8 Christmas Party Outfit Ideas for All Budgets That Will Leave You Looking Festive & Fabulous
From plaid to sequins and faux fur, these outfit ideas are sure to make a stunning statement
The holidays bring a lot of joy to the season: gift giving, gorgeous decor, delicious hot cocoa, holiday shopping and one of the best parts: festive fashion. From sequins and glitter to satin and bows, there’s no better time to don a little glitz and glam. But if you’re like us and your calendar is filled with gatherings with friends, family and coworkers this time of year, figuring out the perfect look for each occasion can be daunting. To the rescue: celebrity stylist Samantha Brown, who shares her tips for the best holiday or Christmas party outfit ideas this season for any event.
How to pick out a Christmas party outfit
The key to finding the right outfit for any festive affair is not to worry about it being holiday-themed. Feeling confident and comfortable while just upping the luxe a little should suffice for most gatherings, says Brown. Some things to consider:
1. Don’t fret about color
While the traditional Christmas colors are red and green, you don’t have to limit yourself to just those, says Brown, especially if you don’t own anything in either color. Simply grabbing staple items like a pair of black pants, a button down and a sweater and adding a festive-colored or glittery accessory will suffice, she says.
2. Have fun with the texture
One great way to up the dazzle: look at fabric, says Brown. A satin skirt compared to a cotton one instantly looks and feels more luxe. Or a satin button-down compared to the traditional cotton button-down has a more party-ready feel. “Elevating your staples is also a way to upgrade your holiday style—if you typically wear tees under your blazer, add a silk camisole instead.”
Another great fabric to add to your Christmas party outfit ideas if you have it? Leather, especially a pair of leather pants. They’re slightly dressier than your traditional pants, and they come in stretchy faux fabrics so you don’t have to worry about fit or comfort. A faux fur also adds dimension and glamour to any ensemble. Keep reading for more holiday outfit ideas.
1. Wow in winter white and green add-ons
For a gorgeous and neutral outfit, look to items in winter white, cream or champagne. It’s festive for the holiday season, dressy and looks great with any and all accessories. For some Christmas fun, throw in pops of emerald green with accessories, and finish off the look with a pair of tall brown boots to keep you warm. Our favorite part of this look is the chic, gold belt, an easy way to make any outfit look more luxe and visually interesting.
Shop the look:
Champagne midi skirt: Buy from Amazon
Cream V-neck sweater: Buy from Old Navy
Tall brown boots: Buy from Macy’s
Gold and emerald green layered necklace: Buy from Amazon
Emerald green and pearl earrings: Buy from Amazon
Gold belt: Buy from Kohl’s
2. Holiday ready in plaid
If you’re all about getting into the holiday spirit, play with plaid for your next Christmas party outfit. Choosing a satin plaid set makes sure the look is cohesive and matching, and even more, feels super comfortable and light. To keep the plaid the star of the look, pair it with neutral, yet sophisticated, accessories, like pearl, black and gold.
Shop the look:
Satin plaid midi skirt: Buy from Dilliard’s
Satin plaid blouse: Buy from Dilliard’s
Black and gold shoulder bag: Buy from Amazon
Pearl earrings: Buy from Amazon
Black and pearl heels: Buy from DSW
3. Stunning in sophisticated, sparkling adornments
Sequins are one of this year’s biggest trends, especially for the holidays. And the best part? They look beautiful in just about any color. We’re in love with this rich, gorgeous plum shade, perfect for both the holidays and also New Year’s. Make it pop with silver accessories (chunky cuff bracelets are huge at the moment). Black pairs beautifully with the plum, the two dark hues complementing each other without clashing.
Shop the look:
Plum sequin midi skirt: Buy from Mango
Black off-the-shoulder sweater: Buy from Aritzia
Silver shoulder bag: Buy from Kate Spade Outlet
Silver chunky cuff bracelet: Buy from Flaire & Co.
Burgundy cascade earrings: Buy from Mango
Black patent leather slingback heels: Buy from Zappos
4. Striking in a red sweater dress
A sweater dress is the perfect item to toss on because it looks put-together but feels like you’re wearing a robe. Plus, “sweater dresses are comfortable enough to relax on the couch,” adds Brown. Look for one with a tie belt to add extra shape. This one comes in a gorgeous shade of red that looks extra chic with a faux fur coat. And for added flair, add some decadent accessories like rhinestone heels and bow-accented jewelry.
Shop the look:
Red sweater dress: Buy from Petal & Pup
Faux fur coat: Buy from Abercrombie & Fitch
Nude rhinestone slingback heels: Buy from Target
Gold layered necklace: Buy from Amazon
Gold bow earrings: Buy from Amazon
5. Casual holiday party outfit
For casual holiday gatherings, classic black jeans are your go-to. We like this pair because they have subtle rhinestones embellished throughout, adding a touch of flair. Pair it with a burgundy satin top and faux leather trench. Get creative with accessories, like these silver chunky earrings and burgundy bag.
Shop the look:
Black rhinestone jeans: Buy from Maurices
Burgundy satin top: Buy from Express
Black faux leather trench coat: Buy from Nordstrom
Black pointed toe booties: Buy from Aerosoles
Burgundy purse: Buy from Stradivarius
Silver chunky earrings: Buy from Amazon
6. Non-traditional Christmas colors
Sure, red and green are typically the colors you associate with Christmas, but there are still other hues that work just as well for the season. For instance, this beautiful light blue gives us all the winter wonderland vibes, and even more so when paired with pearl accents. Add some contrast with a dark bottom, such as this black maxi skirt.
Shop the look:
Light blue pearl sweater: Buy from Loft
Black satin maxi skirt: Buy from Nordstrom
Pearl earrings: Buy from Anthropologie
Pearl and rhinestone slingback flats: Buy from Steve Madden
7. Casual chic in red, black and gold
This red, blazer-like vest top pairs perfectly with dark-wash jeans, especially when you’re headed somewhere less fancy. And black and gold accessories like this crocodile print purse (which looks pricey but only costs $55!) and statement studs are sure to make you look très chic for a fun night out.
Shop the look:
Red tailored vest top: Buy from Commense
Dark wash flare jeans: Buy from Express
Black and gold crocodile purse: Buy from Aldo
Black and gold statement studs: Buy from Amazon
Gold layered necklace: Buy from American Eagle
Red kitten heels: Buy from Zara
8. Beautiful in black and bow + red accents
A tried-and-true all-black ensemble is classic and figure-flattering for everyone. Plus, it’s the perfect canvas to make fun accessories pop. “Don’t underestimate the power of great accessories to make something feel fancy,” says Brown. Grab a funky red purse and red lipstick, and add some sparkle with bow heels and bow earrings.
Shop the look:
Black satin button down: Buy from J. Crew Factory
Black leather pants: Buy from Gap
Silver metallic bow heels: Buy from Macy’s
Silver bow earrings: Buy from Amazon
Red asymmetrical purse: Buy from DSW
Red lipstick: Buy from Target
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