21 Holiday Party Outfits for Every Type of Festive Occasion…Including Nights on the Couch
It’s true that some holiday gatherings will look a bit different this year due to the ongoing pandemic, 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 cocktail party with friends. In the spirit of the season, we found 21 holiday party outfits to inspire you. (And no judgements here if you end up buying more pieces than you have parties to attend.)
RELATED: Ready for Christmas Nails? Here Are 40 Festive Ideas to Try Now
1. J.Crew Double-Breasted Lady Blazer and Straight-Leg Wool Pants
Plaid Suit
How often do you get the chance to rock red plaid from head to toe? Amp up the party vibes with plenty of glittery jewelry and some sparkly shoes, too. And don’t forget to finish your look with a swipe of cherry red lipstick to match your suit.
Available in sizes 00 to 16, also Petite
Available in sizes 00 to 24, also Petite and Tall
Complete the look: Luv AJ necklace ($80); Halogen cami ($15); Nina shoes ($89)
2. Tanya Taylor Aurianne Top
Burnout Velvet Top
A plain black turtleneck tee is a versatile wardrobe staple that goes with pretty much everything in your closet. But a burnout velvet version is infinitely more fun—and just as functional—and lends a holiday-ready vibe to an easy-to-wear basic.
Available in sizes XS to 3X
Complete the look: Good American pants ($169); Vince Camuto heels ($100)
3. Eloquii Wide-Leg Multi-Sequin Pants
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 wide-leg trousers, 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 14 to 26
Complete the look: Everlane turtleneck ($40); Naturalizer heels ($115)
4. Open Edit Sequin Blazer and
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 XXS to XL
Available in sizes XXS to XL
Complete the look: Charlotte Tilbury lipstick ($34); LoveSeen lashes ($22)
5. Kate Spade New York Satin Pastis Blouse
Silk Button-Up
OK, let’s say glitz and sparkle aren’t really your thing. A gorgeous silk blouse feels just as festive without turning you into a disco ball. Wear this beauty over black trousers or tuck it into a coordinating silk skirt for a classy holiday ensemble.
Available in sizes 00 to 16
Shop similar styles: LilySilk ($95); Maree Pour Toi ($149); Cuyana ($165)
6. Farm Rio Red Stripes Patches Sweater and Sweatpants
Colorful Sweatsuit
For the gal who’s not ready to give up on her newfound “all sweats, all the time” lifestyle, try upgrading your go-to grays for something with a bit more color or texture. Even if you swap in a navy cashmere crewneck or black velour pants, these separates will have you feeling festive without sacrificing an ounce of comfort.
Available in sizes XS to L
Available in sizes XS to L
Complete the look: Converse sneakers ($60); Birkenstock slippers ($100)
7. Maeve Disco Halter Jumpsuit
‘70s Jumpsuit
The vertical stripes on this super-fun one-piece help elongate your frame to give you mile-long legs. Want to accentuate your waist? Just add a black leather or silver sequin belt to your narrowest point. As for hair and makeup, we highly suggest turning to the OG disco divas themselves: Cher, Diana Ross, Donna Summer and Grace Jones.
Available in sizes 00 to 26W, also Petite
Complete the look: Elizabeth Cole earrings ($133); JW Pei bag ($89; $75); Louise Et Cie heels ($100)
8. J.Crew Twist-Back Merino Wool Sweater Dress
Bright Red Midi
Yes, this fiery red midi is stunning from the front, but it’s the open twist detail at the back that really made us fall in love. Be sure to wear your hair up to impress your fellow party-goers from all angles.
Available in sizes XXS to 3X
Complete the look: Aleyole earrings ($80; $48); BP sandals ($50)
9. Sleeper Cornflower Party Pajama Set
Feather PJs
These fun feather-trimmed PJs really live up to their “party” name and will get you in the holiday spirit whether you’re hopping on a Zoom call with friends, hosting a low-key cookie exchange or even headed out to a roaring New Year’s fête. P.S. The feather trim is removable should you find it bothers you once it’s time to actually hop into bed.
Available in sizes XS to XL
Complete the look: Nina earrings ($78); Birdies shoes ($165)
10. Maeve Metallic Mini Skirt
Hot Pink Mini
One doesn’t typically think of hot pink as a particularly Christmassy color, but it sure does read as party ready. Tone things down a bit by pairing this mini with a cozy patterned sweater for more casual events, and don’t forget to add tights to give your legs some extra protection from Jack Frost.
Available in sizes XXS to 3X, also Petite
Complete the look: Rhode sweater ($445); Schutz boots ($148)
11. Treasure & Bond Velvet Pants
Black Velvet
Something about velvet just feels inherently fancy, even in the form of draped, wide-leg pants. This easy style will look festive and fun both dressed up with a silk cami and lots of glittering jewelry or dressed down with a simple T-shirt and satin slippers. The world is your velvet-clad oyster.
Available in sizes XXS to XL, and 1X to 3X
Complete the look: Everlane T-shirt ($24); 1 State cami ($69); UGG slippers ($100)
12. Anthropologie Ruffled 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: Lulus sweater ($58); Tory Burch flats ($228)
13. Wayf Morela Long-Sleeve Turtleneck Sweater Dress
Cozy Knit Dress
They’re comfy, they’re (surprisingly) sexy and they’ve taken 2021 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 XS to XL
Complete the look: Mignonna Gavigan earrings ($225); Sheertex tights ($99); Marc Fisher LTD. boots ($189; $99)
14. Blank NYC The Baxter Vegan Leather Pants
Faux-Leather Trouser
Rather than trying to make plain black leather feel festive, try burgundy, dark green or even navy, instead. They don’t feel quite so “rock and roll” and will look just as good with a sparkly top or oversize knit.
Available in sizes 24 to 31
Complete the look: Naadam sweater ($350); Sam Edelman boots ($160)
15. Eloquii Checkboard Coat
Statement Coat
Get ready for outdoor winter events by picking up a wild statement coat, like this checkerboard number. That way, you’ll feel dressed up…even if you’re sporting PJs underneath.
Available in sizes 14 to 28
Shop similar styles: Princess Highway ($149); Topshop ($167); Bright & Beautiful ($259)
16. Anthropologie Surplice Tie-Front Blouse
Velvet Top
Have some fun with the adjustable tie front of this floral velvet blouse. 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 XL
Complete the look: AllSaints necklace ($69); LOFT pants ($80)
17. DB Studio Midi Satin Slip Dress with Spaghetti Straps
The ‘90s Slip
We absolutely love sporting a silky slip dress to just about any event, any time of year, because it’s 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 0 to 26
Complete the look: Banana Republic blazer ($229); Vince Camuto boots ($230)
18. ASOS Curve Floral Sequin Wrap Mini Dress
All-Out Party Dress
Get ready to steal the spotlight in this gorgeous silver mini. Yes, you could always decide to go simple with your accessories and let your frock grab all the attention, but this stunner can handle the competition. Try some gold platforms (contrary to popular belief, you can mix metallics), a sparkly headband or some colorful gemstone earrings for a look that will pop even more.
Available in sizes 12 to 26
Complete the look: Jennifer Behr headband ($325); Loeffler Randall heels ($425)
19. Vineyard Vines Alpine Fair Isle Mock-Neck 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 XXS to 3X
Shop similar styles: Lou & Grey ($90); Alex Mill ($175)
20. 33 Degrees Christmas Flamingo Tree Graphic Pullover
Ugly Holiday Sweater
For those who want their knit to feel even more “in the spirit of things,” there are tons of hilarious and, OK, 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 XS to 3X
Shop similar styles: Hooked Up by IOT ($49); ModCloth sweater ($69)
21. BaubleBar Ugly Sweater Drop Earrings
The Festive Extra
Because sometimes all you need to feel party ready is a pair of seasonal earrings. Even better if you pair these cuties with a matching ugly holiday sweater.
Complete the look: Tipsy Elves sweater ($50); ASOS Curve sweater ($40)
RELATED: 30 Holiday Gifts That Give Back (but Are Still Super Cool)