This Holiday Week Outfit Formula Is the Key to Chaotic Main-Character Energy

The holiday season can feel like entering an alternate reality. For a whole week, the world stops as we leave town, take time off work, and temporarily replace our routines with gatherings, binge-watching, and copious amounts of seasonal treats. Of course, we’d be remiss if we didn’t switch up our wardrobes to match, and if you think about it, your go-to outfit for heading to a relative’s house or grabbing coffee with a childhood friend is probably different than usual yet entirely predictable.

Enter the holiday-week uniform, the ultimate expression of main-character syndrome that most of us know well but hardly ever talk about. Ahead, we investigate why this time probably leads to putting together some of the most chaotic outfits you’ve worn all year, complete with a definitive formula and styling tips.

Why Do We Dress Like That During the Holidays?

When it comes to being home for the holidays, our beauty and style priorities shift. If you’re not headed to work and/or have traded city streets for suburban car rides, you might find yourself gravitating toward comfortable staples that easily go from the couch to casual brunch to a quick stop at the store. But it’s no fun to give up personal expression entirely, lest you give up the fantasy of being the star of whatever small (or not-so-small) town you’re visiting. Completing the look with a couple of statement pieces is an absolute must—because you never know if you’re going to run into your high school nemesis or that mystery someone who teaches you the magic of the holidays over mugs of the best hot chocolate you’ve ever had.

Feeling like the “main character” over the holidays is an evocative experience among young adults who left their hometowns to chase their dreams, whether those involve the bright lights of a major city like New York or a simple change of scenery. Suddenly, we find ourselves back in a place that’s both familiar and completely different from how we remember it, and a primal urge kicks in to assert our individuality (maybe a little for people from our past, but mostly for ourselves). It’s been referenced constantly over the years in holiday classics and Hallmark movies alike, as well as comedy sketches like SNL’s “Back Home Ballers” and TikTok creator Yasmine Shahid’s viral main-character series. We all know it’s a little silly to act this way, but that’s exactly what makes it so fun—and creative style choices are absolutely key.

The Holiday Week Outfit Formula, Unpacked

It’s any given day between the winter solstice and New Year’s Eve, and you just woke up at noon, probably in your childhood bedroom or on someone’s couch, with nothing on the agenda (but a desperate need to get out of the house). What do you wear? You probably already have some ideas depending on what’s in your suitcase and gift bags, but in case you’re not sure where to start, let’s break it down:

Cozy pants: Opt for whatever speaks to you, whether that’s your holiday pajamas, your trustiest pair of black leggings, or that pair of relaxed crushed velvet pants you can’t figure out how to style on a normal day. Comfort is key here, and unless you have a more intentional event on the agenda like a party, fancy dinner, or night at the ballet, chances are you’re not going anywhere where people would care whether you’re wearing a real outfit or not.

That top you got as a gift: Maybe your cousin gave you a cheesy graphic tee, you have a new sweater you can’t wait to take for a test run, or you got a set of nice basics (if Skims tanks and tees were under your tree, we’re jealous). Now is the time to break that out, and it doesn’t even matter whether it goes with your bottoms—though bonus points if it does. Feel free to add a cardigan or comfy flannel if you need an extra layer to stay warm.

An oversize coat: The pièce de résistance, the right coat will take your holiday week uniform from “bed rot chic” to main-character energy. I usually opt for something long, tailored, and in a classic color, although this is the perfect time to break out a statement piece (animal print or festive scarlet, anyone?) or embrace a giant, cozy puffer. The key component here is the length, as you want something that definitively ties together whatever you put on as a base.

Seasonal socks: Despite the fact that most of us appreciate socks as gifts, holiday designs can create a dilemma, as they feel bold and out-of-season for most of the year. There’s no better time to wear that kitschy pack of socks your grandma gave you than the week directly after you receive them, when most people are in the same alternate-reality mode as you. If you don’t have holiday socks or prefer something more neutral, fuzzy or knit varieties are equally winter-appropriate.

Your go-to winter shoes: For me, nothing elevates a holiday week outfit—or any outfit—quite like a classic pair of black knee-high boots. You probably have your own go-to style (be it Chelsea or chunky), or maybe you’re envisioning a cozy pair of Uggs—the brand’s ultra-popular Classic Ultra Mini boots or Tazz slippers are ideal choices for coffee runs and wandering around your hometown mall. A favorite pair of sneakers works here too—truly, anything goes.

A statement accessory (or a few): As mentioned, it’s impossible to get into that holiday main-character energy without a couple of fun personal touches. You can’t go wrong with an oversize, colorful scarf, plus now is the ideal time to wear your favorite hat around town without worrying about what your hair will look like when you reach your destination. My standby is a giant pair of sunglasses—I’m rarely without them even on a normal day, and they help me keep an elusive New Yorker mentality while riding down rural highways to the annual extended family get-together. I also love (and highly recommend) throwing on a statement jewelry piece or two, especially if it feels a bit too over-the-top for your overall look. This is the week to have fun. Fashion rules be damned.

Why We Love It

The holiday season can be busy, stressful, and a bit disorienting, so it’s a true lifesaver that except for specific events, societal expectations for getting dressed are largely off the table. While the outfits many of us create during this time of year are a bit chaotic and can feel like the last thing we want to think about, the truth is that there’s a good amount of intention behind thrown-together looks like this. By taking a closer look, you just might learn something about your personal style and how you want to project yourself.

This year, when you find yourself pausing your Gossip Girl rewatch or The Santa Clause marathon because a holiday catchup (or cabin fever) calls, don’t hesitate to lean into whatever left-field outfit idea pops into your head. Everyone is both mentally and sartorially on break, and you deserve to wear your pajamas outside, throw on some dramatic outerwear and accessories, and fully adopt your most “delulu” persona for a while. Who knows—you might even find some elements are worth embracing into the new year.