21 Holiday Party Outfits for Every Type of Festive Occasion…Including Nights on the Couch

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.

Buy it ($148)

^{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.

Buy the blazer ($89)

Buy the pants ($79)

^{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.

Buy it ($138)

^{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).

Buy it ($545)

^{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.

Buy it ($80; $52)

^{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.

Buy it ($148)

^{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.

Buy it ($88)

^{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.

Buy it ($68)

^{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.

Buy it ($329)

^{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.

Buy it ($178)

^{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.

Buy it ($148)

^{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.

Buy it ($165)

^{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.

Buy it ($45)

^{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.

Buy it ($110)

^{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.

Buy it ($80)

^{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.

Buy it ($328)

^{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.

Buy it ($195)

^{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.

Buy it ($80)

^{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.

Buy it ($60)

^{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.)

Buy it ($58)

Complete the look: Halogen sweater ($69); Callahan sweater ($118)

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