How to dress for a Christmas party: 11 outfit ideas!

Are you wondering what to wear for a Christmas party? Then you’ve definitely come to the right place. Below, you’ll find 11 beautiful Christmas party outfits to make sure you’re never stuck when it comes to ideas on how to dress for a Christmas party.

There are plenty of Christmas party outfits to choose from – whether you’re able to see friends and loved ones this year, or you just want to make a small occasion at home more special…

What to wear to a Christmas party: What to consider

Before we get into lots of lovely Christmas party outfit inspiration, here are a few things to consider when choosing your party outfit this year.

How formal is your event?

What kind of party are you attending? Is it a laid back affair with friends and family, or a more formal event? Is there a dress code you need to adhere to?

Will your outfit choice make you feel confident?

Does you outfit make you feel good? A dress can be the most incredible designer creation, but if you don’t feel good in it, there’s no point in buying it.

Think about the parts of your body you are happy with and what you want to cover up.

For example, do you feel more confident in a dress with sleeves? Do you want a dress with ruching to hide your tummy? Are you happy to show off your legs, your shoulders or a little bit of your back?

Do you want to stand out or fit in?

What kind of impression do you want to create when you walk into the party? Do you want to fit in or stand out.

For example, there are likely to be a lot of little black dresses at any party.

Do you want to wear your own version, or would you like to wear something different in a bright color, or opt for a tuxedo suit, for example.

Christmas outfits inspiration

Hopefully that’s got you thinking about what you want to wear for the upcoming festive season.

Now, for some Christmas party outfit inspiration. Let me know in the comments at the bottom what Christmas party outfit you will be wearing.

Party dresses – outfit #1: Red

Red is a great color for women over 40. It is an especially popular option at holiday time, for obvious reasons.

When red is also a trend, as it is this season, it is even easier to find the right piece for the occasion.

Whatever type of coloring you have, there is a red that is right for you.

Check out this piece on the best color trends for fall 2021 for some stylish scarlet red looks. If you’re leaning more towards fuchsia or pink, then that will work too.

Red looks beautiful when worn with tan or with crisp winter white and black. Add some festive flair to your outfit by with some crystal embellishments or faux fur.

Erica @ericabunker above (read her style interview here) opts for a red dress that would work for any season, and adds long boots.

Recreate her outfit with this similar button down dress and knee high boots.

Boden full skirt ponte midi dress – Charming Tailor chain handbag – MUSSHOE leopard ballet flats – Zealmer tassel drop earrings

For more ideas be sure to check out our article on stunning Christmas dresses.

Party dresses for women – outfit #2: A little black dress

A little black dress really is one of the hardest working items in your closet and should definitely be one of the wardrobe essentials you invest in.

A great little black dress can literally take you anywhere, and the great thing about it is you can change up your accessories year after year to make it look completely different each party season.

There is a reason black has remained a popular color for the evenings over the century. Darker colors are less memorable and so we can wear them much more frequently.

You can choose a dress which is flattering, yet understated and add interest with your outerwear, shoes and accessories.

Use your accessories to up your game. A statement necklace or earrings will add further glamour.

Karen Millen waterfall dress – ERIJUNOR pointed toe pump – The Drop foldover clutch – Kendra Scott drop earrings

Christmas party jumpsuits – inspiration #3: Jumpsuits

I know, there’s always the obvious issue with jumpsuits. But, so long as you make sure you can easily unfasten your own jumpsuit without help, you should be fine even when nature calls.

You could opt to feature red with a bright jumpsuit, or go for a bright color or a classic neutral shade such as navy, which would look lovely teamed with metallics.

Another option is to choose a little black jumpsuit instead of a little black dress, and combine with crisp winter white. Jumpsuits can be equally as glamorous as a long dress.

Nikki @midlifechic above chooses an eye-catching cobalt blue and adds contrasting color with her orange bag and yellow sandals.

Check out these blue jumpsuits from SHEIN (another option here) and ASOS that you can wear with this similar pair of sandals and clutch.

Halogen wide leg jumpsuit – ERIJUNOR pointed toe pump – The Drop foldover clutch – Zealmer tassel drop earrings

Christmas party tops – outfit #4: Embellishment

A fun trend lately is pearls or crysals, embellishing everything from hats to gloves to shoes.

They’re also big on jeans. If you’re looking for a way to dress casually for a holiday event but still keep it festive, you could try pearl-embellished denim or a top with crystals worn with jeans or pants.

An outfit featuring a beautifully-embellished top and jeans or pants could get your ready for a more casual get-together. Or choose a skirt for a more formal look.

Karen Millen embellished jumper – Kate Kasin pleated swing skirt – ERIJUNOR pointed toe pump – The Drop foldover clutch – Kendra Scott drop earrings

Christmas party attire #5: Velvet

Velvet is a sure bet for almost any holiday event, and it is particularly big right now, so it’s fairly easy to find something in velvet that is right for you.

Velvet can be extremely versatile. You can choose a velvet dress, top, or velvet pants like those in the outfit idea below.

Wearing velvet with jeans or wide-leg pants brings a luxe touch to a casual outfit.

Yvonne @funkyforty above (read her style interview here) opts for an impactful velvet maxi dress. She styles it with flat boots and a thick belt for a more casual look, or you could add heels and a clutch for evening.

Steal her look with this similar velvet dress, boots, belt and crossbody bag.

Fraiche by J velvet faux wrap dress – ERIJUNOR pointed toe pump – Charming Tailor chain handbag – Kendra Scott drop earrings

Christmas attire #6: Pastels

Wearing light pastels is an unusual and eye-catching approach to holiday dressing and can definitely be a talking point.

This season, pale pinks and lilacs are particularly in style. Wear with blacks to keep your outfit seasonally appropriate.

But your dark top doesn’t have to be black: you could also consider deep plum, navy, chocolate brown or a classy charcoal?

Adding a lighter party skirt gives you contrast and makes statement.

Boden collared sweater – Amy Lynn bias cut satin slip skirt – Boden ankle strap heels – The Drop foldover clutch – Ice Carats drop earrings

Christmas party outfit #7: Metallics

Christmas is often associated with sparkling lights and shiny baubles.

To make sure you don’t look like Christmas tinsel, opt for sophisticated metallic pieces which will not only add some shine to your outfit, but also a touch of class.

Go bold with a metallic dress. Metallics could also provide you with the perfect way to update your little black dress. Simply pop a metallic bolero over the top and you are ready to go.

Wendy @fashionoverfifty.wendy above opts for a metallic skirt and statement sleeves.

Check out this similar bell sleeve top, metallic skirt, booties, bag and statement necklace.

Boden oversized shirt – Boden bronzed full midi skirt – Boden ankle strap heels – UBORSE velvet clutch – Zealmer tassel drop earrings

Christmas party outfit #8: A menswear-inspired suit

You don’t have to wear a dress for the party season. A tuxedo can make you stand out from the crowd. Opt for feminine accessories to combine masculine and feminine.

Troy @thethriftanista above (read her style interview here) chooses a stylish red suit and matches her lipstick to her outfit.

Recreate her outfit with this similar red blazer coordinates and booties.

Karen Millen structured satin – Karen Millen floral satin cowl neck cami – Karen Millen tipped button cropped trouser – MUSSHOE leopard ballet flats – The Drop foldover clutch – Zealmer tassel drop earrings

Christmas party outfit #9: Lace

Another fabric, like velvet, which screams party, lace can be worn in a formal or casual way.

You could choose a lace dress for a formal party or dinner, or a lace top to wear with pants or jeans if you want a more casual look for a family lunch.

You could wear a lace cover-up over your sleeveless dress.

Karen Millen velvet cutout woven cropped jacket – Karen Millen pleat belted shirt dress – JOY IN LOVE block heel pump – The Drop foldover clutch – Ice Carats drop earrings

Christmas party outfits #10: Sequins

Another shiny option for the festive season; anything with sequins always looks beautiful at Christmas time.

Sequin skirts and pants are particularly on trend, and can be dressed up even more with a camisole top or silk shirt, or given a more casual vibe with a sweater.

One of my favorite looks at the moment is to wear a sequin skirt with a cozy sweater. Or, you could opt for full-on sequins with a sequin suit that you can also wear as separates.

Sylvia @sylviacolella above (read her style interview here) chooses a gold sequin skirt with a thigh split. If you need extra warmth, you could add black tights and a sweater.

Check out this similar shirt, sequin skirt, slide sandals and handbag.

Urban CoCo open front blazer – Vince band collar silk blouse – KIRJAUDU sequins pants – Charming Tailor chain handbag – MUSSHOE leopard ballet flats – Kendra Scott drop earrings

Party dresses for women – outfit #11: A LONG DRESS

Of course, if you want to up the glamour, then a long dress or gown will always make an extra-special statement.

Suzie @suzie.richetti above opts for a long floral midi dress which would be perfect for a party at any time of year.

Check out these long floral dresses from WAYF, Lost + Wander and rag & bone, that you can wear with this similar pair of ankle strap sandals and crossbody bag.

Karen Millen long sleeve wrap midi dress – JOY IN LOVE block heel pump – The Drop foldover clutch – JOY IN LOVE block heel pump – Kendra Scott drop earrings

capsule wardrobe

Below, you can see some of the party outfit options from above together in one capsule. You can see you could mix and match the items to create lots of different looks during the festive season so you should never be short of inspiration when thinking about how to dress for a Christmas party.

For example, you could wear the lace top any of the other bottoms featured. Or, you could wear the red sweater with the metallic skirt or sequin pants.

shop some of the items above here:

More how to dress for a Christmas party outfit inspiration for you

Below is a past season party outfit capsule. But you can see that the looks are timeless and you could still take inspiration from this to put your outfits together this season.

Read our ultimate guide to creating a capsule wardrobe that works best for you.

Don’t forget

When it comes to putting together a party outfit, don’t forget that the little things can make a big difference. So be sure to accessorize.

New Year is just around the corner so you may want to check out our outfit ideas for NYE!

Accessories to wear to your Christmas party

Now is a time to be brave with your accessories.

You can wear the same dress that you have worn to half a dozen parties and make it look totally different with the accessories you choose.

How to dress for a Christmas party: The shoes you choose

Just as with your jewelry and accessories, your shoes can make or break an outfit when you are thinking about how to dress for a Christmas party.

This could be time to wear heels, but if you find them uncomfortable, there are plenty of pretty flats to choose from.

Flats with a pointed toe or with embellishment will be particularly party-appropriate.

Take a look at our top picks of the best low heeled party shoes in stores now.

How to dress for a Christmas party: What will you wear over your party outfit

As well as your party dress, or outfit, you are likely to want to wear a coat, jacket or wrap.

You could opt for a warm coat, depending on the time or year, a wrap or bolero, a faux fur jacket or a pashmina.

Do you know how to dress for a Christmas party? Have you planned your holiday party and Christmas outfits yet? 

Continue reading:

1. The Best Casual Party Outfits That Still Make An Impact
2. How To Choose The Perfect Little Black Dress For Your Body Type
3. The Best Cocktail Dresses In Stores Now

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Feature image by Wendy @fashionoverfifty.wendy

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