The holiday season is right upon us, and soon our calendars will be packed with never-ending holiday parties and get-togethers. But with busy calendars comes the daunting task of putting together holiday party outfits that are in sync with the theme and the latest fashion fads.
Whether you’re attending a casual get-together, a formal soiree, or a fun cocktail party, an ideal holiday party attire strikes the perfect balance between elegance and effortless style. With this holiday outfit guide, we’ll help you curate ensembles that not only scream festive vibes but also make you stand out for your sartorial choices.
Holiday Party Looks by Dress Code
The Casual Holiday Gathering: Cosy & Chic Ideas
Casual holiday gatherings are all about having a good time without spending too much time worrying about putting together an outfit. The right way to do that is to incorporate some basic yet stylish fashion pieces together and accessorise accordingly.
A well-fitted pair of jeans with a satin shirt, a classic black designer short dress or a plain skirt styled with a high neck are all minimal yet chic outfit options for the holiday. Don’t forget to layer them with suitable coats and jackets based on your overall vibe.
The Office Holiday Party: Professional & Festive Looks
Office holiday looks need to strike the perfect balance between looking polished and festive-ready. Choose pieces that are office-appropriate but will bring that vibrant, festive feel to your holiday party outfit.
Consider a plaid, satin wrap dress, a monotone tailored jumpsuit, a matching designer co-ord set or flared trousers paired with a knitted sweater as great options to explore for a festive office look.
The Cocktail Party: Elegant & Sophisticated Holiday Attire
Cocktail holiday parties carry a casual vibe, and it is best to maintain that vibe with your outfits, too. A velvet midi dress in vibrant jewel tones is a classic yet glamorous holiday party outfit. Pair it with statement accessories, strappy heels and a faux-fur stole for some warmth.
Another timeless pick will be a satin midi dress in neutral tones, such as black or champagne, layered with delicate jewellery and bold lips. Finalise the look with a sequinned jacket for the festive glimmer, or keep it simple with a tailored blazer.
The Formal Event: Polished and Statement-Making Ensembles
Most formal events have a set dress code based on the formality of the occasion, and it is compulsory to abide by it. The most common dressing attire for formal events includes floor-length evening gowns and formal long dresses.
For the holiday season, you can explore chic floor-length gowns in festive colours, including deep reds, emerald green, navy, champagne, gold, etc., or choose a sophisticated cocktail dress to amp up your holiday. The key is to select luxurious fabrics, such as velvet, satin and silk, paired with elegant silhouettes to keep the look polished.
On-Trend Holiday Outfit Ideas & Key Pieces
All That Glitters: Sequin Dresses, Skirts, and Tops
Nothing screams festive vibes more than a glittery and shimmery outfit. The holiday season is all about warm lights, intimate gatherings and celebratory energy, and that pairs beautifully with sequins, metallics and shimmer.
The key to nailing a glittery look is creating a harmony of tones and playing it safe with your makeup and accessories. Think sequin dress with a long coat, or a sequin skirt paired with a turtleneck or plaid shirt for women, or a glimmering bodysuit for a statement look. Stick with deeper or metallic tones to keep up with the holiday vibe.
Luxe in Velvet: Jumpsuits, Trousers, and Blazers
Velvet is the quintessential festive fabric that is luxurious and cosy, and instantly adds a festive feel without being loud or flashy. It hits the perfect middle ground between casual and glam, making it ideal for dinners, holidays and any other event.
For festive gatherings, you can never go wrong with different types of dresses, but there is so much to explore for the upcoming season. A velvet jumpsuit offers a one-and-done solution that is perfect for the indecisive ones. A velvet trouser is best paired with a satin or metallic-hued blouse for a dressy, festive look. A blazer is also a great addition that can transform any outfit into a holiday-ready look.
Festive in Red: From Classic Dresses to Modern Separates
Red will always be the ultimate holiday colour, as it embodies warmth, love and energy. It is a daring choice, but it also looks incredibly sophisticated when styled correctly. You can either go for an overall red outfit or sprinkle some red accents here and there.
A red slip dress with a fur coat, or a red sweater paired with a neutral bottom, are classic ways to incorporate red into your holiday outfit. But if you are in an experimental mood, red slacks with a matching tent dress or a three-piece red pantsuit is all you need to be the centre of attention.
The Chic Alternative: Satin Skirts and Leather Pants
If you don’t want to go the classic route and want to explore some unconventional holiday party attire, then satin skirts and leather pants are two stylish alternatives to explore. The glimmering fabric, along with the luxurious drape of satin skirts, adds a touch of glam to your holiday outfit without any chunky glitter or shimmer. You can dress it up or down with the right top and accessories to create a refined holiday outfit.
But if you want to go the edgy route, leather pants are a better alternative for you. It not only adds depth to your holiday outfit but also creates a textural contrast when paired with other fabrics, such as satin or lace. A pair of faux leather pants paired with a satin camisole or a lace blouse will create the ultimate holiday uniform.
FAQs
What does “festive attire” mean?
A festive outfit features colours, designs, elements and silhouettes that are fun, bright and elaborate. These strike the perfect balance between semi-formal and cocktail attire, allowing for a more polished and celebratory look. These outfits often incorporate festive colours and richer fabrics such as satin, velvet and sequins to amp up the look of these outfits.
Can I wear jeans to a holiday party?
Yes, you can wear jeans to a holiday party, especially if it is a casual holiday party or a cosy get-together. You can style it with festive tops, blouses and sweaters to make it more holiday-appropriate. Add appropriate accessories such as jewellery, scarves, caps, etc., to make it look cohesive and festival-appropriate.
What are the best colours to wear besides red and green?
Deeper tones, such as burgundy, burnt orange, brown, and mustard; jewel tones, like emerald green, ruby red, and sapphire blue; neutral hues, including black, ivory, olive green, and taupe; and metallic colours, such as gold, silver, bronze, and champagne, are all great colour options to explore during the festive season.