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.

Angela @angelamashelle above (read her style interview here) opts for leather-look leggings and a cutout sweater. She elevates her outfit with heels and statement earrings.

Recreate her look with this similar sweater (another option here), leggings, sandals, handbag and earrings.

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.

Badgley Mischka Collection Natalia d’Orsay Flat

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.

Tanasha @letsrecreatethelook above opts for a leather suit and “softens” the look of black with her pink top and shoes.

Recreate her outfit with this similar top, blazer, pants, pumps, clutch and earrings.

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, adding a statement necklace and wearing with small heels. If you are attending a more casual lunch, you could wear with on-trend booties.

COS Oversized Faux Shearling Jacket – Good American Long Sleeve Stretch Satin Faux Wrap Top – Hudson Jeans Straight Leg Jeans – COS Chunky Leather Chelsea Boots – COS Leather Crossbody Pouch – Laura Lombardi Uovo Chain Necklace – Bony Levy Essentials 14K Gold Huggie Hoop Earrings

Carmen @carmen_gimeno above wears a statement blouse with her jeans and ballet flats.

Steal her look with this similar blouse (another option here), jeans, flats, handbag, belt and sunglasses.

A 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.

COS Embroidered Collared Shirt – COS Cropped Alpaca-Blend Mock Neck Sweater – Misook Wide Leg Crepe Pants – COS Leather Crossbody Pouch – Vince Camuto Sanda Strappy Sandal – COS Mismatched Ombré Glass Drop 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.

COS Gathered Midi Shirt Dress – LifeStride Stratford Knee High Boot – COS Mini Leather Shoulder Bag – Laura Lombardi Uovo Chain Necklace – COS Mismatched Ombré Glass Drop Earrings

Marie-Louise @mrsmlmode above chooses an all white look that would be perfect for warmer months. You could always make a white shirt dress winter ready by switching for a black jacket and opaque tights with boots.

Get her look with this similar shirt dress (another option here), crop jacket, sandals and handbag.

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.

Club Monaco Textured Blazer – COS Printed Top – Hudson Jeans Straight Leg Jeans – Vince Camuto Sanda Strappy Sandal – COS Leather Crossbody Pouch – COS Mismatched Ombré Glass Drop Earrings

sweater and skirt

Silk or satin skirts teamed with cozy sweaters are on-trend at the moment. Wear yours with sneakers for a more casual look. Or choose classic knee-high boots.

COS Pure Cashmere Sweater – COS Printed Pleated Midi Skirt – LifeStride Stratford Knee High Boot – COS Leather Crossbody Pouch – Laura Lombardi Uovo Chain Necklace – Bony Levy Essentials 14K Gold Huggie Hoop Earrings

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

Recreate her outfit with this similar sweater, metallic skirt, sandals and hoop 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. Patchwork jeans are particularly on trend at the moment. Wear with a blazer and heels to get a good balance between formal and casual.

Open Edit Hourglass Blazer – Vince Slim Silk Blouse – Rails The Atwater High Waist Relaxed Straight Leg Jeans – Sam Edelman Ulissa Bootie – COS Mini Leather Shoulder Bag – Laura Lombardi Uovo Chain Necklace – BaubleBar Pavé Crystal Link Drop Earrings

statement shoes for your casual party outfits

The shoes you wear can make a huge difference to your outfit. A simple white shirt and pair of jeans can be party ready with the addition of a fabulous pair of shoes.

Vince Slim Silk Blouse – Hudson Jeans Straight Leg Jeans – Sam Edelman Hazel Pointed Toe Pump – Kurt Geiger London Small Shoreditch Croc Embossed Velvet Crossbody Bag – BaubleBar Pavé Crystal Link Drop Earrings

Beth @styleatacertainage above (read her style interview here) shows how you could combine a classic white shirt with a formal skirt.

You can get het her shirt, mules and clutch from Tablots. Here is a similar flared skirt.

tunic AND COATED JEANS

Jeans are, of course, a go-to for any informal occasion. You could look out for a coated pair to make sure yours stand out from the crowd. Wear with a tunic shirt and on-trend chunky-soled loafers or heels.

Anne Klein Tunic Shirt – KUT from the Kloth Mia Fab Ab Coated High Waist Skinny Jeans – COS Mini Leather Shoulder Bag – Vince Camuto Sanda Strappy Sandal – Laura Lombardi Uovo Chain Necklace – BaubleBar Pavé Crystal Link Drop Earrings

velvet and leather

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

Eliza J Velvet Blazer – Vince Slim Silk Blouse – Karen Millen Leather Button Detail Pants – Kurt Geiger London Small Shoreditch Croc Embossed Velvet Crossbody Bag – BaubleBar Pavé Crystal Link Drop Earrings

Melanie @melanie.rae.miller above chooses a leather-look dress and long boots. Depending on how much leg you like to show off, you could look out for a similar style in a knee-length, or you could wear black tights and boots.

Steal her look with this similar leather dress (another option here), knee high boots, handbag and earrings.

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 wear the pleated skirt with the purple blouse and heels, or for casual days, you could team your jeans with the sweaters and booties.

shop SOME OF 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 Carmen @carmen_gimeno

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