A Stylish Dressing Guide for the Holidays and Christmas Parties
What to Wear to a Holiday or Christmas Party - An Ultimate Style guide
If you’re looking to make an impression at a Christmas party—whether it’s a professional gathering, a family celebration, or a formal social event—it all starts with the right outfit. Choosing what to wear can feel overwhelming, especially when you know others will be dressed to impress. This guide will walk you through how to elevate your look and stand out with the perfect and fitting outfit. This is the ultimate guide to dressing for any holiday occasion in 2024.
The Essence of Holiday Party Fashion in 2024
Holiday fashion in 2024 is about embracing fashion while staying true to the festive spirit. It’s a celebration of contrasts—combining textures like velvet and lace, bold colors with neutral tones, and playful silhouettes with classic tailoring. This season’s trends embrace a chic holiday look, whether you’re aiming for elegance or drama.
Key Trends Defining Holiday Style
Luxurious Fabrics and Bold Textures
Velvet is no longer “cheugy", for 2024, it is a quintessential holiday fabric, beloved for its richness and feminine appeal. A velvet dress will definitely impress this holiday season. Dresses in jewel tones like saphire blue and deep ruby perfect for formal events. For something more spicy, consider velvet or sequin micro shorts styled with opaque tights and a satin blouse or oversize blazer with a basic top underneath.
Lace and sheer details add a romantic touch to holiday outfits. Lace slip dresses are trending, offering an effortlessly chic look that can be dressed up or down. While lace-patterned stockings elevate even the simplest outfits.
Sequins are taking over holiday evening wear. A sequinned blazer layered over a neutral dress adds sparkle without overwhelming, while wool or cashmere pleated skirts are perfect for an understated look paired with a sequin tube top.
Statement Outerwear
Outerwear is no longer just functional—it’s a focal point of holiday fashion. Oversized coats with bold patterns, shearling accents, or sequined finishes make for show-stopping layering pieces. For a more classic approach, a camel coat or tailored wool trench adds timeless elegance.
Cheetah print has been making a surprising comeback. Incorporate it subtly with a printed scarf or boldly with a statement coat. These pieces pair beautifully with neutral underlayers, allowing the print to shine.
Playful Silhouettes
The holiday season is the time to experiment with silhouettes. Micro shorts, though unconventional, can be styled elegantly with tights, a tailored blazer, and pointy heels. For those who prefer a more classic look, A-line skirts and midi dresses are always effortless.
Building the Perfect Holiday Wardrobe
Investment Pieces
- Velvet Separates: A velvet blazer or dress can be dressed up or down, making them incredibly versatile.
- Lace Slip Dresses: Perfect for both casual gatherings and formal soirées, depending on how you style them.
- Statement Outerwear: A bold coat with unique textures or prints elevates even the simplest outfits.
- Little Black Dress: Look for LBDs with modern twists, such as an extreme high neck cut or an extreme low plunge cut with intricate embellishments.
Accessories to Elevate Your Look
- Statement earrings with pearls, gemstones, bows or bold drop hoops are a classy touch.
- Stockings with lace patterns and sheer details are trending, offering an easy way to add texture and interest to dresses or shorts.
- Footwear such as kitten heels, ballet flats, and pointy-toe pumps are ideal for holiday events, while leather knee-high boots pair great with mini dresses or baby doll dresses.
Dressing for Every Occasion
Family Gatherings
For casual family dinners, comfort is key. A cashmere sweater paired with wide-leg trousers or a pleated skirt offers a polished yet relaxed vibe. Add a cheetah-print scarf or lace stockings for a subtle festive touch.
Office Parties
Office holiday parties call for a balance of professionalism and festivity. A sequined micro skirt paired with a tailored blouse is chic yet appropriate (make sure to add stockings.) Alternatively, a velvet off the shoulder dress gives old-money, an aesthetic perfect for office settings.
Formal Events
Formal occasions demand dramatic flair. Floor-length gowns in velvet, silk, or lace are timeless choices. Statement outerwear, such as a sequined cape or faux fur stole, adds luxury and warmth and are a perfect way to pull up to the party.
New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve outfits should sparkle and shine. Sequined dresses, metallic mini dresses, or short babydoll dresses ensure you’re the center of attention. Pair with ultra-feminine heels that have bows, pearls or rhinestone details and a bold lip color for maximum impact.
So, let’s get into the style guide and some of our top picks for holiday dressing.
1. The Satin Dress
Mood: Old Hollywood Glam
There’s something undeniably magical about a satin dress. It whispers luxury with every step. Its smooth, glossy finish practically begs to catch the soft glow of holiday lights. Whether you're twirling under the mistletoe or clinking champagne glasses, a satin dress sets the tone for pure elegance.
- Style It Like This:
Pair this beauty with a pointed toe heel and lace stockings to make this look more elevated and to complement the satin. - Why It Stands Out:
Satin has a magical way of hugging your figure while still looking light and effortless. It’s perfect for evening events where you want to look flowy, light and comfortable.
2. The Velvet Dress
Mood: Luxe Goddess
Velvet for the holidays is essential. Rich, jewel-toned velvet dresses like this ruby red bring a level of opulence that’s unmatched. Velvet looks best when it highlights the waist so opt for a corset silhouette like this. A velvet dress is a no-brainer for evening soirées, it is classy and luxurious.
- Style It Like This:
Let the dress shine by keeping your accessories minimal. A pair of strappy heels or pointed-toe pumps in black are perfect. Keep your makeup glowy with a touch of bronzer and a soft smoky eye to emphasize the velvet material. - Why It Stands Out:
Velvet is not only chic—it’s cozy. It’s the perfect way to look expensive and stay warm during those chilly holiday nights.
3. The Sequin Maxi Dress - An Impressive Gown
Mood: Spotlight Seeker
Let’s be real—holiday parties are the time to shine and be dramatic, and nothing does it better than a sequined maxi dress. This is your “look at me” moment. Floor-length sequins are dramatic, bold, and unapologetically festive. Whether it’s New Year’s Eve or a black-tie affair, this dress screams "I’m here to impress."
- Style It Like This:
With such a standout piece, keep everything else sleek and minimal. Pair it with barely-there heels in nude or metallic tones. A fur shawl or wrap makes these gowns more glamorous and will keep you fancy for “Hallmark” holiday occasions. - Why It Stands Out:
Sequins are made for the holidays, and the maxi length balances the drama, making you look effortlessly elegant while sparkling like a dream.
For Love and Lemons is a brand known for their royal style and strong core identity when it comes to gowns and fashion which makes it a perfect fit for holiday events. They emphasize high-end luxury and a targeted demographic who believes good gowns are worth the price.
4. The Plaid Co-ord - For A Casual Look
Mood: Cozy Chic
Plaid during the holidays is the epitome of Christmas—it’s comforting, familiar, and always a good idea. A plaid co-ord feels festive without being too formal, making it perfect for family dinners or casual parties. The pattern gives you that holiday vibe, while the tailored fit keeps it stylish.
- Style It Like This:
Layer a chunky knit cardigan or a cropped blazer on top for extra warmth. Accessorize with gold drop hoops or a dainty pendant necklace, and carry a good black leather bag to keep it edgy. - Why It Stands Out:
Plaid is quintessentially festive but versatile enough to work for both laid-back gatherings and chic meetups. It’s the piece that says, "I’m here to have fun, but I didn’t overthink it."
5. The Midi Dress - Curvy and Foxy
Mood: A Sultry Look
Midi dresses have this magical ability to make you feel soft and bold at the same time while hugging your curves. They’re structured enough to command attention while looking formal and professional.
Style It Like This:
Pair it with nude or black heels to elongate your legs. For a more festive twist, go for deep red or emerald green accessories—a clutch or heels in these shades can make the look pop. Keep the jewelry delicate, like a single strand bracelet or simple studs. If you’re layering, try a luscious faux-fur jacket for that added holiday drama.
6. The Leopard Print Faux-Fur Coat
Mood: Wildly Fabulous
This isn’t your everyday outerwear. A leopard print faux-fur coat is for the bold, confident fashion lover who wants to make a statement before they even step through the door. It’s playful, daring, and most people won't expect it; this is a true surprise piece.
- Style It Like This:
A monochrome black ensemble—like a turtleneck with a mini skirt or a high neck little black dress. For shoes, go for knee-high boots or pointed-toe heels. - Why It Stands Out:
Leopard print is timeless yet edgy. It adds personality to any look and turns even the simplest outfit into a showstopper.
7. The Tweed Set
Mood: Modern Royalty
Nothing says sophistication quite like a tweed set. The structured jacket and matching skirt exude Chanel-inspired elegance, but the shorter hemlines and tailored fit give it a fresh, youthful twist. It’s polished, timeless, and perfect for professional parties or family brunches.
- Style It Like This:
Wear the tweed set with a simple silk camisole or fitted turtleneck underneath. For shoes, go for block-heeled pumps or ankle boots. Accessorize with a classic top-handle bag and pearl earrings for a nod to tradition. If it’s chilly, layer on a long wool coat in a neutral color. - Why It Stands Out:
Tweed is classic and luxurious. This set keeps it modern and wearable, ensuring you look poised and stylish without trying too hard.
The Influence of 2024 Trends in Holiday Dressing
Holiday fashion this year celebrates creativity, confidence, and a willingness to push boundaries. From velvet and lace to cheetah prints and sequins, the options are vast and varied. These trends encourage you to embrace your individuality while staying true to the festive spirit.
With the right mix of investment pieces, trendy accents, and versatile accessories, you can build a holiday wardrobe that feels fresh yet timeless. Whatever your style, 2024’s holiday fashion is all about making a memorable statement.
Disclosure: This list is intended as an informational resource and is based on independent research and publicly available information. It does not imply that these businesses are the absolute best in their category. Learn more here.
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