21 Holiday Party Outfits for Every Type of Festive Occasion…Including Nights on the Couch
It’s true that holiday gatherings will look pretty different this year due to COVID-19 but we’re still planning on dressing up for every festive occasion. Slipping into a fun (and hopefully sparkly) ensemble may help you beat some winter blues—even if you’re just dressing up for a Zoom cookie exchange with friends. In the spirit of the season, we found 21 holiday party outfits to inspire you. No judgements here if you end up buying more pieces than you have parties to attend.
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1. J.Crew Velvet-Trimmed V-Neck Tunic
Classic Tartan
Blackwatch tartan and velvet is a perennial holiday favorite. This particular tunic can be dressed up (with a sleek black skirt or gold trousers and heels) or down (with comfy leggings and flats) to fit whatever event you have on the calendar.
Available in sizes XXS to 3X
Complete the look: Amanda Uprichard skirt ($172); Sam Edelman heels ($150); BP. leggings ($12); Linea Paolo flats ($120)
2. Free People Morelia Sequin Joggers
Sparkly Bottoms
It’s the most wonderful glittery time of the year. And while you pretty much can’t go wrong with sequins of any kind this season, we think easy pieces, like these copper joggers are the way to go. Try layering an oversize knit up top for a festive night at home, or slip into a fitted bodysuit to kick things up a notch.
Available in sizes XS to XL
Complete the look: Everlane sweater ($150); Superdown bodysuit ($46)
3. Chelsea28 Sequin Blazer and Paperbag Waist Pants
Sequin Two-Piece
Why stop at just the trousers when you can rock an entire sequin suit? But seriously, there’s no better time of year to rock sparkle from head-to-toe. Go ahead and live it up—and don’t forget to add a glam lip or some faux lashes, too.
Available in sizes XS to XXL
Complete the look: Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Mattemoiselle Plush Matte Lipstick ($18; $9); Lilly Lashes Living My Best Life Collection ($30; $15)
4. Anthropologie Sydney Shimmer Tulle Midi Skirt
Ballerina Moment
A flouncy tulle skirt is all at once elegant and supremely easy to wear. Unless you have a truly fancy event to attend, we suggest layering a cable-knit turtleneck up top. As for shoes? Opt for the obvious choice: ballet flats.
Available in sizes XXS to 3X, also Petite
Complete the look: Line & Dot sweater ($128); Frame shoes ($328)
5. Tanya Taylor Ellette Dress
Subtle Velvet Touch
Truth be told, this midnight blue frock with tiny velvet polka dots could be worn to just about any special occasion from October through March. But to give it a little extra festive boost, try some statement crystal jewelry and bold footwear (like over-the-knee suede boots or sequin pumps).
Available in sizes XS to 3X
Complete the look: Elizabeth Cole earrings ($183); J.Crew necklace ($78); Marc Fisher Ltd. boots ($239; $139)
6. Torrid Multicolor Stripe Mockneck Sweater Dress
Cozy Knit Dress
They’re comfy, they’re (surprisingly) sexy and they’ve taken 2020 by storm. Sweater dresses are one of the year’s top trends. Simply add some colorful earrings, a pair of black tights and matching black shoes and you’ll be ready for all the cookie exchanges, holiday cocktails and wintery walks through the park.
Available in sizes 10 to 30
Complete the look: Casa Clara earrings ($68; $45); Lane Bryant tights ($20); Louise et Cie boots ($150; $90)
7. Wilfred Melina Pants
Faux-Leather Trouser
If red and green is too on-the-nose for you during the holidays, try getting festive in an unexpected shade of faux leather. For example, Aritzia’s straight-leg camel trousers combined with a simple white tank and chunky-knit cardigan evokes more of a cabincore feeling, which we can definitely get behind.
Available in sizes 00 to 16
Complete the look: Wilfred Free cardigan ($198) and tank top ($38)
8. Madewell Drawstring Midi Slip Skirt
Casual Slip Skirt
Keep your ensemble low-key with a simple graphic tee, crisp white kicks and a cropped jacket in leather, denim or even velvet. This is one outfit you’ll want to keep wearing long after January is over.
Available in sizes 00 to 16
Complete the look: Madewell jacket ($498) and T-shirt ($35); Adidas sneakers ($80; $64)
9. Topshop Flutter Sleeve Cable-Knit Turtleneck Sweater
Frilly Knit
Who says you can’t be both warm and flirty? This ruffle-sleeved knit is both playful and fitting for frigid temps, so you don’t have to choose.
Available in sizes XS to L
Complete the look: Cotton On jeans ($45); Lele Sadoughi headband ($65)
10. Jakke Tilly Faux-Fur Coat
Statement Coat
Get ready for many more outdoor winter events (i.e. those that meet social distancing requirements) by picking up a wild statement coat, like this rose-covered faux-fur number. That way, you’ll feel dressed up…even if you’re sporting PJs underneath.
Available in sizes XS to XL
Complete the look: Splendid pajamas ($88); Papinelle pajamas ($99)
11. Anthropologie Lisabette Sequined Mini Dress
Sequin Wrap Dress
A sequin mini skirt might just be the ultimate New Year’s Eve number, but we’re particular fans of Anthropologie’s mini dress dress instead. Here’s why: the faux wrap silhouette is incredibly flattering on just about every body type, and it comes in six gorgeous color options, from classic silver to the more unexpected chartreuse.
Available in sizes XXS to 3X, also Petite
Complete the look: Dirty Laundry boots ($70); Dr. Martens boots ($180)
12. Free People Kit Kat Set
Velour Duo
For the gal who wishes Juicy tracksuits would come back in style (and be socially acceptable for parties), try this more modern velour set instead. Finish off your look with traditionally festive accessories—gold statement earrings and strappy metallic heels—to avoid looking like you’re wearing your pajamas out on the town. You can also split this pair up, if you’d rather mix and match each piece with other items in your closet.
Available in sizes XS to XL
Complete the look: Sterling Forever earrings ($58); Stuart Weitzman heels ($550)
13. Scotch & Soda Floral Print Sheer Velvet Top
Semi-Sheer Blouse
This metallic and velvet-burnout blouse doesn’t come with a cami or a lining, so you’ll either need to layer it over one you already own (may we suggest trying a purple or metallic style to switch things up?) or embracing the sexy peek-a-boo aesthetic with nothing but a black lace bra underneath.
Available in sizes XS to L
Complete the look: Lilysilk cami ($60); Cami NYC cami ($162); Dita Von Teese bra ($90)
14. Missguided Plus Midi Dress with Puff Sleeves
Plaid Frock
Take inspiration from the model above and keep your accessories minimal and neutral, for a look that’s more chic and sophisticated.
Available in sizes 12 to 20
Complete the look: Nordstrom clutch ($99); ASOS heels ($48; $39)
15. Eloquii Sequin Maxi Skirt with Side Slit
Red-Hot Skirt and Blouse
Stand out from a crowd of little black dresses and dark jumpsuits with two bold red separates. Mix and match different fabrics, like sequins, cashmere, velvet or denim to find a pairing that works for your personal style and the party’s dress code.
Available in sizes 14 to 28
Complete the look: Eloquii sweater ($80); Jewel Badgley Mischka heels ($90; $63)
16. J.Crew Halter Bow Top in Velvet
Velvet Tank
Have some fun with the tie detail of this halter. You can knot it in a perky bow, go a bit looser with floppy loops or even let the ends hang down undone.
Available in sizes XXS to 3X
Complete the look: J.Crew pants ($158)
17. Ronny Kobo Dorothy Pants
Metallic Trousers
These high-waisted gold pants would look gorgeous with the black velvet top above, but they’ll work just as well—and skew a bit more casual—with a beige, white or black turtleneck sweater tucked in. As for shoes? Stick with complimentary neutral shades in whatever style you like best.
Available in sizes XS to L
Complete the look: Vince sweater ($395); Cariuma sneakers ($79)
18. Cuyana Silk Slip Dress
The ‘90s Frock
We absolutely love sporting a silky slip dress to just about any event, any time of year, because they’re all at once sexy and comfy. For holiday dinner with the family, try wearing yours with an oversize blazer and some knee-high boots.
Available in sizes XS to XL
Complete the look: 1.State blazer ($149); Loeffler Randall boots ($695)
19. Gap Fair Isle Turtleneck Sweater
Tasteful Holiday Sweater
A classic Fair Isle knit is a great festive pick for casual Zoom get-togethers or those times when you’re prioritizing comfort over style.
Available in sizes XS to XXL, also Tall and Petite
Get the look: Aerie sweater ($60; $45); L.L.Bean sweater ($89); Fjallraven sweater ($150)
20. Woman Within Holiday Pullover Sweater
Ugly Holiday Sweater
For those who want their knit to feel even more “in the spirit of things” there are tons of hilarious and, okay, ugly holiday sweaters to choose from, whether you decide to go the over-the-top route or stick with something that’s the sartorial version of a little wink.
Available in sizes 14 to 40
Get the look: Zoe + Liv sweater ($28); 33 Degrees sweater ($30); Torrid sweater ($66)
21. BaubleBar Santa Drop Earrings
The Festive Extra
Because sometimes all you need to feel party ready is a pair of seasonal earrings. (P.S., there’s also a Mrs. Claus set, should you want to mix and match.)
Complete the look: Halogen sweater ($69); Callahan sweater ($118)
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