The holidays are fast approaching, and Birmingham’s boutiques are already brimming with festive cold-weather fashions for every party, dinner, and merry moment ahead. From cozy-chic looks made for Thanksgiving gatherings to sequined styles that sparkle through Christmas and New Year’s Eve, these three local shops invited us in to have a look at their favorites.
*You can use these links to skip to a particular boutique: Effie’s, Gus Mayer, and Village Sportwear. And please note that, while not all of the pieces featured in today’s article are available to shop online, all are stocked in-store!
Effie’s Inc.
Neighborhood: Homewood
More Info: shopeffies.com
Effie’s has long been a staple for effortless and sophisticated Southern style, and this holiday season, the boutique is leaning into luxe details and festive flair. Metallics continue to have a moment (a trend that has carried over from the fall), with shimmering golds and silvers adding just the right touch of glam.
“We’re seeing a lot of texture this season, such as beautiful tweeds and rich fabrics that feel both classic and modern,” says Meagen Carter, Effie’s store manager. And, of course, red is everywhere, from bold statement dresses to subtle pops in accessories, making it the must-have color of the season.
Timeless Tweed
Tweed is taking center stage this holiday season. Woven with hints of gold metallic thread, this strapless mini silhouette brings together rich texture and subtle shimmer for a look that’s both festive and refined.
“The whole tweed look is huge right now for holiday, and we always love to bring in metallics,” Meagen says. Paired with a metallic handbag, gold heels, and a handmade puff pearl and gold metal necklace, this polished ensemble shines from cocktail hour to holiday party.
Classic Holiday Glam
Metallics are another standout holiday trend for 2025. This showstopping piece embodies holiday elegance, featuring fluid gold fabric that catches the light with every movement, while a corset-style bodice offers flattering structure and a hint of old-Hollywood allure.
“It’s just so beautiful with the way it moves,” Meagen adds. “The crystal evening bag’s extra touch of sparkle really takes the look to the next level.” Minimal jewelry keeps the focus where it belongs — on the gown!
Red, Reimagined
“Red is always big for the holidays, but this year it’s truly everywhere, in every shade,” Meagen says. This chic jacquard dress captures the spirit of the season. The rich fabric adds depth and texture, while dainty velvet bows lend a sweet, unexpected touch, and a flattering drop-waist silhouette lends an additional hint of glamour.
Gus Mayer
Neighborhood: The Summit
More Info: gusmayer.com
Gus Mayer has long been a Birmingham standard for women’s fashion. According to AC Graham, PR and marketing manager at Gus Mayer, the boutique is embracing trends this season that carry over from fall, such as metallic, shimmery, and textured fabrics. They’re also adding festive pops like polka dots and rich, layered hues that feel celebratory.
From sparkling cocktail-ready pieces to statement separates that mix texture and shine, Gus Mayer’s winter collection invites shoppers to experiment.
Layered Luxe
This cozy red sweater set brings holiday style to a whole new level. The short-sleeve top keeps it comfortable and easy to layer, while the playful faux-feather jacket adds texture and personality. Knee-high black suede boots with embossed crocodile detail give the look an elevated, polished finish, and statement eight-carat hoop earrings add just the right amount of sparkle.
“Combining different textures and tones, from soft knits to luxurious feathers and rich leather, this outfit is as versatile as it is festive — perfect for everything from holiday gatherings to evening soirées,” AC adds.
Layers on Layers
This holiday-ready outfit strikes the perfect balance of festive and fashion-forward, with brushed metallic jeans that catch the light without going overboard. A sheer, polka-dotted top pays homage to one of this season’s biggest trends, while a playful fur jacket adds a pop of rich color. A sequined leather bag and lightly shimmering boots finish the look.
“It’s all about layering trends in a way that feels chic and wearable, not over-the-top holiday,” AC says. “This ensemble is perfect for cocktail parties, dinner gatherings, or stylish nights out.”
Holiday Metallic Moments
The metallic love affair continues!
Architectural design meets holiday shimmer in this gold pleated dress. The spaghetti straps and one-of-a-kind bodice give it a modern edge, while the brushed-gold fabric shimmers with subtle texture and movement. “We love the way the shimmer in the fabric catches the light. It’s subtle, but it really makes the dress feel special,” AC says.
Accessories are intentionally understated, allowing the dress to take center stage — think delicate earrings that echo the pleats, a single bracelet for a polished pop, and a classic vintage Chanel bag to complete the look.
Village Sportswear
Neighborhood: Mountain Brook
More Info: Instagram
Village Sportswear has been a Mountain Brook mainstay for more than 50 years, and when it closed its doors earlier this year, custom menswear expert John Armstrong stepped in to keep the tradition alive.
With decades of experience crafting tailored suits, John infused the store with his expertise, offering custom men’s suits, shirts, and sports jackets alongside a curated collection of accessories and outerwear.
Women will also find familiar favorites from the store’s earlier days, along with fresh, modern pieces that appeal across generations. “I’ve always loved quality clothing, and this store felt like the perfect place to bring together men’s and women’s styles while honoring its history,” John says.
Elevated Earth Tones
This look is all about effortless seasonal style. “It’s a fresh, polished take on cooler-weather dressing that’s as versatile as it is timeless,” John says.
Layers make it perfect for Birmingham’s unpredictable weather, and the dark olive herringbone jacket can be worn on cooler days or draped over the shoulders when the sun pops out. Earthy brown, green, and charcoal create a polished fall-and-winter feel.
Animal Prints, All Dressed Up
“Animal print is a massive trend right now,” John says, “but this dress elevates it to a more polished, elegant version.”
The look is layered with a shawl-style cardigan featuring a removable faux-fur collar, adding dimension and a touch of glamour, while a short black boot keeps it grounded and effortless. Perfect for dinner parties, cocktail events, or a more formal evening, this look balances a bold pattern with cozy cold-weather texture.
Classic Meets Custom
Women’s seasonal style may get a lot of attention at Village Sportswear, but John is dedicated to ensuring men’s fashion shines just as brightly.
This navy suit features a two-button jacket with pique lapels, a ticket pocket, and functioning sleeve buttons that elevate the classic silhouette. Flat-front trousers maintain a sleek look, while a white spread-collar shirt with blue stripes from the Village Sportswear house collection adds crisp contrast. Finished with an Italian-designed Geoff Nicholson tie, this ensemble is refined and ready for any holiday gathering or festive occasion.
Pattern Play
Men, don’t be afraid to experiment with patterns! This medium-gray wool jacket, accented with subtle sky-blue lines and a classic notch lapel, pairs effortlessly with a crisp blue spread-collar shirt, complete with button cuffs and monogrammed detail.
“This jacket transitions seamlessly from the office to dinner or any evening event that doesn’t require a full suit,” John adds.
Happy shopping, Birmingham!
This article was made possible by Effie’s Inc., Gus Mayer, and Village Sportswear.
**********
To stay in the know on the best of Birmingham, subscribe to StyleBlueprint’s daily emails!
