What to Wear to a Holiday Party: Stylish Ideas for Every Occasion
The holiday season is full of celebrations, and whether you’re attending an office holiday party, a family gathering, or a formal New Year’s Eve bash, deciding what to wear can be a challenge. You want to feel festive, fashionable, and comfortable all at the same time. To help you make a statement at your next holiday event, we’ve put together a guide to help you choose the perfect outfit for every type of party. Here are some stylish and practical suggestions to help you shine this holiday season.
1. Office Holiday Party: Professional Yet Festive
Office holiday parties are a time to relax and have fun with colleagues but still maintain a professional appearance. You want to find a balance between festive and business casual while not overdoing it with overly glamorous attire.
For Women:
- Dress: A knee-length cocktail dress in rich colors like emerald green, deep red, or navy is perfect for an office holiday party. Look for styles with subtle embellishments, like sequins, lace, or velvet, that elevate your look without going overboard.
- Tops and Skirts: A dressy blouse paired with a midi skirt or tailored pants can also work. Choose a top with a bit of sparkle or metallic accents to keep things festive. A satin blouse with a high-waisted pencil skirt is a great option for a chic, modern look.
- Footwear: Closed-toe heels, ankle boots, or dressy flats are ideal. Avoid stilettos unless the event is more formal.
- Accessories: Keep it simple with delicate jewelry like stud earrings or a thin bracelet. A statement clutch or handbag will add a little extra style.
For Men:
- Suit: A sharp suit in a darker color like charcoal gray or navy blue is always a good option. If you’re feeling more festive, consider a suit with a subtle checkered pattern or a velvet blazer.
- Shirt and Tie: Pair your suit with a crisp white shirt. A patterned tie in seasonal colors like deep red, burgundy, or green will add a festive touch.
- Shoes: Black or brown leather dress shoes are always appropriate. If you want to make a statement, opt for polished oxford shoes with a touch of shine.
- Accessories: A classic watch or cufflinks can elevate your look without being too flashy.
2. Casual Holiday Party: Relaxed, But Festive
If you’re attending a casual holiday party with friends or family, you can afford to go a little more laid-back with your outfit, but still want to make sure you’re dressed for the occasion.
For Women:
- Sweaters: A festive knit sweater with fun designs (think reindeer, snowflakes, or Christmas trees) is perfect for a more relaxed party. You can pair it with skinny jeans or leggings and cute boots for an easy, chic look.
- Jumpsuits: A cozy but stylish jumpsuit in a velvet or satin fabric is a great option. Choose one with a wide-leg cut for added comfort, or go for a tailored fit to make it a bit more polished.
- Footwear: Boots or cute flats work well. If you’re going for a dressier vibe, ankle-strap heels can add a bit of elegance while staying comfy.
- Accessories: Keep accessories to a minimum but add some fun with a statement necklace or a pair of chunky earrings. A crossbody bag or clutch is perfect for carrying the essentials.
For Men:
- Polo Shirt or Sweater: A sweater in festive tones or a casual shirt with a slight pattern is perfect for a relaxed holiday gathering. You can also choose a fun Christmas-themed sweater if the party is more informal.
- Chinos or Dark Jeans: Pair your top with chinos or dark-wash jeans. Both are comfortable and give a clean, polished appearance without being too formal.
- Footwear: Casual loafers, desert boots, or clean sneakers are ideal for a more laid-back look.
- Accessories: A simple leather belt or watch can complete the look. Keep the accessories minimal to maintain a laid-back vibe.
3. Formal Holiday Party: Elegant and Glamorous
For a formal holiday event such as a gala, black-tie celebration, or New Year’s Eve bash, you’ll want to bring out the glamorous outfits. Think classic elegance with a touch of holiday sparkle.
For Women:
- Evening Gown: A floor-length evening gown in luxurious fabrics like silk, satin, or velvet is perfect for a formal holiday gathering. Popular colors include metallic shades (gold, silver), jewel tones (emerald, sapphire), or deep reds and blacks.
- Cocktail Dress: If the event calls for a less formal approach but is still upscale, a knee-length cocktail dress with dramatic elements such as lace, sequins, or off-the-shoulder detailing will look stunning.
- Footwear: Opt for heels—stilettos, pumps, or strappy sandals work well for a formal party. Make sure they are comfortable enough for standing and dancing.
- Accessories: This is your chance to shine with statement jewelry. Think chandelier earrings, a bold necklace, or a delicate bracelet. A metallic clutch or evening bag will also complement your ensemble.
For Men:
- Tuxedo: For a black-tie event, a classic tuxedo is your go-to. Opt for a black tuxedo with a satin peak lapel, paired with a white dress shirt and a black bow tie.
- Suit and Tie: If the event is formal but not quite black-tie, a well-tailored suit in black, navy, or charcoal gray is perfect. Pair with a silk tie in a festive color like deep red, dark green, or silver.
- Footwear: Polished black leather dress shoes or patent leather loafers are essential for a formal look.
- Accessories: A sleek watch, cufflinks, or a pocket square adds sophistication without being too flashy.
4. Outdoor Holiday Party: Warm and Cozy
If you’re attending a holiday party in a colder climate or an outdoor event, you’ll want to make sure you’re both stylish and warm.
For Women:
- Coat: A chic wool coat or faux fur jacket is a great choice for outdoor parties. Look for one with a structured silhouette or trendy details like a belted waist.
- Dress or Jumpsuit: Pair your coat with a festive dress or a long-sleeve jumpsuit in seasonal colors. Velvet and knit fabrics are perfect for staying warm while looking chic.
- Boots: Knee-high or ankle boots are essential for outdoor parties. Look for options with a slight heel for added sophistication, or go for flat boots for comfort.
- Accessories: A cozy scarf, gloves, and a stylish beanie can keep you warm while adding a touch of fun to your outfit.
For Men:
- Winter Coat: A tailored wool coat or a stylish puffer jacket will keep you warm. Opt for something sleek and not too bulky for a more fashionable appearance.
- Sweater: Layer a festive sweater or a knit turtleneck underneath your coat for warmth and style.
- Boots: Weather-resistant boots, like leather or faux-suede options, will ensure your feet stay dry while looking stylish.
- Accessories: A scarf and gloves in complementary colors add warmth and sophistication.
Conclusion
Whether you’re attending a cozy family gathering, an office party, or a glamorous black-tie event, choosing the right outfit for a holiday party can make you feel confident and festive. Keep in mind the type of event you’re attending, and make sure your outfit is both stylish and appropriate. This holiday season, dress to impress and enjoy the celebrations with friends and family!