Home / Life / Beauty & Style / Beauty & Style Shopping Guides 17 holiday party outfits for every event on your calendar Take a break from athleisure for a night and rock one of these get ups instead. By Sara Goldstein Updated November 6, 2023 We independently select and share the products we love—and may receive a commission if you choose to buy. With the holiday season upon us, chances are you’ve got some parties on the calendar. Of course you’ve also got 800 gifts to buy, four dozen cookies to bake and an entire house to decorate, which means choosing the perfect holiday party outfits might be low on your list of priorities. (The physical and mental load is real.) Related: 20+ matching family holiday pajamas that are perfect for photos and cozy time But before you throw in the towel and resign yourself to the same black dress that you’ve worn a hundred times, let us help. Getting dressed up (or at least out of leggings and Uggs for a hot minute) is one of my absolute favorite things about the holiday season and I don’t want you to miss out if you feel the same way. Whether you’re headed to a holiday concert at your kids’ elementary school, a quiet dinner party with friends or even a fancy soiree, we’ve rounded up a collection of holiday party outfits that will make you look and feel your festive best. Looking for gift ideas? Check out all of our holiday gift guides! Fancy holiday party outfits Eliza J. Sequin Wrap Front Long Sleeve Jumpsuit • $198 In my world, it’s not the “holiday season.” It’s the “season of sequins.” It’s the perfect time to rock a disco-ball inspired look and personally, I will attend any event that gives me an excuse to do so. For a look that’s both elegant and totally show-stopping, I’m really into this wide-leg jumper. Not only does it give total boss vibes, it also eliminates the stockings/no stockings conundrum those of us in the colder climates always face during the winter. SHOP NORDSTROM Buru Jester Dress • $178 With its vintage vibes and eye-catching design, this piece from Buru is nothing short of obsession-worthy. And with that salmon and ruby color combo, you’ve already got your Valentine’s look locked in. (We love a dress that multitasks as hard as we do.) SHOP BURU Dress the Population Emery Long Sleeve Sequin Cocktail Dress • $278 If a wall of sequins is just too much, opt for this sleek number which uses them to create an Art Deco inspired pattern. We love the sophisticated silhouette which dips low in the back to wow them as you walk away. SHOP NORDSTROM Kiyonna Verona Velvet Gown • $188 Is there a look more holiday appropriate than red velvet? I think not. This elegant gown has a lot of details to adore–like a flattering sash waist and flowy feminine sleeves–but if we’re being honest, we love the pockets the most. SHOP KIYONNA Free People Portia Velvet Mini • $128 But it’s not just red velvet that feels holiday ready! This a-line dress features comes in a variety of colors that work just as well for a Thanksgiving outfit as it does for New Year’s. Start by pairing it with opaque stockings and knee high boots then upgrade to sparkle tights, mary janes and a statement necklace and you’ve got a look for every occassion! SHOP FREE PEOPLE Old Navy Waist-Defined Cami Midi Dress for Women • $39.99 Turns out you don’t have to spend a million bucks to look like it. This metallic stunner is a hot ticket at Old Navy this season in both silver and gold and guess what? It has pockets. SHOP OLD NAVY Hill House Home Tulle Ellie Nap Dress • $278 The Nap Dress sensation isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, it seems. An easy style to dress up or down, it’s no wonder drops sell out in minutes. The classic brushed cotton styles are great, but for the party season we’re smitten with the flirty and feminine tulle version. With a couple of accessory swaps it can take you everywhere from your kids’ holiday concerts to a night out in the city! SHOP HILL HOUSE HOME Boden The Marylebone Velvet Blazer • $230 Personally, I think it’s high time I had a holiday party appropriate powersuit in my closet. The velvet pieces from Boden are not only timeless, but also just as stylish mixed-and-matched. And while the semi-fitted blazer and trousers come in black, we vote for the hot pink instead. SHOP BODEN H&M One Shoulder Top • $19.99 For a more wallet-friendly monochromatic look, we love the comfortable but dramatic pairing of this one shoulder top and flowy, wide-legged pants from H&M. SHOP H&M SHOP H&M Steve Madden Sequin Duster • $119 Even jeans and a tee shirt can pass for fancy when you throw this sparkly duster over top! It’s also a great piece to reinvigorate an old favorite you’ve already worn a hundred times. SHOP NORDSTROM J Crew Cecily Dress in Tartan Taffeta • $228 Red plaid taffeta brings back all the memories of classic childhood Christmas dresses, but this time, it’s all grown up. We love the nipped bodice and puff sleeves, but the clincher is that adorable bow at the back of the neck. SHOP J. CREW Casual holiday party outfits Old Navy SoSoft Cocoon Mini Sweater Dress • $44.99 Chic but comfy, you can never go wrong with a sweater dress! Paired with tall boots, or even booties, it’s an effortless holiday outfit that works for so many occasions. This one from Old Navy gets high marks from reviewers who say they love it so much they’ve scooped it up in multiple colors. SHOP OLD NAVY American Eagle Long Sleeve Mockneck Bodysuit • $29.95 Consider this versatile piece part of your holiday capsule wardrobe. Old Navy’s raved-about Square-Neck Velvet Bodysuit pairs with everything from pleated skirts to jeans depending on your social calendar. SHOP AMERICAN EAGLE H&M Beaded Collar Sweater • $34.99 Can we collectively retire ugly sweater parties? I do not have enough social events on my calendar to waste one looking not cute. That said, I do love a good sweater and this one from H&M is top of the heap. A beaded collar makes it feel a little fancier no matter what you pair it with. SHOP H&M Boden Velvet T-Shirt • $60 A T-shirt, but make it party attire. Pair this simple velvet number with jeans or cropped pants and some leather ankle boots and you’re ready to roll. SHOP BODEN Spanx Front Slit Velvet Pants • $128 When you want to wear stretchy pants but still look chic, Spanx is always the answer. This wide-legged style features a fun front slit to lend an edgier look. SHOP SPANX Madewell Sequin Embellished Sweater Vest • $78 With a lot of shine and the most gorgeous jewel hue, this sophisticated top will come in handy long after the invites taper off. Wear it solo or over top of a button down shirt with your favorite jeans and you’re ready for any fête on your calendar! SHOP MADEWELL