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?

Petra (above) wears a beautiful outfit featuring a textural skirt which could be dressed up or down to suit the occasion.

Check out these sequinned skirt options from Amazon and Shein that you can wear with this similar sweater, skirt, tights, metallic shoes, handbag, necklace and bracelet.

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?

Sandra (above) wears a leather romper from Eloquii which shows off her lovely legs. You can also check out this another leather romper from Shein.

Complete her look with this similar pair of booties and necklace.

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.

Michelle (above) chooses an oversized double-breasted blazer and keeps her pants slimline to create a balanced silhouette.

Check out this blazer that you can wear with this similar pair of pants, handbag and block heel pumps.mbmhgnmm

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 2020 for some stylish scarlet red looks. If you’re leaning more towards fuchsia or pink, then that will work too.

Erica (above) looks stunning in her red sweater dress and taupe boots.

Recreate her outfit with this similar dress and suede boots.

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.

MUXXN V-neck sheath formal dress – Via Spiga faux fur trim belted coat – Sam Edelman pump – Nordstrom bow leather clutch – Madewell disc chain necklace

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

Christmas party jumpsuits – inspiration #2: 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 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.

Emma (above) opts for a one-shouldered red jumpsuit and accessorizes with leopard print.

Check out these red jumpsuit options from Amazon and ASOS, and wear with this similar pair of leopard pumps, clutch, cuff bracelet and sunglasses.

Fraiche by J puff sleeve jumpsuit – Alice + Olivia collarless blazer – J. Reneé asymmetrical bow mule – Nina crystal frame clutch – BaubleBar tassel statement earrings

Party dresses for women – outfit #3: 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.

Betsy & Adam cocktail dress – Pelle Moda sandal – Nina crystal minaudière – Kendra Scott faceted drop earrings

Christmas party attire #4: 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.

Elena (above) chooses rust colored velvet and teams with white accessories.

Recreate her outfit with this similar dress, lace-up boots, clutch, bracelet and earrings.

Vince band collar silk blouse – Lauren Ralph Lauren wool blend coat – AG high waist velvet crop wide leg pants – Steve Madden ankle strap sandals – Kurt Geiger London stripe envelope clutch – Vince Camuto lariat necklace – Kate Spade New York stud earrings

Christmas party tops – outfit #5: 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.

Boden embellished sweater – PAIGE coated high waist flare jeans – Amalfi by Rangoni slingback pump – Kate Spade New York stud earrings

Christmas party outfit #6: 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.

Lizzi (above) wears a dress from Phase Eight (available in emerald green)

Complete her look with this similar pair of sandals, clutch, earrings and necklace.

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.

There is more inspiration in this piece on the best boleros and shrugs to wear over your party dress.

Vince Camuto side ruched cocktail dress – Liverpool knit trousers – Steve Madden ankle strap sandals – Olga Berg velvet box clutch – Kate Spade New York stud earrings

Also take a look at the best dresses with sleeves.

Christmas party outfits #7: 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.

Kim (above) opts for a stylish combination of sequins and satin.

Recreate her outfit with this similar coat, tee, skirt, pumps, clutch, earrings and sunglasses.

Chelsea28 sequin blazer – Chelsea28 sequin paperbag wait pants – Chelsea28 raw edge tank – Steve Madden ankle strap sandals – Kurt Geiger London stripe envelope clutch – BaubleBar tassel statement earrings

Christmas attire #8: 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.

Eliza J ruched sleeve blazer – Chelsea28 raw edge tank – Endless Rose metallic skirt – CC Corso Como ankle strap pump – Kurt Geiger London stripe envelope clutch – Vince Camuto lariat necklace – BaubleBar tassel statement 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 an outfit in a similar color pathway but opt for pants with a lace top and a pair of red wide-leg pants which will make a statement.

Karen (above) chooses a party outfit in pastel shades, but you could also opt for darker hues for Christmas.

Get her look with this similar lace top, pants, mules and earrings.

Gibson puff sleeve lace top – Alice + Olivia zip cuff pants – Nordstrom bow leather clutch – Steve Madden ankle strap sandals – Kate Spade New York stud earrings

Christmas party outfit #10: 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.

Club Monaco silk top – H&M tuxedo jacket – H&M tuxedo pants – Olga Berg velvet box clutch – CC Corso Como ankle strap pump – BaubleBar tassel statement earrings

Party dresses for women – outfit #11: A floor length maxi

Of course, if you want to up the glamour, then a floor-length maxi gown will always make an extra-special statement.

Zanne (above) opts for a 1920s-inspired sequin maxi dress worn with faux fur.

Steal her look with this similar maxi dress, coat, clutch and earrings.

Rebecca Taylor maxi dress – Ted Baker London faux fur scarf – Kurt Geiger London stripe envelope clutch – CC Corso Como ankle strap pump – BaubleBar tassel statement earrings

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 sequin blazer over the jumpsuit or maxi dress.

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 are 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.

If you’re looking for inspiration take a look at the accessory trends this season.

8 Other Reasons x Jenn pearl layer necklace

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.

Sarah (above) chooses pointed flats with gold detailing to add extra pizzazz to her party outfit.

Check out this similar blouse, leather pants and flats.

Linea Paolo skimmer flat

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 pashmino.

Simplee Women faux fur jacket

Marina (above) wears a warm faux fur over her print dress, and accessorizes with a Gucci belt .

Complete her look with this similar dress, fur jacket, heels and hoop earrings.

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

Like this article on how to dress for a Christmas party? Save it on Pinterest!

Feature image by Kim

Want to get more articles from 40+style in your inbox, subscribe here.

You can also connect with 40+style on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest.

Support 40+style by using the links in our articles to shop. As an associate for Amazon and many other brands, we receive a small commission (at no cost to you) on qualifying purchases which enables us to keep creating amazing free content for you. Thanks!