What makes a truly great holiday outfit? It often starts with color—but perhaps not just the shades you’d expect. We sat down with our founder, Marina Cortbawi, for her thoughts on the evolution of holiday hues, and how to assemble a look that’s festive, elegant, and modern all at once. As Marina mentioned in her interview with The Zoe Report, "Holiday colors don't have to be predictable; embracing atypical shades can make your festive look truly stand out."
Do you think people are moving away from the traditional red and green holiday color palette? If so, why?
Yes, there’s definitely a shift happening. People are stepping away from the classic bright red and green in favor of colors that feel more modern, versatile, and wearable well into the new year.
What are a few unexpected/untraditional colors you recommend trying?
I love a warm ivory for its understated elegance, deep jewel tones like cobalt blue for their vibrancy, and of course, classic black for timeless sophistication. If red is a must, opt for deeper shades like bordeaux or oxblood. These tones feel rich and festive and are a bit more of a refined take on traditional holiday dressing.
How would you wear each?
Ivory and Black: These two timeless neutrals are perfect when they’re adorned with elevated details—and also go beautifully with one another. The LOTUS BEADED TOP in Black is so versatile—it can easily be styled with denim for a casual gathering or dressed up for something more special. I also love the BASTION DRESS with its contrasting ivory soutache embroidery for a unique, elegant twist, or the SEYMOUR DRESS in Almond toned jacquard. Add the sequined DECO POUCH for some sophisticated sparkle.
Cobalt Blue: My absolute favorite color this season! Cobalt feels bold, fresh, and so striking for the holidays. I’ll personally be wearing the LIBERTE DRESS in Marine—it’s such a standout piece with its romantic flutter sleeves and sleek, minimalist tailoring. I plan to style it with silver accessories.
Bordeaux or Deep Rouge: If you want to stay in the red family but crave something more refined, deeper shades like Bordeaux or Rouge are a perfect choice. They’re festive without being overly traditional. The LOTUS BLOUSE or BELLUS DRESS in Rouge are stunning options—pair them with tailored black trousers or sleek accessories for a polished holiday outfit.
