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Style Savvy: How to Dress for Connection Over the Holidays

Style Savvy
HOW TO DRESS FOR CONNECTION OVER THE HOLIDAYS

By: Christine Tusher | December 9, 2025

The holidays in Marin County are all about connection. Whether it's catching up with extended family, chatting with coworkers outside the office, or clinking glasses with neighbors you haven’t seen in a while, this season gives us plenty of chances to come together. Believe it or not, what you wear can shape how those connections feel even before you say a word.

That’s where color psychology comes in. Different colors send different emotional signals. They can make you seem more approachable, more grounded, more energized — whatever you're going for.

Let’s take a page from Joanne, Kristen Bell’s character in the Netflix series Nobody Wants This. Most of the time, she’s dressed in bright, attention-grabbing colors like red that reflect her bold personality and emotional intensity. But when she hosts her first dinner party — a moment where she really wants things to feel calm, comforting, and stable — she shows up in brown. That shift isn't random. Brown is a color that says, “you can relax with me,” which is exactly the message she wants to send.

You don’t need a Hollywood costume designer to make smart choices like that. Here’s how you can use color to shape the energy of your holiday gatherings.

1. The Work Party: Professional With a Personal Touch

Navigating a holiday work event can feel like walking a social tightrope. You want to look festive, but not too flashy. Warm, but still polished.

That’s where navy, charcoal, and emerald green come in.

Navy is one of the most trusted colors out there, which is why it’s a popular color for business suits. It has a magical way of making you look confident and reliable without trying too hard. Think of it as the “cool aunt” of corporate colors. It’s not quite as basic as black, but it always manages to look exactly right.

Charcoal is a little softer than black, but still feels grown-up. It says you’ve got it together, but you’re not afraid to unwind a little. If it’s in a cozy velvet blazer or a textured skirt, even better. Those details add richness without screaming for attention.

Emerald green is a standout choice if you want to feel festive but refined. It’s vibrant without being loud and tends to look amazing on everyone. Plus, green is associated with balance and renewal, which are two things we could all use a bit more of by year’s end.

A hint of gold or silver in your accessories can bring in that holiday sparkle without overpowering your look. Think of it as adding a wink, not a shout.

2. The Family Gathering: Soft, Cozy, and Rooted

For family get-togethers, you want to feel and be perceived as grounded and warm. Earth tones are your friend here. Think rust, soft browns, forest greens, and creamy neutrals.

Brown, like Joanne’s dinner party outfit, is the ultimate comfort color. It creates a sense of steadiness and trust. When you wear it, people instinctively feel at ease around you.

If you want to bring in a little seasonal richness, try touches of burgundy or deep plum. They feel festive but still intimate. Add some texture – like a chunky knit — and you’ve got a look that says “pull up a chair and stay awhile.”

3. The Social Mixer: Shine With Purpose

Holiday cocktails, community events, gallery walks are your moments to turn up the volume a bit. This is where metallics and jewel tones come into play.

Silver gives off cool, modern energy. It feels fresh and a little bit edgy even when you’re using it as an accent. A simple silver shoe or bit of shimmer in your makeup can make your outfit pop.

Gold, on the other hand, is all about warmth and celebration. It’s the color of joy and generosity, making it perfect for a toast or a laugh over spiced cider.

Then you’ve got the jewel tones: ruby, sapphire, emerald. These colors feel luxurious and emotionally rich. Ruby draws people in, emerald radiates creativity, and sapphire has a calm elegance. They're bold, but in a way that feels intentional and thoughtful.

If your goal is to make a connection, let your outfit help you start the conversation. A touch of sparkle or a rich color can be just enough to draw someone in.

So, as you plan your outfits this season, try asking yourself, how do I want people to feel when they're around me? Safe? Uplifted? Inspired? There’s a color for that.

As moms, we pride ourselves on doing things with intention — how we eat, how we raise our families, how we spend our time. Dressing with that same mindfulness during the holidays can help turn casual interactions into genuine moments of connection.

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Christine Tusher is a personal stylist and the founder of Christine Elise Style. She empowers women to rediscover their personal style and infuse their wardrobe with excitement and ease. Christine offers color analysis, closet audits, and personal shopping both remotely and in person to Bay Area clients. You can learn more about her at christineelisestyle.com