The best casual party outfits that make an impact

Sometimes dressing for a formal party is easier. There’s a formula of long gown, heels and clutch that will always work. But what about if your party is more casual? There’s a delicate balance to get right between formal and casual. Let’s take a look at the best casual party outfits you could choose that will still make an impact.

You will find plenty of ideas to make sure your party outfits still look stylish yet don’t look and feel out of place in a more casual setting or atmosphere.

Below are some easy formulas to put together a casual party outfit or house party outfit. But first, some thoughts on casual party attire:

Easy tips to put together casual party outfits

1. Combine casual and formal

The key to the success of many outfits, no matter what the occasion, is combining formal elements with some casual clothes or accessories.

Kim @kimair above (read her style interview here) combines casual combat style pants with a more formal top and heels. Depending on the temperature where you are, you can always add a blazer.

Steal her look with this similar top, pants, sandals, handbag, earrings and sunglasses.

2. Wear flat or low heel shoes with your casual party outfits

There’s no need to wear high heels to a casual party. Choose flat or low heeled options to stay comfortable all night. Be sure to check our ideas for low heeled party shoes.

Boden Trim Detail Point Ballet Flats

3. Choose luxury fabrics for your casual party outfits

You can still wear your jeans for a party, but how about choosing a velvet pair, for example. You could also opt for a leather skirt and wear it with a cashmere, silk or satin top.

Jona @the50plusgirl above shows how you can combine different materials and textures for an interesting look.

Get her look with this similar shirt, skirt, sandals, handbag and sunglasses.

Casual party outfits – 9 outfit ideas

Let’s take a look at some specific outfits you can put together for a house party or an informal gathering.

Party wear: Jeans and a nice top

You really can’t go wrong with jeans and a nice top for your party. You can add a more formal touch to your outfit by choosing a top with an interesting neckline or silky material, adding a statement necklace and wearing with small heels or metallic flats. If you are attending a more casual lunch, you could wear with on-trend booties.

Boden Saskia Satin Shirt – PAIGE Genevieve Flared Jeans – Boden Flexible-Sole Ballet Flats – Boden Embellished Crossbody Bag – Boden Chunky Chain Pearl Necklace

dressy casual attire: Blazer and jeans

Adding a blazer to any outfit is always a great way to add a touch of elegance. Take a look at blazer styles to elevate any outfit for more inspiration. Choose a blazer in a bright color to elevate a simple outfit.

Boden The Marylebone Velvet Blazer – Jenni Kayne Classic Cotton Shirt – PAIGE Genevieve Flared Jeans – Boden Trim Detail Point Ballet Flats – Boden Suede Bow Ballet Flats – Strathberry Stylist Croc Embossed Leather Clutch-on-Chain – Deepa Gurnani Genesis Crystal Drop Earrings

Tanasha @letsrecreatethelook above chooses a blazer to match her top and accessories.

Check out this similar top, blazer, jeans, sandals, handbag, earrings and headband.

sweater and wide legged pants

Wearing a sweater with a pair of palazzo or wide pants is another good way to mix formal and informal. Style with sneakers to ensure you don’t look too dressed up or wear with heels for a dressier look. A pair of metallic jeans will get you noticed for the right reasons.

COS Chunky Pure Cashmere Sweater – Joe’s Jeans The Mia Metallic Ankle Jeans – Boden Slingback Mid-Heel Pumps – Boden Embellished Crossbody Bag – Boden Chunky Chain-Link Earrings

Statement jeans

If you like to wear jeans to your parties, how about treating yourself to an on-trend pair to update your outfits. Look out for jeans with embellished details, patchwork or step hems. Wear with a blazer and heels to get a good balance between formal and casual. Or team with sequins and a cozy cardigan.

Cinq à Sept Briana Feather Trim Knit Cardigan – SIMKHAI Arlene Sequined & Lace Tank – rag & bone Logan Eyelet Wide Leg Jeans – Naturalizer Daya Bootie – Strathberry Stylist Croc Embossed Leather Clutch-on-Chain – Boden Chunky Chain-Link Earrings

statement skirt and white shirt

A white shirt is a fantastic wardrobe staple because you can wear with absolutely anything. Choose a standout skirt in a bright shade, and then dress down a little with your white shirt.

Jenni Kayne Classic Cotton Shirt – Farm Rio Crocodile Print Satin Midi Skirt – Boden Suede Bow Ballet Flats – JW PEI Eva Croc Embossed Faux Leather Convertible Shoulder Bag – Deepa Gurnani Genesis Crystal Drop Earrings

Jas @thefashionstylefile above shows how you could wear a sequin skirt with your sweater.

Recreate her outfit with this similar sweater (another option here), metallic skirt, sandals and earrings.

show some shoulder

You can easily add a subtle touch of sex appeal and party readiness by wearing an on-trend one-shoulder top with any of your pants or jeans.

WAYF Twist One-Shoulder Satin Blouse – ASTR The Label Milani Plaid Wide Leg Trousers – Naturalizer Daya Bootie – JW PEI Eva Croc Embossed Faux Leather Convertible Shoulder Bag – Boden T-Bar Hoop Earrings

a suit and a t-shirt

Suits are particularly on trend right now. There was lots of suiting on the runways for winter and Fall 2023. For casual parties, wear with a graphic print t-shirt and flat shoes or sneakers.

J.Crew Collection Tipped Tuxedo Blazer – J.Crew Classic Fit l’automne Graphic T-shirt – J.Crew Collection Pleated Wide Leg Tuxedo Pants – Boden Suede Bow Ballet Flats – Strathberry Stylist Croc Embossed Leather Clutch-on-Chain – Boden Chunky Chain-Link Earrings

a shirt dress

Just because you’re heading to an informal event, that doesn’t mean you can’t wear a dress. Keep the style of your dress relaxed, and wear with flat shoes, sneakers or boots.

Mango Knot Print Dress – Lucky Brand Kenadie Bootie – JW PEI Eva Croc Embossed Faux Leather Convertible Shoulder Bag – Boden T-Bar Hoop Earrings

Cathy @themiddlepageblog (read her style interview here) wears her animal print dress with a classic moto jacket.

Get her look with this similar dress, moto jacket, sandals, bag and sunglasses.

leather and sequinS

A pair of leather pants will always add a little edge to any outfit. You could combine yours with sequins or metallics for an outfit featuring interesting textures.

AllSaints Juela Sequin T-Shirt – FRAME Le High Flared Coated Jeans – Boden Suede Bow Ballet Flats – Boden Embellished Crossbody Bag – Boden Chunky Chain Pearl Necklace

Your casual party outfits wardrobe

Now, let’s put all of the 9 casual party outfits from above together in one capsule. You can see these looks could easily take you through so many occasions for winter.

For example, if you have a more formal party to attend, you could pair the sequin or one-shoulder top with the suit or the skirt. Or, for casual days, you can wear the jeans with the red sweater or cardigan and the flat boots.

shop casual party outfits above here:

Below, you can see previous casual party outfits capsules we created. While the items are past season, you may still get some inspiration if you’re shopping your own closet.

Continue reading:

1. How To Dress For A Christmas Party: 11 Outfit Ideas!
2. Shrugs And Boleros For Evening Dresses: 10 Stylish Party Cover Up Ideas
3. The Best Low Heel Party Shoes That Look Even Better Than Stilettos

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Feature image by Cathy @themiddlepageblog

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