What to Wear to a Holiday Party

Holiday parties are a great opportunity to dress up and have fun with your look. There are countless options when you’re getting ready for a festive night out, whether you’re going to a formal holiday party or a more casual event. Stick to the party’s dress code, but make sure you wear something that makes you feel confident and celebratory.

In this guide, we’ll explore holiday party outfit ideas for every occasion. Whether you’re invited to a work holiday party or a festive dinner, we have you covered.

Types of Holiday Party Attire

When it comes to choosing the right outfit for a holiday party, understanding the various types of holiday parties is essential. Each event can have a different dress code, which influences how you should style your outfit.

Work Holiday Party Outfits

For work holiday parties, you have to strike a balance between professionalism and festive cheer. Consider the following tips:
Dress Code: Check if your workplace has a specific dress code for the occasion. If it leans formal, opt for tailored dresses or suits. If no dress code is listed, aim for cocktail attire: shorter party dresses and elevated jumpsuit styles should fit the bill.
Color Palette: Incorporate holiday colors like red, green, or gold, but keep the overall look polished.
Accessories: Elevate your outfit with subtle festive accessories, such as sparkly jewelry or a metallic clutch bag.

Holiday Dinner Outfit Ideas

When attending holiday dinners, you don’t need to go full glam. Keep the look polished, but feel free to choose something comfortable and easy to wear. Here are some suggestions:
Casual Elegance: A smart sweater paired with tailored pants can offer a relaxed yet put-together look.
Dresses: For a more elegant look, opt for a midi dress with festive patterns or colors.
Layering: Bring a cable knit cardigan or velvet blazer for added warmth and soft sophistication.

Casual Holiday Party Attire

For laid-back gatherings, your goal is to be comfortable yet stylish. Here are some tips:
Relaxed Fit: Look for boxy tops paired with wide leg pants or jeans.
Layering Pieces: Use cozy cardigans or denim jackets to add an extra layer of warmth.
Fun Footwear: Consider festive Mary Janes or mid-calf boots that balance comfort and style.

Formal Holiday Party Attire

When the invite calls for formal attire, it's time to get glammed up. Here’s what you need to consider:
Dress Options: Long or midi gowns in luxurious fabrics like velvet or jacquard can add an elegant touch to your look. Adrianna Papell is a trusted destination for formalwear with decades of experience crafting elevated looks for every occasion. Explore our collection of formal dresses to find your perfect holiday party look.
Tailored Jumpsuits: For a polished look, a well-fitted jumpsuit in a rich color can be just as stunning as any gown.

Choosing the Right Colors for Holiday Party Outfit

Choosing the right colors for your holiday party outfit can give your ensemble a bigger impact, especially when you match the color to the vibe of the event. Here’s a breakdown of the best colors to consider, their meanings, and how to incorporate them into your outfit for a festive look:

Classic Holiday Colors

Red: A timeless choice for holiday festivities, red evokes warmth and cheer. This vibrant hue is perfect for making a bold statement and is especially associated with the holiday season. Consider a red dress or a red statement shoe to stand out in any crowd.
Green: Perfect for the holiday season, green is another popular choice that brings to mind wintry evergreens and, of course, Christmas trees. Whether you opt for a deep emerald or a lighter olive, green can be both elegant and festive. Pair a green top with neutral bottoms or vice versa for a balanced look.
Gold and Silver: Metallics bring a touch of glamour to any outfit, evoking luxury opulence. Incorporate these golds and silvers in your dresses, accessories, or even footwear to add sparkle and shine to your holiday ensemble.

Jewel Tones

Amethyst: A rich, deep purple, amethyst is regal and upscale. It complements various skin tones and can be styled in dresses or tailored suits for a luxe look.
Sapphire: A sapphire dress or blouse can create a stunning contrast against traditional holiday hues, offering a fresh perspective to your wardrobe.
Ruby: A deeper, more subdued red than typical holiday shades, ruby is both elegant and bold. This color works beautifully for cocktail dresses or jumpsuits.

Neutrals

Black: A classic choice that never goes out of style, black represents elegance and sophistication. It’s versatile enough for any holiday gathering—from formal affairs to casual get-togethers. You can dress it up with metallic accessories to add a festive touch.
White and Ivory: Don’t discount elegant winter whites. These lighter shades are perfect for a more modern holiday look. A white dress can be a stunning option for parties, especially when paired with sparkly accents to keep it festive.

Pastels

Soft Pink: For a gentler, more feminine touch, soft pink is an excellent choice. This color can provide a refreshing break from traditional holiday shades and can be styled in dresses or separates.
Light Blue: This subtle frosty hue has a tranquil quality and can be easily paired with bolder colors for a striking effect. Incorporate light blue into your outfit for a serene style moment.

Seasonal Textures

Regardless of the color you choose, consider the fabric and texture, which can also impact your overall look. Velvet, sequins, and satin in your favorite color can make your outfit feel more festive, so they’re perfect for holiday celebrations. If you’re looking a sparkling holiday look, check out Adrianna Papell’s collection of sequined dresses. Their signature embellished styles are perfect for a show-stopping holiday party look.

Selecting the right outfit for a holiday party means understanding the event's dress code, incorporating festive colors, and expressing your personal style. Whether you're attending a formal gala, a casual gathering, or a work celebration, there's a perfect outfit for every occasion. By carefully considering your choices, you can confidently showcase your style while embracing the holiday spirit, ensuring you look and feel fabulous throughout the festivities.