Between cookie exchanges, office holiday gatherings and lots of parties with friends, our calendars are pretty much booked from now through the end of 2022. And we plan on dressing up for every festive occasion—yes, even those cozy Elf screenings at home. We’ve found that slipping into a fun (and hopefully sparkly) ensemble is an easy way to help beat the winter blues, so why not go all out? ‘Tis the season after all. In that spirit, here are 33 holiday party outfits to inspire your wardrobe from now to January 1. (And no judgements here if you end up buying more pieces than you have parties to attend.)
33 Holiday Party Outfits for Every Type of Festive Occasion…Including Nights on the Couch
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1. J.Crew Willa Blazer and Willa Cropped Flare Pants
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.
2. Jonathan Simkhai Corina Organza Ruffle Top
We came for those glorious puff sleeves, but fell even more in love upon learning that the silk cami underneath is removable, so you can use the sheer top as a layering piece over contrasting prints or colors if you like. Just note, there is no stretch to the fabric (of either the organza top or the cami layer) so if you’re between sizes we suggest opting for the larger.
3. Madewell (Re)sourced Ribbed Midi Sweater Dress
For those who are all about comfort at the holidays, this two-tone sweater dress is sure to be your new favorite go-to. Dress it up with a contrasting belt and some gold flats and statement earrings, or go the dressy-casual route with some suede booties and a chic gold chain necklace.
4. Reformation Giulia Velvet Top and Wes Velvet Pants
We adore this stunning green duo—the color looks so incredibly luxe and will definitely stand out from all the emerald and forest greens making the rounds this time of year. And both pieces can be mixed in with other wardrobe staples, like white button-up shirts or black midi skirts, so you can get even more out of your holiday party wardrobe without technically repeating looks.
5. Boden Chunky Fair Isle Cardigan
Another comfy, cozy option, this classic Fair Isle cardi has us dreaming of a Nordic vacation and a nice warm mug of mulled wine. Layer it oven jeans and a high-collar blouse for a low-key get-together with friends, but be sure to add at least one touch of sparkle by way of some diamond stud earrings or a pendant necklace.
6. Sleeper Party Pajamas with Double Feathers
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.
7. Farm Rio Navy Cool Macaw Midi Dress
You don’t have to stick to metallics, red or green this holiday season. Instead, why not try a more outside the box pattern, like this Brazil-inspiration floral featuring flying macaws? It still feels festive and seasonal without being quite so on the nose. And thanks to the elegant tied neckline, you don’t even have to stress over trying to find the right necklace to wear.
8. Maeve Faux-Leather Puff-Sleeve Blouse
Yes, that embellished collar is part of the top itself so you can cross “pick out jewelry for party” off your list. This faux-leather blouse has a bit of a cropped cut, so we find it works best with high-waist bottoms, like a tulle skirt or high-waist jeans.
9. Eloquii Dolman-Sleeve Sequin Dress
Sequins are never a bad idea for the holidays, and this gold midi has major main character energy. We’re obsessed with the draped sleeve, and the slit is just high enough to feel sexy but not scandalous. It also comes in emerald green or black for those who prefer something a tad more demure.
10. Ramy Brook Joss Wide-Leg Pants
These silk wide-leg pants come in a wide range of colors, but for the holidays we can’t help but gravitate toward Santa-approved red. The silk stripes on the waistband are a cute nod to a traditional tuxedo, and also help to create the look of a cinched-in waist without a belt. The site suggests that these run a bit big, so you might want to consider going down one.
11. Lulus Tell Me More Sequin Jumpsuit
Really lean into the ‘70s vibes of this silver jumpsuit with some platform heels and a Farrah Fawcett blowout. It’s actually a pull-on design, with no zippers, so the fabric has more stretch than you might expect. As for the length, there are plenty of reviewers in the 5’7 to 5’10 range who say the length worked really well for them, but those on the petite end may find the legs require some hemming.
12. Anthropologie Pleated Shine Skirt
We came for the pretty pleated silhouette, but stayed for the unique color of this metallic midi. It changes depending on the light you’re in, and can appear either gunmetal gray/silver or dark gold. Either way, we say let this beauty take the spotlight and dress it up with a black top or sweater. As for jewelry, mix and match different metals to really play up your skirt’s versatility.
13. We The Free Cooper Studded Low-Rise Jeans
For the gal who is always wearing jeans, this bedazzled pair by Free People adds a festive touch without being too over the top. In fact, you could rock these jeans all year round if you like. Reviews say these jeans run small, so we highly suggest going up a size (or two) to achieve a baggier look.
14. Hutch One-Shoulder Ruffled Dress
This dressy twist on a caftan is both comfortable and stunning, which is the ultimate party dress combination, in our opinion. It also comes in petite sizes for those concerned about the length, and reviews say it tends to run a little big. Add a statement necklace or some shoulder-grazing earrings to really show off the neckline.
15. DISSH Mia Black Satin Midi Dress
For the ‘90s minimalist at heart, this simple silk midi is the perfect base for showcasing standout jewelry or accessories. That said, we love the way it’s styled on model as well, with simple sandals and a chain necklace for more of a Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy vibe. There is a zipper closure at the back, and because this dress has a flowier silhouette we suggest basing your size on your bust measurements to ensure it actually stays up without constant adjusting.
On the opposite end of the spectrum is this fabulous, maximalist feather top with a lace-up back. The pink hue looks gorgeous on all skin tones and will stand out from the sea of neutrals and metallics at your next holiday party. For an elevated look, try pairing it with some pink wide-leg pants. Or, for drinks with friends, try some high-waist jeans instead.
This bra-friendly frock is such a gorgeous take on dark florals. And we love the leg slit to add a little bit of sex appeal so you’re not totally covered up. Reformation dresses do tend to run a little snug, so double check the size chart before you order and consider going up one if you’re between sizes.
18. Spanx Faux-Leather Leggings
These faux-leather leggings are some of the best we’ve ever worn and are both super chic and incredibly comfortable. They’re so easy to dress up or down for any type of holiday party and are as comfy as your regular matte leggings but feel so much more luxe. They also come in both petite and tall lengths (hallelujah!) for a better fit for all. That said, they do run small so we highly suggest you go up at least one size when ordering.
19. ASOS Curve Drape Bardot Velvet Midi Dress
Add a little (or a lot of) va-va-voom to the holidays with this velvet stunner. A pair of shoulder-grazing earrings will really help play up the sexy neckline. Reviewers say it runs a tad large, and the material has some stretch, so going down one size might be the best way to avoid pulling the top up all night.
20. Tuckernuck Blackwatch Plaid Faye Blouse
For a more casual event, try this classic tartan top which features an oversize bow at the back of the neck. The slightly flared bodice is wonderfully comfortable and won’t put any post-Champagne bloat on full display.
You don’t have to choose between only gold or silver if you want to rock a metallic. Case in point, this brown-and-blue floral mini with a heavy dose of shine to make it feel all the more festive. The neck also features an adjustable tie at the back that you can do up in a bow or let hang loose.
22. Eliza J Floral Metallic Chiffon Dress
We’d argue you could wear this moody floral frock any time of year, but to make it feel particularly festive this holiday season try pairing it with classic red or green shoes and accessories to play up the coordinating tones woven throughout the print. A note on sizing: This dress does run small so you might want to go up a size when ordering.
23.Ted Baker London Vertey Pinafore Dress
An adjustable bow in back perfectly complements the ruffles on the front and sides of this beautiful midi dress. All that flounce gives it a distinctly feminine vibe, but with a grown-up twist so you won’t feel too girlish. The material is also wonderfully lightweight to give it some extra oomph while twirling on the dance floor.
24. J.Crew Feather Trim Cotton-Poplin Shirt
This best-selling blouse from J.Crew comes in five other hues (black, red, pink, yellow and light blue), but we’re partial to the classic white for layering under cozy sweaters or even a suit jacket. It is designed for an oversize fit, so if you prefer a slimmer cut for tucking into skirts or pants you might be more comfortable going down one size.
25. Eloquii Bold Tweed Blazer and Mini Skirt
Have a little Cher Horowitz moment in this red-and-pink plaid duo. Of course, you can also wear each piece separately to get even more use out of your new holiday set, paring the skirt with a black knit or the blazer with a velvet slip dress.
26. Flat White Sheer Polka Dot Blouse
The white polka dots on this sheer blouse remind us so much of gently falling snowflakes for a subtle winter nod that’s not too literal. Plus, the white cami underneath is not attached so you can swap it out for one in a contrasting hue or go bold and sport a lacey bra instead.
27. Abercrombie & Fitch Faux Patent Leather ‘90s Pants
Patent leather is no longer just for bikers and rock and roll stars. You can always tone down the rough-and-tumble vibes by wearing them with a cozy knit or preppy plaid top. P.S. These also come in Extra Short, Short and Long lengths to better fit folks of any height.
28. Tuckernuck Royal Stewart Tartan Jamie Dress
This cheery, red tartan dress is as comfortable as a your favorite nightgown. Plus it comes with an embellished neckline so you don’t even have to think about what necklace to add.
Velvet is always good for winter events, but we appreciate it even more with a floral motif to shake things up. This dress is a true wrap, but the bottom is designed for a slim fit, so if you want a big more wiggle room you might want to go up a size. It’s also machine washable, but be sure to lay it flat to dry rather than tossing it in the dryer so it doesn’t shrink.
30. Open Edit Rib Turtleneck Sweater and Fit and Flare Sweater Skirt
Cozy, cute and under $100? What more could a gal ask for? This adorable set is supremely comfy (as you might have already guessed) and is sure to have you looking cool while feeling toasty warm.
This velvet stunner is like autumn in dress form, making it ideal for just about any fête from Thanksgiving through to Christmas. And the hourglass cut is subtly sexy, despite the modest neckline and midi length. A note on sizing, however: Rhode tends to run a tad small, so you may find going up one size to be more comfortable.
32. Tipsy Elves Gaudy Garland Christmas 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.
33. Baublebar Let There Be Light Earring Set
Because sometimes all you need to feel party ready is a pair of seasonal earrings. Be sure to wear these studs and the matching ear cuff with an updo to really give them their time in the spotlight.