The holidays certainly feel a little different this year with no office holiday parties and big family get-togethers. I'm certainly not jostling with throngs of tourists and locals down Fifth Avenue doing gift shopping and taking in stores' holiday windows. I won't be going to Lincoln Centre to see The Nutcracker this year. But as I was walking down the street in my neighbourhood and caught sight of my neighbours' garish holiday lights — really, it seems to be a red-and-green strobe — they made me smile and reminded me, "Hello! 'Tis the season!" This is the time of year where I'd be rifling through my closet for an obscene amount of plaid or buying a sequinned top fit for Miami on New Year's Eve. Dressing up for the holiday brings me joy, and while there's no here to go this year, I'm still here, and that's reason to celebrate! I'm giving the loungewear [1] and sweatpants a break and pulling out that red military-style jacket that rivals a nutcracker. I'm going to make some hot cocoa with peppermint schnapps and watch Debbie Allen's Netflix's documentary Dance Dreams: Hot Chocolate Nutcracker [2]. I'm putting on a sparkly top and FaceTiming a friend!
Staying in doesn't mean we can't add a little sparkle to the holidays, and with major sales happening at Banana Republic (tops starting under $30), now is a great time to buy to make sure it arrives in time for you to dress for the holiday season you want.
Banana Republic Velvet Jumpsuit
It's finally the season to drape yourself in luxe velvet. While normally, this Banana Republic Velvet Jumpsuit [4] ($89, originally $149) would be perfect for the office holiday party, with jumpsuits [5] being one of the looks of choice these days, why not luxe it up?
Banana Republic Velvet Bias-Cut Midi Skirt
This Banana Republic Velvet Bias-Cut Midi Skirt [6] ($59, originally $99) looks perfect with a cosy sweater.
Banana Republic Satin Puff-Sleeve Wrap Dress
This Banana Republic Satin Puff-Sleeve Wrap Dress [7] ($90, originally $129) is the perfect dance-all-night party dress. Turn up an Instagram DJ set and make a party in your living room!
Banana Republic Sequin Scoop-Neck Top
You absolutely can wear sequins during the day! Pair this Banana Republic Sequin Scoop-Neck Top [8] ($67, originally $75) with your favourite light denim to jazz up the grocery-store run, and I bet you'll be singing down the aisles.
Banana Republic Metallic Balloon-Sleeve Top
Not exactly ready for sequins? It's OK; here's a slightly toned-down version. This Banana Republic Metallic Balloon-Sleeve Top [9] ($53, originally $90) gives you a little sparkle.
Banana Republic Holiday Mask 2-Pack
Who's on your naughty list this year? With this Banana Republic Holiday Mask 2-Pack [10] ($15, originally $20), bring a smile to someone's day.
Banana Republic Notorious Necklace
This Ruth Bader Ginsburg-inspired [11] Banana Republic Notorious Necklace [12] ($98) is a great holiday tribute to one of the greats that we lost this year.
Banana Republic Sequin Cropped Bomber Jacket
I love this festive take on the bomber with this Banana Republic Sequin Cropped Bomber Jacket [13] ($143, originally $159).
Banana Republic Satin Soft Blazer
OK, OK! If you just can't quit loungewear, this Banana Republic Satin Soft Blazer [14] ($104, originally $149) feels like pajama dressing, just a little chicer.
Banana Republic Wide-Leg Satin Pull-On Pant
And pair it with this Banana Republic Wide-Leg Satin Pull-On Pant [15] ($72, originally $90) for the full effect.
Banana Republic Satin Pointy-Toe Flat With Crystal Buckle
The rich jewel tones and bling of this Banana Republic Satin Pointy-Toe Flat With Crystal Buckle [16] ($76, originally $128) are perfect for this season, even if you're just wearing flats around the house.
Banana Republic Essential Sneaker
Even the Banana Republic Essential Sneaker [17] ($102) in plaid is a bit festive!
Banana Republic Metallic Cropped Jumpsuit
This Banana Republic Metallic Cropped Jumpsuit [18] ($59, originally $149) will look great with ankle boots.
Banana Republic High-Rise Wide-Leg Sequin Pant
The Banana Republic High-Rise Wide-Leg Sequin Pant [19] ($44, originally $110) is the perfect combination of shine with a fit that will ween you off of loungewear.
Banana Republic High-Rise Skinny Metallic Jean
You can even luxe out your T-shirt and jeans look with this Banana Republic High-Rise Skinny Metallic Jean [20] ($49, originally $129)!
Banana Republic Gold Sparkle Sequin Camisole
This Banana Republic Gold Sparkle Sequin Camisole [21] ($62, originally $70) is great paired under a velvet blazer.
Banana Republic Satin Wrap Top
The jewel colour of this Banana Republic Satin Wrap Top [22] ($29, originally $85) is perfect for the festive season, but it's really a great blouse that you'll wear all year round.
Banana Republic Satin Twisted Maxi Dress
While you may not be hosting many people, this Banana Republic Satin Twisted Maxi Dress [23] ($80, originally $159) is a perfect take on this summer's house-dress trend [24]. You'll look like the most elegant hostess.
Banana Republic Crinkle Midi Dress
I love the elegant, retro style of this Banana Republic Crinkle Midi Dress [25] ($59, originally $149).
Banana Republic Metallic Smocked Top
Pair this Banana Republic Metallic Smocked Top [26] ($67, originally $75) with a great pair of jeans or leather pants.
Banana Republic Crystal Barrette
Accessories can be an easy way to add some holiday sparkle. This Banana Republic Crystal Barrette [27] ($17, originally $25) will look great at your next Zoom meeting!
Banana Republic Metallic Padded Headband
Or this Banana Republic Metallic Padded Headband [28] ($17, originally $25). Headbands are back!
Banana Republic Sequin Bias-Cut Midi Skirt
This Banana Republic Sequin Bias-Cut Midi Skirt [29] ($96, originally $120) is an easy skirt to wear because of the cut, and the sequins just add some shine.
Banana Republic Sequin Camisole
I love this Banana Republic Sequin Camisole [30] ($62, originally $70) for a matching set look.
Banana Republic Bias-Cut Satin Slip Dress
So you don't have to give up the loungewear completely with this Banana Republic Bias-Cut Satin Slip Dress [31] ($104, originally $149).
Banana Republic Fair Isle Balloon-Sleeve Sweater
Bling not your thing? This Banana Republic Fair Isle Balloon-Sleeve Sweater [32] ($80, originally $119) is a very cute sweater replacement for missing those ugly sweater parties.
Banana Republic Pleated Midi Dress
The cut of this Banana Republic Pleated Midi Dress [33] ($75 - $119, originally $149) looks great on all body types.
Banana Republic Bias-Cut Midi Slip Skirt
This Banana Republic Bias-Cut Midi Slip Skirt [34] ($49, originally $99) looks perfect with a camel or white turtleneck for an elegant winter neutrals look.
Banana Republic Linear Gemstone Earrings
Try these Banana Republic Linear Gemstone Earrings [35] ($29, originally $58). Collar grazing earrings with minimal dressing looks so regal and chic!
Banana Republic Sequin Bias-Cut Slip Dress
This Banana Republic Sequin Bias-Cut Slip Dress [36] ($80, originally $159) is the kind of dress I'd buy for New Years Eve! This year, will be no different!