Fashion Defy the Fashion Norm With These 8 Unexpected Holiday Pairings By Andrea Cheng Andrea Cheng Andrea Cheng is a New York-based writer and editor who covers all things fashion, celebrity style, beauty, and trends. She was previously the Digital Fashion News Editor at InStyle. InStyle's editorial guidelines Published on December 6, 2013 @ 06:35AM Pin Share Tweet Email Photo: Courtesy (2) 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. [wrn_button url="https://www.instyle.com/instyle/package/holidaytrends/photos/0,,20754505_20754822_30040425,00.html" text="SHOP HOLIDAY PAIRINGS" title="SHOP HOLIDAY PAIRINGS"] MORE:10 Best Sock-and-Boot Pairings 5 Stylists Reveal How to Look Cool While Staying WarmSpring 2014 Trends That You Can Wear Now 01 of 08 Cozy Sweater + Brocade Pants Courtesy (2) 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.comPants: Galitzine, polyester, acetate and acrylic, $821; farfetch.com 02 of 08 Blazer + Pleated Leather Skirt Courtesy (2) 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.comSkirt: Ruche, polyurethane, $49; shopruche.com 03 of 08 Lace Dress + Brogues Courtesy (2) 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.comBrogues: KG by Kurt Geiger, leather, $214; asos.com 04 of 08 Statement Necklace + Button-Down Courtesy (2) 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.comButton-Down: Boy by Band of Outsiders, cotton, $265; lagarconne.com 05 of 08 Tweed Jacket + Cross-Body Purse Courtesy (2) 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.comPurse: Danielle Nicole, manmade, $38; hsn.com 06 of 08 Silky Pants + Sexy Stilettos Courtesy (2) 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.comStilettos: Aldo, textile, $90; aldoshoes.com 07 of 08 Cocktail Dress + Winter Coat Courtesy (2) 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.comCoat: HampM, wool and polyester, $129; hm.com 08 of 08 Stacked Rings + Studded Clutch Courtesy (2) 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.comClutch: Valentino, leather and studs, $1,495; valentino.com