Getting dressed for a holiday party is hard enough, even when you haven’t been out of practice for two years. But after a year of at-home celebrations, it’s time to put together a fun holiday party outfit you’ll be excited to wear.
“My ideal holiday party outfit has to hit my three Cs: cool, colorful and comfortable,” says Theresa Massony, a senior editor at PopSugar. “If I wouldn’t want to be wearing it when I unexpectedly become famous, I don’t want it. At the same time, if I’m not going to be comfortable if (read: when) I fall asleep in it at the end of the night, I also don’t want it. Knowing that, I’m leaning into cozy fabrics that still look luxe, like satin or velvet, and punchy matching sets or suits that I can throw on, feel confident in and forget about for the rest of the party.”
On the other hand, fashion consultant Alyssa Coscarelli is ready to celebrate the holidays and ring in 2022 in her fanciest evening wear: “I love any excuse to dress up, so this year, I plan to dress up in something sophisticated, elegant and sequined,” she says. Still, if you’re not planning to go black tie optional, I recommend pairing a fun, sparkly top with your most comfortable pants — your go-to jeans, a favorite skirt or even super-cozy ribbed bottoms — and going bold with your makeup.”
Ahead, what to wear to any holiday party, no matter where you’re headed.
Holiday party dresses and jumpsuits
Marc Jacobs Velvet-Effect Slip Dress ($210, originally $350; farfetch.com)
“This crushed velvet slip dress would look great atop a long-sleeve turtleneck,” says Coscarelli, who says she’d pair it with sheer tights and creepers.
Mango Cotton-Blend Textured Pinafore Dress ($55.99, originally $79.99; mango.com)
This textured dress — one of Coscarelli’s picks — was made to be layered for any holiday party on your docket.
Sam Edelman Bow-Front Jumpsuit ($148; bloomingdales.com)
This bow-front jumpsuit is the perfect choice for a fancy holiday party dinner.
Eliza J Sequined Faux Wrap Jumpsuit ($198; bloomingdales.com)
Nothing screams “holiday season” quite like a sequined jumpsuit.
LNA Endless Dress ($154; shopbop.com)
This LBD feels more special than anything you have in your closet.
Mango Wrapped Satin Dress ($59.99, originally 79.99; mango.com)
Pair this satin wrap dress with a pair of knee-high boots for a look that’s as stylish as it is comfortable.
Holiday party tops
Retrofête Talitha Top ($295; shopbop.com)
“The crystal embellishments make this top perfect for the holidays, no matter your plans,” says Coscarelli. “If you’re going out, pair it with leather pants and a blazer, or grab your favorite ribbed flares for a cozy night in.”
BP. + Wildfang Playful Satin Blazer ($63.20, originally $79; nordstrom.com)
One of Massony’s picks, this festive blazer practically serves as a stand-in for a top since you won’t want to take it off. Pair them with the matching bottoms.
Eloquii Satin Tie-Waist Button-Down ($74.95; eloquii.com)
Massony loves this satin button-down for its versatility.
Eloquii Satin Bralette ($39.95; eloquii.com)
Massony says she would layer this bralette under a satin button-down above for a festive co-ord look.
J.Crew Ruffleneck Top ($118; jcrew.com)
This luxe dual-textured shirt is the perfect topper for a pair of straight-leg denim.
UO Vida Lace-Back Smocked Top ($69; urbanoutfitters.com)
A lace-back smocked shirt offers just a touch of seductive energy to an otherwise standard jeans-and-top outfit.
H&M Rhinestone-Embellished Shirt ($59.99;?hm.com)
A simple rhinestone-embellished shirt is festive without being too over the top.
Holiday party outfits for men
Goodfellow & Co Men’s Regular Fit Collared Pullover Sweater ($29.99; target.com)
Pair this marled sweater with jeans or slacks for a comfortable holiday look that isn’t too festive.
H&M Cashmere-Blend Coat ($149; hm.com)
If you’re headed somewhere fancy, make sure you don’t just have the right outfit — invest in a quality coat too.
H&M Slim Fit Easy-Iron Shirt ($14.99; hm.com)
A subtly patterned red shirt is on-theme — but not kitchsy.
Hart Schaffner Marx District Checked Regular Fit Sport Coat ($446.25, originally $595; bloomingdales.com)
You can never go wrong with a button-down and slacks, but if you’re looking to step outside of the sartorially expected, try a blazer with a fun detail like this checkered pattern.
Cole Haan ?riginalGrand Wingtip Oxford ($160; colehaan.com)
Grab a shoe with a little personality like this one from Cole Haan.
Dickies R2R The Don Pant ($80; urbanoutfitters.com)
Not all dress pants have to be uncomfortable slacks. These slim-leg Dickies will pair just as well with a dress shirt as it will a tee well after the ball drops.
