Defy the Fashion Norm With These 8 Unexpected Holiday Pairings

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Some things naturally pair well together, like peanut butter and jelly or balsamic vinegar and olive oil. The same goes for fashion (think: tights and dresses or button-downs and blazers). This winter, we dare you to stand out with unexpected, surprising combos that defy the norm.

Neutralize the grandeur of gilded brocade pants with a cozy slouchy sweater, or consider pastel-on-pastel and opt for a frosty gray overcoat (as opposed to classic black) to top an icy-pink holiday shift dress. Got a no-nonsense, no-frills blouse? Lessen the conservative look with an over-the-top accessory. See all eight pairings to give your wardrobe a refreshing spin.

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Cozy Sweater + Brocade Pants

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Who says fashion and comfort can’t coexist? Tone down the grandeur of gilded brocade pants with a slouchy knit. Keep the look polished by pairing similar shades (note how our picks both have warm undertones).

Sweater: J.Crew, wool, yak and nylon, $443; jcrew.com
Pants: Galitzine, polyester, acetate and acrylic, $821; farfetch.com

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Blazer + Pleated Leather Skirt

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Pair a smart blazer with a pleated, full-skirted silhouette for a genteel, ladylike look with just a smidge of edge.

Blazer: River Island, polyester and elastane, $90; riverisland.com
Skirt: Ruche, polyurethane, $49; shopruche.com

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Lace Dress + Brogues

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A frothy dress that boasts tulle and lace can easily cross into excessively saccharine territory. Nix sweet, dainty heels and go for a masculine shoe in graphic contrasting colors for a charming effect.

Dress: Alice by Temperley, nylon and polyester, $490; net-a-porter.com
Brogues: KG by Kurt Geiger, leather, $214; asos.com

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Statement Necklace + Button-Down

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A buttoned-up blouse (yes, all the way up!) doesn’t necessarily have to seem straitlaced. Flashy jewels or chunky chains deliver an air of lightheartedness without looking gaudy-just keep it to one loud piece per outfit.

Necklace: Baublebar, acrylic, $38; baublebar.com
Button-Down: Boy by Band of Outsiders, cotton, $265; lagarconne.com

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Tweed Jacket + Cross-Body Purse

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Tweed is one of winter’s star textiles, thanks to its sturdy woven nature and ladylike origin. Shoulder a bold purse in a bright shade, like cobalt blue, which serves up a refreshing change against the conservative fabric.

Jacket: Joie, cotton and polyester, $298; joie.com
Purse: Danielle Nicole, manmade, $38; hsn.com

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Silky Pants + Sexy Stilettos

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Tapered trousers embody the comfort of pajama bottoms while retaining some semblance of professionalism. Throw tuxedo stripes in the mix, and you’ve got yourself one sharp looking pant. Go a sexy step further with gold-plated killer heels.

Pants: Tibi, polyester, viscose and elastane, $295; tibi.com
Stilettos: Aldo, textile, $90; aldoshoes.com

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Cocktail Dress + Winter Coat

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A stunning pinkish-nude dress, hand-sewn with crystals, glass beads and enameled stones, deserves an equally stunning coat. Instead of classic black, surprise onlookers with a frosty gray topper.

Dress: Tory Burch, silk, $695; toryburch.com
Coat: HampM, wool and polyester, $129; hm.com

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Stacked Rings + Studded Clutch

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The best kind of clutch to show off a decadent ring (or, in this case, four) is one designed with a handle. Perfect for easy gripping, this clutch was much made for showing off dressed-up digits.

Ring: Iosselliani, brass, $264; bonadrag.com
Clutch: Valentino, leather and studs, $1,495; valentino.com

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Defy the Fashion Norm With These 8 Unexpected Holiday Pairings