI)

Did you know Meg offers pre-ordering on Trunkshows?

Here's a list of designers you get premium access to when shopping with Meg:

Stylish Fall Wedding Guest Dresses for Every Type of Wedding

by Keli Lytton | Aug 23, 2024

The Difference Between Summer and Fall Weddings

Wedding guest dresses for fall bring their own seasonal nuances that should be considered when planning what to wear. We’ve compiled a checklist of guidelines to consider below.

Reach out to Los Angeles Personal Stylist Meg Gallagher here to book her Event and Wedding Styling Services.

Think about the pattern & fabric: Swap summer florals for winter-esque florals. Trade bright blossoms, tropical jungle and hibiscus designs for pieces reminiscent of dutch still life paintings; delicate florals and berry blossoms resting on a deep, dark background. 
Introduce velvet, corduroy, netting, lace and embellished pieces like embroidery, appliqué, sequin, or beading. Broaden your scope to rich fall/winter colors like burgundy, plum and deep green.

Identify the Date, Location & Forecast

Fall brings transitional temperatures, so it’s important to take note of how early or late in the season your event is taking place. You may not be able to predict the exact weather right away, but you can get a good enough idea of what to expect by looking up month-by-month predictions available on reputable weather websites like https://weather.com/.

These monthly predictions are based off of historical data, and can serve as a general guideline for determining fabrics, layers and outerwear. Always double-check the forecast closer to the date in order to prepare for unexpected hot/cold fronts or rain. (If you’re traveling to or around California, this will also help you check for potential wildfires.)

Identify the Time of Day and Vibe

What time of day is your event taking place?

Day weddings typically range from casual to semi-formal, with guests utilizing a wider range of texture, easier silhouettes, varied dress lengths and lighter/brighter colors. 

Evening weddings imply a formal bend, with allowance for darker suits, glitzy jewelry, deeper colorways, dramatic silhouettes and longer dress lengths. 

What is the “vibe”? (Note the venue, the invitation & the couple.)

Does the invitation state a certain dress code, or provide a color theme?
Prioritize the couple’s request and incorporate this into your outfit where possible.

Look up the venue in advance. Is it at a restaurant or business?
Look at the venue’s social media to see pictures of the event space. 

What do you know about the couple?
Are they creatives? Is their family traditional or conservative? Identify the couple’s style and make note of the expected crowd. This can help you make informed decisions about your outfit such as wearing artistic, wild patterns or opting against a plunging neckline.

Think About the Details (Shoes, Accessories, The Outer Layer)

Is the event indoor or outdoor?
Depending on the time of day and event space, this is a massive determining factor for if you’ll need to bring an outer later, and how thick it should be. Do not let your outerwear be an afterthought! Nothing ruins an outfit like a mismatched jacket thrown on top. Opt for a great tuxedo blazer, elegant duster coat, embellished crop cardigan, matching shawl, wrap or silk scarf.

Are you going to be on grass?
Don’t let your heels sink into the ground. Pull a Carrie Bradshaw and bring a cute pair of flats in your bag or car to change between accordingly.

Are you staying at an on-site hotel, or driving? 
If you can, store extra shoes and layers in your car or have them at-the-ready to grab from your room. Having that designated space to change your shoes and access a coat if needed is ideal.

Make a list before shopping for your outfit!
Wedding weekends can get really expensive, even as a guest. Start slotting what you already own in your wardrobe, and THEN shop for the holes! It’s easy to forget what kinds of jewelry, shoes, dresses and outer layers you may already have. 

How to Dress For a City Wedding

Urban weddings are great for chic, dramatic looks with saturated colors, definitive silhouettes and great heels. Go for bold, sexy and glamorous whether the dress code is black tie or cocktail! 

Shop City Wedding Guest Dresses:

How to Dress for a Mountain or Forest Wedding

Florals, botanical greens, flowy dresses and soft whimsical details are emblematic of Mountain/Forest Weddings! Pay special attention to terrain and consider your shoes accordingly. Remember that temperature decreases with altitude, so prepare an outer layer to have on-hand. 

Shop Mountain Wedding Outfits:

The All-Purpose Dress:

Outfit ideas for weddings and surrounding events that feel intimate and low-key. This look can camouflage between pre-wedding weekend events, rehearsal dinners, and semi-casual church, country or garden weddings. 

Shop Dresses, Jumpsuits and Two-pieces:

The Art of a Minimalist Summer Capsule Wardrobe

by Keli Lytton | Jul 26, 2024

Let's be real here, it's HOT outside! When I was trying to figure out what to talk about this week, I realized that there are still a lot of people searching for those summer basics that they didn't get around to purchasing in Spring. Whether you thought you could brave the heat with your current wardrobe and realized you needed something more, or thought you were just too late in the game to shop summer - you're still in a good place to get those great seasonal pieces that will carry you into Fall at a steep discount!

Look no further for answers on how to build a minimalist wardrobe for summer.
I've compiled a list of 10 must-have wardrobe essentials for your summer checklist that feel versatile, seasonally relevant and easy to wear again and again (so you can wear it next year, too).
Each piece has been selected from JCREW's massive summer sale.

Why JCREW?
Olympia Gayot ( J.Crew's executive creative director since 2020) is known to convey "an elusive sense of chic that’s applicable to everyday life", ushering in an era of relaxed elegance to JCREW's brand under her direction. JCREW's adaptable pieces make this site a great resource for all ages to snag affordable yet high quality building blocks to their seasonal wardrobe. We love this site for their wide selection of both classic and subtle trend pieces, extensive size ranges (including petites, plus and tall) and pieces for work, play and weekend.

Top 10 Summer Wardrobe Essentials

Build your summer minimalist capsule wardrobe with Personal Stylist Meg Gallagher's list of 10 must-have wardrobe essentials for 2025.

1. A Summer Top

2. Shorts

3. Linen Trousers or Summer Denim

4. Matching Sets

5. Lightweight Top Layer

6. Summer Jacket

7. Summer Sandals

8. Swimsuit

9. Summer Accessories

10. Summer Dress