Thrifted Christmas: TCTS Reclaimed Holiday Style Guide
A tertiary Instagram scroll on November 1 declared that Christmas commenced 24 hours post-Halloween. Typically, I’d roll my eyes but between election season fatigue, having recently devoured the new Martha Stewart documentary, and my perimenopausal hormone party, instead the twinkling DIY content inspired an undeniable urge to overhaul my entire holiday aesthetic—and document it.
I need to calm down. 2024 has me overspent and over-assorted, with years of mismatched decor and an abundance of “stuff” to rationalize before I have any business acquiring more. As frustrating as it is to maintain a budget, I am never more inspired than when forced to work with limited resources. Does anyone remember my “Wear What I Have” movement in 2019? It lasted six months.
So, I’ve decided to approach the season with the holiday equivalent of a Ruthless Wardrobe Edit. Blank slate. Strip it down to the essentials, itemize the chaos, and reassemble with intention and inspiration in a scaled-back, purposeful style that truly embraces the holiday spirit - and Martha’s timeless ethos of resourceful creativity.
Instead of splurging on new trends or overspending on seasonal decor, I’m choosing a sustainable, creative approach. This year, let’s focus on thrifting, reimagining, and styling a holiday season that evokes joy without adding unnecessary clutter or waste.
I’m excited to share some key elements of my upcoming holiday e-book: TCTS Reclaimed Holiday Style Guide 2024, featuring a 90’s Connecticut homemaker inspired, resale-sourced Holiday Capsule Wardrobe and a “looks like $1M but it’s” Thrifted Christmas decor plan that will help you execute the season with style, comfort, and sustainability. These essentials prioritize resourcefulness, versatility, and ease, with just a touch of holiday sparkle—making it simple to transition from cozy gatherings to cocktail parties without missing a beat. In the words of my reclaimed hero Martha Stewart, Holiday 2024 is going to be “a very good thing.”
10-Piece 2024 Holiday Capsule Wardrobe Essentials
The key to a holiday capsule wardrobe is versatility—pieces that can be layered, dressed up or down, and easily mixed with staples you already own. The aesthetic here is a homey, reimagined ’90s preppy vibe with chunky knits, slouchy socks, dad sneakers, and a few luxe accents. Think “comfort meets chic,” with a focus on cozy layers and vintage-inspired details.
Here’s a peek at the core pieces:
Neutral Layering Tee
A simple, high-quality tee is endlessly versatile. Look for neutral tones that work well under flannels, sweaters, or blazers. Thrift stores often have these unworn, so it’s a great chance to find a staple piece sustainably.
Basic slightly boxy Hanes tees make a great layer under knits, blazers even a silky slip dress, very 90s.
2. Vintage Men’s Flannel or Button-Down
Nothing says cozy like an oversized flannel. Look for vintage options for that perfectly worn-in feel, or grab a men’s button-down for a more tailored, preppy vibe.
LINks to shop
3. Chunky Sweater
A vintage chunky knit adds texture and warmth, and it’s ideal for layering over a silky dress or pairing with jeans for an effortlessly stylish look.
LINKS to shop
4. Holiday Accent Cardigan
Find a cozy cardigan with a bit of festive flair—think soft knits with subtle sparkle or embroidered details. It’s a versatile piece that works for any holiday gathering.
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5. Neutral Pants That Fit Your Lifestyle
Whether it’s sleek trousers or relaxed joggers, choose a neutral pant that you feel great in and that matches your everyday vibe. (A pair of Alo sweatpants can be both practical and stylish!)
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6. Skirt or Shorts
A versatile skirt can be dressed up or down. Try a simple slip skirt or a plaid mini kilt for easy elegance with sweaters or a tucked-in button-down. Shorts over tights are an unexpected option for this core bottom.
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7. Slip Dress
This piece is a holiday wardrobe hero. Layer it with sweaters and sneakers for casual outings or throw on a blazer and heels for an evening out.
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8. Vintage Blazer
Look for a vintage blazer with classic tailoring that complements your shape. It’s an instant outfit upgrader and adds a polished feel to even the most casual pieces.
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9. Best Fitting Jeans
Nothing beats the comfort and versatility of a great pair of jeans. Choose a style you love, whether it’s high-waisted, straight-leg, or slightly slouchy, and pair them with sneakers or heels.
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10. POp of burgundy
Elevate your holiday capsule wardrobe with a timeless pop of burgundy. Whether it’s a vintage leather bag, a tailored blazer, a cozy knit sweater, a statement scarf, or a pair of classic shoes, this rich hue brings warmth and elegance to your reclaimed style. Perfect for adding depth and festive flair to your thrifted look.
LINks to shop
Styling Tips:
Layer your sweaters over the neutral tee or slip dress, throw on some chunky socks with dad sneakers, or swap in party shoes to instantly elevate your look. It’s about taking what you have and reimagining it with new-to-you thrifted finds.
Holiday Decor: Thrifted and Reclaimed Elements
To create a festive home that’s both stylish and sustainable, focus on decorating with thrifted, reclaimed, and natural items. Using my “Thriller, Filler, Spiller” approach, you can create beautiful, intentional decor arrangements with pieces that bring warmth and character to your space.
1. Thriller: Eye-Catching Focal Points
What to Look For: Vintage brass candlesticks, statement vases, or unique holiday figurines. These are your focal pieces that draw the eye and add holiday flair.
Styling Tip: Use candlesticks or a unique centerpiece as the anchor of your table, mantel, or shelf arrangement.
2. Filler: Textured Elements That Add Volume
What to Look For: Natural greenery (fresh or faux), garlands, small ornaments, and pinecones. Thrifted garlands and greenery bring in color and texture, while smaller items like ornaments fill out the space.
Styling Tip: Arrange fillers around your focal points to add volume. A mix of textures—like greenery with metallic ornaments—creates depth and visual interest.
3. Spiller: The Finishing Touches
What to Look For: Items that “spill” over edges, like garlands, trailing ribbons, or beaded strands. Look for vintage garlands or even DIY with cranberries and popcorn for a rustic touch.
Styling Tip: Drape your garland or ribbons over the edges of tables or mantels to create movement and flow, giving your setup a festive, organic feel.
Three Holiday Decor Styles to Explore:
Merry & Bright: Classic red, green, and white. Think vintage ornaments, bright garlands, and playful accents like pom-poms or beads.
Hygge: Natural tones and greenery with white twinkling candlelight, brass accents, and handmade touches like dried citrus or cranberries.
Sparkle & Shine: A metallic forward blend of gold, silver, and bronze. Go for metallic garlands, shiny candlesticks, and reflective surfaces for a luxe, glowing holiday feel.
Embrace the Holidays with Intentional Style
This season, join me in reclaiming a holiday that’s more about presence and purpose than excess or Target hauls. With a thoughtful holiday capsule wardrobe and sustainably sourced decor, you’ll create an atmosphere that’s warm, stylish, and uniquely yours.
Stay tuned for my upcoming e-book, "2024 Reclaimed Holiday Style Guide," where I’ll dive deeper into styling tips, thrift shopping secrets, and holiday inspiration that’s full of heart.
Happy thrifting, and may your holidays be filled with joy, comfort, and creativity!
ready to craft your capsule?
Jenn coaches real women like you, both virtually and in person, to cement their personal style with a capsule wardrobe. Ready to discover the joy of dressing from a streamlined closet filled with clothes that fit, flatter and make you feel amazing every day?
I hope i’ve inspired you to set time aside to craft your Holiday Capsule Wardrobe and Decor. Take photos of your capsule and share it with the ladies and me on MappCraft | Tiny Closet, Tons of Style® Survival Guide private Facebook group!
Want more?
Schedule your free consultation call with me!
Download a FREE copy of my book: Clothes the Deal | The Guide for Transformative Personal Style
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xoxo Jenn