The enveloping coziness of pajama dressing and plush knits—lofty cashmere cardigans and cropped crewnecks, merino wool bodysuits—is balanced by crisp cotton poplin shirting, satin-backed crepe, and classic denim, all in a palette that is as warm as it is cool, with rich burgundy and buttered ivories joined by deep navy and sky blue.

Holstein works intuitively, allowing each Khaite collection to be guided by feelings rather than through references to objects. “I originally wanted to be a portrait painter,” she says. “What I’ve always loved about painting the human face is the building of all the different colorful skin tones on top of one another. This applies to how I design a garment.”

With this collection arriving in the holiday season, the time of year when reflection is most relevant, warmth was the literal and figurative inspiration.Catherine Holstein

Simple yet substantial, satin-backed crepe is among Khaite’s signature materials. “I always encourage anyone to actually try it on,” says Holstein, “because it really transforms upon touching the skin.”

There’s an enchanting ease in the collection’s fluid camisoles and slipdresses, some etched with contrast topstitching along their hems, yet even the most relaxed pieces—a pajama-inspired shirt-and-pants pair—remain polished, revealing refined details such as covered buttons and tonal piping. “You would be surprised how suit-like it is once on the body,” she says of the satin-backed crepe pieces. “The sheen on the fabric adds a festive element that can take the set to any holiday event.”