How to Choose Your 3 December Outfit Essentials
A quiet scene to inspire the three pieces that will carry you through December
December outfits can be a challenge — it’s cold, some days are casual and others are dressier, and I still want everything to mix and match. So I start by choosing three pieces that set the tone for the season: a warm coat, a winter-ready bag, and a festive outfit I’m excited to wear. Once I have those three, the rest of my outfits fall into place — whether I’m getting dressed at home or packing for a trip.
1. The Coat — Your Cold-Weather Go-To
A gold puffer coat layered over a festive dress for cold-weather styling.
Purpose: December is cold — and if you’re freezing, you won’t enjoy anything you planned. Start with a coat you’ll want to reach for every day.
My Pick: I kept one great puffer in my closet — since I live in a warm-weather climate, one really warm coat is all I need for cold trips. Mine is metallic gold one with black trim — warm, lightweight, and fun to wear. I throw it over jeans and boots for a day of sightseeing or layer it on top of a dress for a theater night. I switch the look up with accessories: black scarf and hat for a matching look, cream accessories to go with neutral outfits, and plaid when I want something brighter and festive.
How to Choose Yours:
Will this coat keep me warm outside for at least an hour?
Can I wear it with both casual and dressy outfits?
Is it light enough to layer or pack?
Do I actually love wearing it?
Other Ideas:
2. The Bag — Your Winter Carryall
A shearling crossbody bag that works just as well for winter travel as it does at home.
Purpose: In December, I always seem to carry a few extras — gloves, lip balm, maybe a small gift, and sometimes everyone else’s things too. The right bag doesn’t have to be oversized, but it should hold what you need and be comfortable to carry all day.
My Pick: I use a Christian Dior shearling flight bag I found secondhand over ten years ago. It’s not very big, but it zips closed — a must in winter crowds — and the shearling trim instantly makes any outfit feel cozier. I love that it’s a shoulder bag because it stays put and keeps my hands free for shopping, carrying coffee, or pulling a suitcase.
How to Choose Yours:
Does it hold my essentials — phone, gloves, wallet, and maybe one or two extras?
Does it zip or close securely?
Can I wear it comfortably on my shoulder so my hands stay free?
Does it work for winter — through its texture, color, or trim?
Other Ideas:
3. The Festive Piece — Your Outfit for “Something Special”
A festive dress that can be dressed up or down and works for both warm- and cold-weather December travel.
Purpose: December always has at least one moment when I want to feel more dressed up — a holiday dinner, a concert, a party, Christmas Eve, or New Year’s. Having one outfit ready means I don’t have to stress about what to wear at the last minute.
My Pick: This year, mine is a Hemant & Nandita winter floral dress I found on clearance two summers ago. I wore it for the holidays in London last year with a black cardigan, black tights, ankle boots, and my camel coat — and it worked perfectly. At home, I style it with gold metallic sandals and a wrap or black faux fur for a holiday dinner or party. It even works with my metallic puffer for a cozy-but-festive look. The collared style makes it versatile and appropriate for different occasions, and the fabric doesn’t wrinkle — so it’s ready to wear right out of my suitcase or closet.
How to Choose Yours:
Can I wear it more than once this month?
Can I layer it for daytime and wear it on its own for night?
Will it pack well without wrinkling?
Do I feel good every time I put it on?
Other Ideas:
Slip dress in satin or velvet
Knit midi dress you can belt and style multiple ways
Tailored jumpsuit that makes getting dressed effortless
Wrap-Up — Your Turn
My three December essentials: a metallic puffer, a shearling-trimmed bag, and a floral festive dress.
Choosing these three pieces means I have what I need for December — a coat for warmth, a bag that works for everyday and dressier nights, and a festive outfit I can wear more than once.
I’ve linked a few options throughout the post in case you’re still building your staples or want ideas for something similar.
✨ Flight 2 Fashion takeaway: Less isn’t just more — it’s better, when every piece you pack is one you’ll actually wear.
Quick Exercise:
Your 3 December Essentials: Write down your coat, winter bag, and festive piece. Lay them out together to see how they work as a set — then fill in the rest of your outfits.
💡 Try this: Lay your three pieces out and snap a quick photo. Or use the template above to jot them down. Once you’ve chosen your three, it’s much simpler to see what other pieces you need to add — and to spot what you don’t actually need to pack. Choosing your three essentials first sets the tone for everything else, so you’re filling in around them rather than overpacking.
✨ Flight 2 Fashion takeaway: December style starts with three essentials — anchor pieces that keep you warm, carry you through your days, and let you celebrate in something special.
✨ Want to plan your own? Download the Three Essentials Worksheet in the [Resources Library] to choose your core pieces and see how they set the tone for the rest of your outfits.
✨ Looking for holiday direction? Explore the [Holiday Inspiration Gallery] for seasonal color palettes, festive outfits, and mood boards to guide your December packing. Also check out Holiday Style: Rewearing & Restyling the Pieces that Tell a Story and Holiday Style: How to Look Festive Without Buying a Whole New Wardrobe.
✨Interested in reading more? Check out: How I Pack Layers for a 3 Day Weekend and ThreeThings I Pack for a Fall City Trip and The ThreeThings I Pack for Thanksgiving.
