What To Wear To A Holiday Party: Your Guide To All Things Merry And Bright


Although it feels like summer was just yesterday, winter is right around the corner, nipping at your nose. If you’re anything like us, you’re itching to break out your favorite holiday party looks to safely celebrate in style. Lucky for you, women’s winter fashion 2022 is full of standout styles to create eye-catching party outfits. You may find yourself toasting at socially distanced work soirees, intimate family dinners or virtual gatherings. After months of living in loungewear, you may wonder what to wear to a holiday party. We get it. Our social calendar has been on pause lately, too. Have you pushed sparkles and shine to the back of your closet and mind? Dust them off and read on for major style inspiration to get dressed and ready for any occasion. ‘Tis the season to feel comfortable and confident in what you wear.

What Do You Wear To A Holiday Work Party?

If you’ve returned to the office, chances are you may have a company holiday party invite show up on your calendar. For many women, deciding what to wear to a business holiday party can be tricky. On the one hand, you want to maintain a look of professionalism with your co-workers. On the other, you don’t want to dress like you would on any ole workday. That leaves you in the sweet spot right between formal and festive. Before deciding on your outfit, consider the venue and time of day for the occasion. Still have questions? Chat with your work bestie and compare inspiration. 

Style Inspiration For An Office Celebration

Many companies host their holiday parties at the office. From a post-work event in the conference room to a break room gathering, it’s easy to elevate your 9-5 look. You’ll want to stick with the normal office dress code for an outfit base. When thinking about what to wear to an office holiday party, don’t be afraid to add a bit of sparkles to top it off. For a quick fix, use what you already have in your closet. That solid-colored sheath that’s your number one go-to? Simply add show-stopping chandelier earrings or a velvet blazer for an instant party pop. Upgrade your favorite feminine bow-neck blouse by tucking it into a pleated midi skirt. Score extra fashion points with a metallic skirt option. Quickly go from desk to dancing by swapping out your everyday flats for a pair of low-heeled animal-print shoes. Now you’re ready to par-tay.

Wondering what not to wear to an office holiday party? Steer clear of short skirts and low-cut necklines. Always do a sit test with any skirt or dress, ensuring you aren’t exposing more than you would like. When in doubt, reach for a pair of opaque tights to allow for more coverage. You’ll also want to leave your distressed jeans at home and press out any wrinkles from your clothing. Remember, it’s always best to err on the side of being overdressed rather than too casual.

Style Inspiration For A Work Celebration Outside the Office 

Some companies may choose to host holiday parties at an off-site venue, such as an art gallery or a restaurant. This environment gives you a chance to relax and connect with your coworkers outside of the office. When choosing what to wear to a company holiday party, keep in mind that you’re still at a work function. As with events held at the office, keep things polished and effortlessly professional. Look for midi and maxi-length dresses with delicate detailing such as lace inserts or covered buttons. If you prefer pants, try a coordinated separate look with a matching top and pants. Stay seasonal with rich colors like emerald green or oxblood, the darkest shade of red. Keep your footwear choice fun, yet practical. A kitten heel will add height and glamour as well as comfort.

The finishing touch to any in-person party outfit? Your face covering, of course. Balance being safe and stylish by adding an embellished mask to your look. Opt for a handy mask necklace to keep your face covering easily within reach. Gold chain-links will add a touch of shine, while a beaded option will offer a bit of elegance.

What To Wear To A Holiday Dinner Party

The holidays often mean spending quality time with your nearest and dearest. Intimate at-home gatherings have sprung up everywhere over the past year and are here to stay. Even if you’ve got a small dinner party on the books this season, don’t shy away from dressing up. A little extra tinsel is always a yes in our book. If you’re wondering what to wear to a holiday dinner party, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered with looks to get you in the holiday spirit.

Opt for pants that pop. Try on-trend vegan leather pants to level up your outfit. Look for a pair with an elastic waistband and stretch fabric to give you some relief and room for dessert. Up top, style them with an of-the-moment party sweater. Think pom pom details, sequin embellishments or fringe trimming. Looking for something a bit more ladylike for your holiday party outfit? You can’t go wrong with an all-over lace blouse tucked into your tailored pants. Pointed-toe pumps and pearl earrings will complete your look. Tuck a clutch under your arm to hold your nightly necessities, and don’t forget a hostess gift. #etiquetteforthewin

What To Wear To A Casual Holiday Party

Now more than ever, low-key holiday parties are taking center stage this season. Even better? The casualization of party wear we’ve recently seen in the fashion world. This new trend lets us look festive and be comfortable at the same time. This makes choosing what to wear to a casual holiday party a breeze. What’s not to love? A fitted knit midi dress can easily take you from a daytime event to a nighttime soiree. Side or center ruching adds a fun design detail that elevates the look. Slip into a pair of block-heeled booties and add a drop necklace.

Looking for something even more casual? Jingle bell rock the night away in a pair of dark-wash jeans. Play with texture and volume by pairing straight-leg jeans with a billowy sequin or silk blouse. One of this season’s must-have trends is a versatile bodysuit. Balance the proportions by wearing this fitted top with a pair of wide-leg jeans. Subtle bodysuit embellishments like mesh inserts or lace-up detailing adds interest, while cut-outs give your look some edge.

Another casual party style that is here to stay? Celebrating virtually. There’s certainly no reason to not stand out over Zoom. For holiday looks that will shine on-camera, focus on above-the-keyboard details while planning your outfit. Think puff sleeves and interesting necklines, such as sweetheart or asymmetrical. Go ahead and pair them with your snowflake pajama pants. We won’t tell. Promise. Finish your look with jewelry that shines bright. Add a bold red lip for holiday vibes, and get ready to chat the night away.

What To Wear To An Outdoor Holiday Party

One of the safest ways to celebrate this year is with an outdoor holiday party. Weather permitting, of course. These gatherings give you the chance to bundle up and break out those winter layering pieces hanging in your closet. We’ve made a list and checked it twice on what to wear to a holiday party held outdoors. One example is the cuddly teddy bear coat, arguably the coziest piece for the season. When walking in a winter wonderland, layer one over a colorful Fair Isle sweater. Pair the combo with dark-wash skinny jeans and leather ankle boots. 

Another layering piece sleigh-ing this season is the oversized blazer in a chic plaid or herringbone pattern. Opt for menswear-inspired blazers in slightly slouchy fits. Layer it atop a chunky cable-knit sweater dress and add wool tights or over-the-knee boots for added warmth. A leather crossbody bag will keep you hands-free as you roast chestnuts on the open fire.

Need some fashion help for an upcoming holiday party? Our style experts are ready to lend you a hand. Take your style quiz, order a Fix and don’t forget to ask your stylist for seasonal holiday outfits. Relax and receive five items that you can try comfortably at home. Shipping and returns are always free.

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