5 Holiday Party Outfits For Any Festive Event This Season
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The holidays are a busy time of year—people are juggling gift shopping, travel plans, work deadlines, family gatherings, and so on. If you find yourself with a loaded social calendar during November and December—but no ideas of what to wear—take a deep breath.
You can wear everything from chunky sweaters to Christmas socks to a glittery party dress for your gathering. Once you know which events you’re attending, use our guide below to find the right outfit and accessories for the occasion.
5 Holiday Party Outfits For Any Festive Event This Season
We’ve rounded up five holiday party outfits you’re bound to find a use for, whether it be a low-key night in a friend’s living room, after-work drinks with colleagues, or a formal attire Christmas party.
Glam Holiday Party
A glam holiday party celebration can be either dressy or casual, but if you don’t have the chance to dress up often, take your invite as an opportunity to look your best. Don’t forget to check to see if there is a theme—like Winter Wonderland or Santa’s Workshop—before you trade in your sweaters for a Christmas dress.
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Jumpsuit |
Necklace |
Clutch |
Gold Heels |
Long Coat
While Christmas tops and dresses are great options, try a flattering jumpsuit instead; it’ll be comfortable and allow you to go all-out with your accessories. A strappy or flowy jumpsuit has flattering details like a tie at your waist or a wide leg hem. Pair your jumpsuit with gold platform heels, layered gold jewelry, and a shimmery red clutch that is reminiscent of Christmas without making you look like a tree. Wear a long-line coat like a peacoat, trench, or fitted style to arrive looking sophisticated.
More Jumpsuit Ideas:
Image: Nordstrom
Sequin Wrap Long Sleeve Jumpsuit
Eliza J
This sparkly number has it all: shimmery sleeves, a belt, and wide-legged bottoms that are comfy all night long.
Image: Lulus
Perfect Night Satin Jumpsuit
Lulus
If a sleek jumpsuit is more your vibe, try this satin option that comes in ivory or an orangish-brown, perfect for any autumnal celebrations.
Image: Amazon
V Neck Sleeveless Jumpsuit
Tanmolo
This plus-size, wide-leg jumpsuit is made for comfort and comes in almost a dozen shades, perfect to match with any holiday accessories.
Image: Anthropologie
Lace Mix Jumpsuit
Anthropologie
We loooove this jumpsuit for its stunning, wine-like color that pairs perfectly with any strappy heel.
Laid-back Potluck With Friends
Laid-back gatherings with friends are extra popular this time of year. The holidays might be the only time that you all have the same vacation days, or maybe people who are generally far away are in town again. There are often Friendsgivings, potlucks, shared birthday celebrations, cabin trips, and even Secret Santa gift exchanges almost every week. What are you supposed to wear to a casual holiday party?
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Ugly Christmas Sweater |
Stirrup Leggings |
Boots |
Socks |
Black Tote
You can’t go wrong with an ugly Christmas sweater, which can be thrifted, handed down from your grandma, or bought brand new. Ugly Christmas vests are also popular choices, too. Since many sweaters are oversized and heavy, pair yours with simple bottoms—like stirrup leggings—to remain comfortable even if you end up eating a lot or sitting on the floor. Accessorize with tall boots to stay warm, but try wearing cute socks underneath in case the potluck’s host asks you to remove your footwear. Complete your look with a nice handbag that’s also large enough to bring a gift or two (and your prepared meal) to avoid carrying too many bags upon arrival.
More Ugly Sweater Ideas:
Image: Etsy
Vintage Ugly Christmas Sweaters
Shop Vintage Vibes
If you’re a gal who likes options, this Etsy seller has dozens of vintage Christmas sweaters and vests to shop from!
Image: Amazon
Adorable (And Ugly) Christmas Sweater
LANPULUX
Some of the “ugliest” (aka cutest) sweaters light up–like this reindeer sweater.
Image: Amazon
Ugly Sweater Sloths
Blizzard Bay
Opt for a bright blue sweater to stand out in a sea of red and green. It’s also great for a sloth lover!
Image: Hanna Anderson
Tim Burton’s Pajamas
Hanna Anderson
Don’t underestimate holiday pajama sets! Tops like this Nightmare-Before-Christmas-themed long sleeve are perfect for pairing with casual clothes to fit any holiday theme.
An Office Party or After-work Cocktails
Office parties and post-work bar gatherings are popular during Q4. Sometimes it’s to celebrate the upcoming holidays and other times it’s in celebration of a team accomplishment or an individual promotion. You can use this opportunity to dress up or stick to business casual attire for these types of events. However, if you’re the guest of honor, don’t be afraid to dress for the well-earned attention. In many cases, you’ll be headed to an office party right after work, so factor your outfit into your day (unless you work from home, of course).
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Blazer Dress |
Ankle Boots |
Bodysuit |
Tights |
Dome Ring
We love a blazer dress, so choose one with a fall color or pattern, such as tweed or plaid. It’s a whole outfit made simple so you can accessorize to your heart’s content. Wear a comfortable base layer (such as a bodysuit) beneath to stay warm and avoid any itchy fabric rubbing against your skin. Then, accessorize with gold or silver jewelry. If it’s really cold where you are, wear sheer tights to stay warm and still look professional. Finish the party outfit with heeled ankle boots that you can walk in confidently, whether the sidewalks are dry or snowy.
More Blazer Dress Ideas:
Image: Lulus
Deluxe Desire Tweed Blazer Dress
Lulus
Make going from work to a cocktail party look easy with this gray tweed blazer dress. With the front pockets and (relatively) long length, you’ll be all business.
Image: Nordstrom
Metallic Blazer Dress
Charles Henry
This metallic dress has the perfect amount of sparkle for any holiday party!
Image: & Other Stories
Tailored Tie-Waist Blazer Dress
& Other Stories
We love this butternut-squash-colored blazer. It ties at the waist and has a chic, pointed collar that keeps you looking sharp.
Image: Revolve
Joan Belted Blazer Dress
Superdown
Red and green outfits are popular this time of year, so if you want something easy to toss on, this red belted blazer dress is perfect. Style with loafers, shiny jewelry, and you’re done!
Family Dinner and Gift Exchange
A family brunch or dinner is common during the holidays, and you may find yourself going to several depending on your family’s dynamics. Some dinners are fancier than others, and you might even find yourself hosting one of these gatherings yourself! If so, there’s a high likelihood that you’ll be involved with cooking and serving, so consider your role in the day (and whether or not you might be wearing an apron) as you choose your holiday party outfit.
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Cordroy Pants |
Crewneck Sweater |
Converse Sneakers |
Christmas Socks |
Mini Bag |
Necklace
We suggest a comfortable outfit ensemble for a family gathering, especially if you’ll be in the kitchen or chasing children around. Wear a nice pair of trousers, such as patterned pants or high-waisted corduroys for a winter-chic base. Pair the bottoms with a practical—yet Christmas-y!—sweater, like a red or green cashmere layer. You can complete the look with sneakers or opt for fancier footwear, like platform heels. If your family likes Christmas socks, wear yours with this outfit for a merry surprise when you roll up your pant leg. Add your favorite jewelry and a small bag for your belongings if you plan to be away from home.
More Pants Ideas:
Image: Boden
Chelsea Check Pants
Boden
These adorable cropped check pants feature a red and navy pattern that is perfect for pairing with everything from a holiday sweater to a classic white tee.
Image: Pact
Classic Corduroy Wide Leg Pant
Pact
Corduroy is a material that everyone loves to wear during the colder months, and these cropped wide-leg pants help to easily bridge the gap between fall and winter with style.
Image: Madewell
The Turner Tapered Pant
Madewell
Plaid pants are versatile–the ideal pick for a capsule wardrobe or for dressing up at a holiday gift exchange or family dinner.
Image: Nordstrom
Slim Fit Plaid Straight Trousers
ASOS
To really get into the holiday spirit, these candy-cane-inspired red and white plaid pants can be paired with a soft sweater or a themed holiday top. You’ll surely look like you belong under the tree!
Holiday Parties to Ring in the New Year
A New Year’s party is typically sparkly, glittery, and full of hope for the upcoming year; it’s the last chance to toast to the holidays while also looking forward to the future. This is the event to wear your shiniest, boldest looks and not be afraid to stand out! A new year can feel pivotal (“New Year, New Me” and all that) and is a great opportunity to find a little romance, or a karaoke duet like Troy and Gabriella. Wear an outfit that makes you feel flashy, confident, and ready for all that the new year may have in store.
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Sequin Top |
Leather Ankle Pant |
Faux Fur Crop |
Ankle Boots |
Mesh Bag
Our favorite New Year’s party look is a glitter or sequin number that will catch the light and make you sparkle. Pair your top, skirt, or dress with another texture like leather pants or a faux jacket to add layers and stay warm. This is your chance to wear glittery shoes as well, so don’t shy away from mixing shimmery items. Make sure to bring a small bag or clutch so you’ve got your personal belongings close by all night (and into the morning).
More glitter and Sequins Options:
Image: Reformation
Hermia Dress
REformation
Glittery dresses are fun and flirty, including this long-sleeve mini dress. With a mock-neck and a thigh slit, you can be both sassy and sexy.
Image: Nasty Gal
Sequin Fringe Jumpsuit
Nasty Gal
Looking for more coverage but still want a lot of personality? This sequin and fringe jumpsuit is everything. It’s perfect for commanding attention this year and next.
Image: 12th Tribe
Genevieve Multi Sequin Trousers
12th Tribe
Who said you can’t have shimmer and pattern at the same time? These multi-colored pants are perfect for dressing up a simple top and dancing the night away.
Image: Revolve
Sonya Mini Skirt
superdown
We’d be remiss if we didn’t show a miniskirt as well. This rose gold wrap skirt is sweet and cute, perfect for pairing with colors other than silver and gold!