Holiday Party Outfit Ideas for Every Dress Code
From office parties to New Year's Eve, find holiday party outfits for every invitation. Sparkle, velvet and festive colors for women and men, plus styling tips.
December brings a busy calendar of celebrations: the office party, festive dinners with friends, family gatherings and New Year's Eve. Each one calls for a slightly different level of sparkle. Here is how to dress for all of them without buying a new wardrobe.
Holiday fabrics and colors
The season is the perfect time to play with:
- Velvet: rich and cozy, in emerald, burgundy, navy or black.
- Sequins and metallics: silver, gold and champagne for evening events.
- Satin and silk: elegant and easy to dress up or down.
- Plaid and tartan: classic and festive for daytime gatherings.
- Red and green: traditional holiday colors, best in deep shades.
One shiny piece at a time: pair a sequin top with simple pants, or a velvet blazer with plain jeans. Too much sparkle at once can look costume-like.
The office holiday party
Keep it festive but professional.
- Women: a velvet blazer over a silk camisole with tailored pants, or a jewel-toned midi dress with block heels.
- Men: a dark suit with a festive tie, or chinos with a velvet or textured blazer.
Avoid anything too short, low-cut or sheer. You will still see your coworkers on Monday.
Dinner with friends
This is the moment for relaxed glamour.
- Women: a sequin top with dark jeans and heeled boots, or a satin slip skirt with a cozy cashmere sweater.
- Men: dark jeans, a crisp shirt and a velvet or corduroy jacket, with Chelsea boots.
Family gatherings
Comfort and coziness come first, especially if there are children and games involved.
- Women: a plaid skirt with a turtleneck and tights, or a knit dress with boots.
- Men: chinos and a festive sweater in deep red or forest green.
A tasteful holiday sweater is welcome at many family events, and the "ugly sweater" party is its own fun tradition.
New Year's Eve
The most glamorous night of the season.
- Women: a sequin or metallic dress, a black jumpsuit with statement earrings, or a satin set. Bring a warm coat for countdown celebrations outdoors.
- Men: a tuxedo or dark suit for formal parties, or black pants, a black turtleneck and a sharp blazer for a modern look.
Shoes, coats and accessories
- Shoes: velvet pumps, metallic flats or polished boots for women; dark loafers or dress boots for men.
- Coats: a long wool coat in camel, black or a jewel tone works over everything.
- Accessories: a beaded clutch, statement earrings, a pocket square or a festive tie bring the holiday spirit.
Rewear and remix
You do not need a new outfit for every event. Rewear a dress with different accessories, swap the jacket over a sequin top, or pair one velvet blazer with three different bottoms. Mixing pieces keeps the season fun and affordable.
The takeaway
Match your sparkle to the occasion: subtle at the office, relaxed glamour with friends, cozy with family and full shine on New Year's Eve. Velvet, satin and metallics carry the season, and smart rewearing keeps your budget merry too.
