Holiday party season asks a lot of one wardrobe: the office party, a friend's Christmas dinner, a cocktail evening and maybe a New Year's Eve plan, all within a few weeks. The trick is a few pieces in festive fabrics, velvet, satin, sequins and soft knits, that you can dress up or down.
Here are ten holiday party outfits for every kind of invite, plus how to read the dress code and what to wear on your feet.
What should I wear to a holiday party?
Match the outfit to the dress code and add one festive detail. For an office party, try tailored trousers with a satin blouse or a velvet blazer. For a casual Christmas party, a sweater with a satin or sequin skirt. For cocktail parties, a velvet or satin midi dress with heels. Festive colors like burgundy, emerald, chocolate, gold and black always feel right in December.
Holiday party outfits
1. Velvet midi dress
A deep burgundy, emerald or chocolate velvet midi dress is the easiest festive outfit there is. Velvet looks rich in low light and needs almost no styling.
Wear it with: pointed heels and small gold earrings.
2. Satin slip skirt and a cozy sweater
A fine-knit sweater tucked into a satin midi skirt. It's the relaxed holiday party look, warm enough for winter and dressy enough for photos.
Wear it with: knee boots or kitten heels.
3. Sequin skirt and a simple top
One sequin piece is enough. A sequin midi skirt with a plain black or cream knit lets the sparkle do the work without looking costume-y.
Wear it with: a black blazer and simple pumps.
4. Velvet blazer and trousers
For the office party. A velvet blazer over a silky camisole, with tailored trousers. It's polished enough for work and festive enough for after.
Swap: the trousers for dark jeans at a casual office party.
5. Little black dress, updated
A classic black dress with one festive detail: a velvet bow, a sequin bag, sheer black tights or a red lip. It's the outfit you can wear to every party.
Wear it with: bow heels or a sparkly clutch.
6. Satin wide-leg trousers
Satin trousers in champagne, black or chocolate, with a fitted knit or a bodysuit. They're as comfortable as a dress is pretty, which matters at a long dinner.
Wear it with: strappy sandals or pointed flats.
7. Burgundy everything
A burgundy dress or matching set with burgundy shoes. Tonal burgundy is rich, seasonal and photographs beautifully against holiday lights. See our burgundy heels guide for more ways to wear it.
Wear it with: gold jewelry and a neutral clutch.
8. Sweater dress and knee boots
For a casual holiday get-together. A fitted knit dress with knee-high boots is warm, comfortable and still looks festive in a deep color.
Wear it with: opaque tights and a statement earring. Our brown boots outfits guide has more pairings.
9. Metallic top and black trousers
A gold or silver knit top with black trousers. It's the easiest way to add shine if you'd rather not wear a dress.
Wear it with: black heels and minimal jewelry.
10. Tartan or plaid skirt
A tartan midi skirt in red, green or brown with a black knit. It's the most traditional Christmas outfit here, and it works for daytime parties too.
Wear it with: loafers or knee boots.
How to read a holiday party dress code
- Casual: sweaters, satin skirts, dark jeans and boots. Add one sparkly or velvet piece.
- Office party: tailored trousers or a midi skirt with a silky blouse or velvet blazer. Keep hemlines and necklines work-friendly.
- Cocktail: knee-length or midi dresses, satin trousers, heels and a clutch.
- Festive or black tie optional: a long satin or velvet dress, or an elegant jumpsuit, with your dressiest shoes.
Colors and fabrics that feel festive
Colors: burgundy, emerald, chocolate brown, black, cream, gold and silver. Red works too, especially with black.
Fabrics: velvet, satin, sequins, metallic knits, lace and faux fur. Mix one festive fabric with simpler pieces so the outfit looks chosen rather than costume.
FAQ
What do you wear to a Christmas party?
A velvet or satin dress, a sequin skirt with a knit, or tailored trousers with a festive top. Choose deep holiday colors like burgundy, emerald or chocolate, and add one sparkly accessory.
What should I wear to an office holiday party?
Keep it festive but work-appropriate: a velvet blazer with trousers, a satin blouse with a midi skirt, or a simple dress with a sparkly bag. Avoid very short hemlines and anything too sheer.
Can I wear jeans to a holiday party?
For a casual party, yes. Wear dark jeans with a sequin or satin top, a velvet blazer and heels or boots to make them feel dressed up.
What shoes go with a holiday party outfit?
Pointed pumps, strappy sandals, bow heels, velvet flats and knee boots all work. If you'll be standing for hours, choose a block heel or a stylish flat.
The bottom line
A velvet midi dress or a satin skirt with a sweater covers most holiday parties. Read the dress code, choose one festive fabric, and keep the rest simple. Save the look that matches your invite, and pair it with a holiday hairstyle to finish it.
