A holiday party is the perfect canvas for making a memorable style statement. While many reach for sequins and velvet, true sartorial mastery lies in elevating a classic. Enter houndstooth: a timeless, sophisticated pattern often associated with tweed jackets and office wear. But what if you could transform this iconic print into the centerpiece of a festive, head-turning holiday look?
This is not a guide to wearing a conservative blazer to a Christmas dinner. This is an exploration of how to infuse houndstooth with holiday cheer, using clever layering, unexpected color pairings, and strategic accessorizing to create a look that is both festive and impossibly chic. We’ll move beyond the traditional black-and-white to embrace jewel tones, metallics, and rich textures. This is about making a definitive, confident statement that says you understand style, and you know how to have a good time.
The Foundation: Choosing Your Houndstooth Piece
The key to a successful houndstooth holiday look is starting with the right garment. The scale and color of the pattern will dictate the direction of your entire outfit.
1. The Classic Black and White Blazer: This is the most common and versatile houndstooth piece. Its strength is its neutrality, which allows you to build a vivid holiday outfit around it.
- The Festive Formula: Layer the blazer over a simple, high-quality base, then inject holiday color and texture. For example, pair a cropped houndstooth blazer with a sleek, sleeveless turtleneck bodysuit in deep emerald green. Add a high-waisted black leather skirt for an edgy twist and finish with sheer black tights and patent leather boots. The houndstooth provides the sophisticated structure, while the emerald and leather bring the festive, celebratory vibe.
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A Second Take: For a more relaxed event, style a boyfriend-fit houndstooth blazer over a fine-gauge knit sweater in a rich burgundy or cranberry. Pair this with sleek, dark-wash denim that has a polished finish. Elevate the look with a pair of pointed-toe pumps in black or a metallic gold. The houndstooth grounds the look, while the color and shoe choice keep it from feeling too casual.
2. The Colored Houndstooth Garment: Modern interpretations of houndstooth come in every shade imaginable, and a colored piece can be a fantastic shortcut to a festive look.
- The Red Houndstooth: A red and black houndstooth skirt or dress is a holiday-party home run. Style a red and black houndstooth A-line mini skirt with a black silk blouse. The silk’s sheen adds a luxurious texture that contrasts beautifully with the woven houndstooth. Instead of a standard black boot, opt for a knee-high boot in a soft, suede finish. This is an outfit that balances sharp lines with rich materials for a refined yet playful feel.
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The Brown Houndstooth: For a warmer, more rustic holiday aesthetic, a brown and cream houndstooth coat is an ideal outer layer. Pair it with a head-to-toe monochromatic cream or ivory outfit—think a cashmere sweater and tailored trousers. The houndstooth coat then becomes the hero piece, adding a touch of rich, earthy pattern that’s perfect for a cozy but chic gathering.
3. The Houndstooth Accessory: If you’re hesitant to commit to a full garment, a houndstooth accessory can be the perfect starting point.
- The Houndstooth Scarf or Stole: A large, oversized houndstooth scarf can be draped over a simple black dress or a monochrome jumpsuit. This instantly adds pattern and texture without overwhelming the look. Choose one with a subtle metallic thread woven in for a hint of sparkle.
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The Houndstooth Bag: A structured handbag in houndstooth can elevate a minimalist outfit. Imagine a simple black crepe sheath dress, elevated with a houndstooth clutch and a pair of statement earrings. The bag acts as a focal point, a pop of classic pattern that feels modern and unexpected.
Juxtaposing Textures: The Key to a Dynamic Outfit
A successful holiday party look is all about dimension. Combining the structured, flat weave of houndstooth with different materials is crucial for creating visual interest.
1. Velvet: The Ultimate Holiday Pairing: Velvet is synonymous with the holidays, and its soft, plush texture is the perfect counterpoint to the graphic nature of houndstooth.
- A Velvet Skirt: A pair of black houndstooth trousers paired with a velvet blazer in a deep jewel tone like sapphire or forest green creates an ensemble that is both sharp and luxurious. The trousers keep the look tailored and clean, while the velvet jacket adds a tactile, celebratory element.
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Velvet Accessories: If a full velvet garment feels too bold, incorporate it through a simple accessory. A pair of velvet heels in a deep red or bottle green with a houndstooth dress or suit instantly signals a festive mood. Alternatively, a velvet clutch can add that soft, touchable finish to a sleek houndstooth look.
2. Leather: For an Edgy, Modern Vibe: The sleek, tough texture of leather provides a striking contrast to the woven, traditional feel of houndstooth, creating an outfit with attitude.
- A Leather Skirt or Pants: A houndstooth blazer layered over a simple black top, paired with a leather pencil skirt or tailored leather pants, gives the classic pattern a contemporary edge. The reflective quality of the leather makes the houndstooth stand out, and the combination feels intentional and high-fashion.
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Leather Boots: A pair of black leather boots—be they knee-high, ankle, or over-the-knee—can add a tough-luxe element to any houndstooth dress or skirt. For a more subtle approach, opt for a patent leather finish to add a polished shine.
3. Satin and Silk: Adding Luster and Movement: The fluidity and sheen of satin or silk soften the rigidity of houndstooth, introducing a sense of grace and elegance.
- A Satin Cami or Blouse: Wear a houndstooth blazer or jacket over a lustrous satin camisole in a contrasting color. A black and white houndstooth blazer paired with a silver or gold satin cami and black high-waisted trousers creates a look that’s both sharp and celebratory. The light catches the satin, adding a subtle glow.
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Silk Accessories: A silk scarf tied at the neck or a silk ribbon in your hair can add a delicate touch. A pair of silk trousers with a houndstooth top or vest creates a powerful play on textures, with the fluid silk moving gracefully against the more static houndstooth.
Strategic Color Play: Beyond the Black and White
While black and white is the classic foundation, the holiday season demands a more vibrant palette. Houndstooth is surprisingly versatile and can be used to anchor a look with bold, festive colors.
1. Deep Jewel Tones: Rich, saturated colors like emerald green, ruby red, and sapphire blue are perfect partners for black and white houndstooth.
- Emerald Green: Pair a houndstooth pencil skirt with an emerald green silk blouse. The green instantly elevates the pattern from professional to festive. Complete the look with black stockings and black heels to keep the focus on the vibrant top.
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Ruby Red: Red is the ultimate holiday power color. A black and white houndstooth blazer over a simple black dress becomes instantly festive with the addition of a bold red lip, a red clutch, or a pair of red shoes. For a more sophisticated take, a fine-gauge merino wool sweater in a deep ruby can be worn under the blazer.
2. Metallics: A Touch of Holiday Magic: A hint of shimmer can take any houndstooth look from stylish to party-ready.
- Gold and Silver: Use metallic accessories to bring the sparkle. A houndstooth dress with a pair of gold or silver heeled sandals, a metallic clutch, and coordinating jewelry makes a powerful statement. The metallic sheen plays off the graphic pattern without competing with it.
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Subtle Sparkle: Look for houndstooth fabrics that have a metallic thread woven in. This provides a built-in festive shimmer. Alternatively, a high-shine patent leather shoe or a belt with a large, gleaming buckle can achieve a similar effect.
3. Unexpected Colors: Don’t be afraid to go beyond the traditional holiday palette.
- Hot Pink or Fuchsia: For a modern, fashion-forward look, pair a houndstooth skirt with a fine-gauge knit sweater in a vibrant fuchsia. This unexpected color combination is playful and chic, showing an advanced understanding of color theory.
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Mustard Yellow: A pop of mustard yellow against black and white houndstooth creates a warm, vintage-inspired look. A mustard yellow sweater or a simple camisole can instantly transform the pattern into something cozy and cool.
Mastering the Art of Layering: The Third Dimension
Layering is what separates a good outfit from a great one. With houndstooth, thoughtful layering adds depth, warmth, and complexity, making it ideal for a winter party.
1. The High-Impact Outer Layer: Let a houndstooth coat or longline jacket be the statement piece you wear over a simpler outfit.
- Over a Jumpsuit: A structured houndstooth trench coat or blazer coat worn over a black or deep-toned velvet jumpsuit is effortlessly sophisticated. The long lines of the coat and jumpsuit create a lean silhouette, while the play between the two textures is captivating.
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Over a Dress: A houndstooth coat over a silk or satin slip dress creates a beautiful contrast. The coat’s structure protects the delicate dress, and the houndstooth becomes the hero as you enter the room, revealing the elegant dress underneath.
2. Underneath the Houndstooth: Consider what you wear under your houndstooth piece for an unexpected detail.
- Turtlenecks: A black, white, or colored turtleneck is the perfect foundational layer under a houndstooth blazer or dress. It creates a sleek, clean line and adds warmth. A turtleneck in a metallic silver or gold can add a subtle festive touch.
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Lace and Sheer Fabric: A houndstooth jacket can be worn over a sheer blouse or a lace-trimmed camisole for a delicate, romantic touch. This contrast of a traditionally masculine pattern with feminine details is a powerful styling technique.
The Finishing Touches: Hair, Makeup, and Accessories
The details are what will elevate your houndstooth look from chic to unforgettable.
1. Jewelry: From Subtle to Statement:
- Statement Earrings: With a classic black and white houndstooth piece, bold earrings are the perfect way to add personality and color. Choose a pair of oversized red, green, or sapphire blue drop earrings.
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Delicate Necklaces: If your neckline is open, a delicate layered gold or silver necklace can add a subtle shimmer without competing with the busy pattern.
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Bangles and Cuffs: A simple, structured houndstooth outfit can be livened up with a stack of metallic bangles or a single, architectural cuff bracelet.
2. Footwear: Grounding the Look:
- Pointed-Toe Pumps: A classic choice that never fails. A simple black or metallic pump elongates the leg and adds a touch of formal elegance.
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Ankle or Knee-High Boots: For a more modern or edgy look, a pair of sleek boots, either in leather, suede, or patent, can perfectly complement houndstooth trousers, skirts, or dresses.
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Heeled Loafers: For a party that’s more casual but still chic, a pair of black or metallic heeled loafers provides comfort and style.
3. Hair and Makeup:
- Hair: With a strong, graphic pattern like houndstooth, a sleek hairstyle works best. A polished low bun, a slicked-back ponytail, or a structured bob allows the outfit to take center stage. For a softer look, add some loose waves for a romantic, vintage feel.
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Makeup: Use makeup to add color and drama. A classic red lip is the ultimate partner for black and white houndstooth. For a more understated look, a smoky eye with a nude lip is always sophisticated. For a touch of holiday sparkle, a subtle metallic eyeshadow or highlighter can catch the light beautifully.
Houndstooth by Garment: Actionable Examples
A. Houndstooth Dress:
- How to do it: Choose a houndstooth dress with a structured silhouette, like a sheath or A-line. Add a metallic belt to cinch the waist and a pair of pointed-toe pumps in a bold holiday color like ruby red. Carry a small clutch and accessorize with simple gold stud earrings.
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Why it works: The dress is the centerpiece, and the accessories are chosen to complement it without overwhelming the pattern. The red pumps add a definitive pop of holiday color, while the metallic belt provides a touch of polish and glamour.
B. Houndstooth Trousers:
- How to do it: Style a pair of high-waisted, wide-leg houndstooth trousers with a simple black silk blouse that you can tuck in. Layer with a sleeveless turtleneck in a deep, dark green. Wear a pair of black block heels for comfort and style. Finish with a structured black handbag.
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Why it works: The wide-leg trousers create a dramatic, flowing silhouette, while the turtleneck and silk blouse create a sleek, streamlined top half. The dark green adds a rich, festive color without being overtly bright.
C. Houndstooth Blazer:
- How to do it: Wear a houndstooth blazer over a black mini dress. Add sheer black stockings and a pair of knee-high boots in black leather. Accessorize with oversized gold hoop earrings and a black velvet handbag.
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Why it works: This is a modern, playful take on the classic blazer. The short dress and knee-high boots give the outfit an edgy feel, while the houndstooth blazer provides a sophisticated layer. The velvet bag adds a touch of holiday texture and richness.
The true genius of houndstooth lies in its ability to be a blank canvas. It’s a pattern with a history, a pedigree, and a strong point of view, but it’s also neutral enough to be transformed by your creativity. For your next holiday party, don’t just wear a festive outfit—wear a masterclass in style. By balancing the bold pattern with rich textures, strategic color, and thoughtful accessories, you’ll craft a look that is not only festive and chic but also a testament to your personal sartorial vision.