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Holiday Party Closet Staples: 7 Must-Have Items

Last Updated on February 27, 2019 by Abena - University of Chicago
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you purchase through our links. Please read our full disclosure here.
New years party

Photo: ELLE

The holiday season has arrived in full force! This is the time of year to get dressed up, so whether you have a holiday party, a performance, or are going out for New Year’s Eve, it’s nice to look your best while also being festive.

Trends come and go, but there are some dressy and traditional holiday clothing pieces that you should definitely have in your wardrobe. Below, I’ve compiled a list of seven holiday party staples that will make dressing up for the holiday season a breeze. Afterwards, be sure to check out these CollegeFashionposts for some more tips on putting holiday outfits together!

Scroll down to see all seven of these festive wardrobe staples:

1. Velvet

Red velvet skirt

1. Boohoo 2. Tobi 3. Boohoo

Red velvet romper
Velvet pants

Velvet is a classic and traditional fabric for the holidays. Since it used to be highly expensive to purchase, the fabric is traditionally associated with royalty. Lucky for us there are plenty of inexpensive velvet option that still appear lovely and regal. A little bit of velvet will instantly make your outfit dressier.

2. Sequins

Glitter peplum top

1. Tobi 2. Tobi 3. Nasty Gal

Glitter dress
Gold sequin skirt

Take advantage of the holiday season and invest in something that sparkles! Stores bring out sequined clothing in anticipation for New Year’s, so there’s a large selection to chose from around this time. Even though sequin dresses are traditionally for NYE, don’t be afraid to rock the style for the whole holiday season.

3. Rich Colors

Red dress

1. Forever 21 2. ASOS 3. Tobi

Purpl dress
royal blue midi dress

The winter months are often marked by a shift from bright summer colors to deeper hues. Rich, bold shades like cobalt and magenta bring an element of class to any winter outfit. The best part about wearing these colors? You don’t have to do much to dress them up because these gorgeous hues stand out on their own!

4. Mesh Long Sleeves

Black mesh dress 1

1. ASOS 2. Forever 21 3. ASOS

Teal mesh sleeve dress
Black mesh dress 2

Unless you live in south Florida, the holiday season obviously comes with colder weather, so most college women trade out their tanks and strappy dresses for long-sleeved ones. Another style that tends to pop up around the holiday season is mesh long sleeves. They’re a really simple adjustment from regular long sleeves, but will really transform a dress and give you some additional style options for the colder months.

5. High Necklines

Long sleeve crop top

1. Boohoo 2. Boohoo 3. Boohoo

Ivory high neck dress
Black crop top

Full-on turtlenecks can sometimes be awkward and itchy, but a high neckline gives you the same kind of look without the discomfort. However, if you’re planning to wear a crop top (#1 or #3) to a family function (like one at your grandmother’s house), we suggest a skirt that goes high enough to fully cover your midriff.

6. Heeled Boots

Tall boots with heel

1. Forever 21 2. Forever 21 3. Forever 21

Red booties
Black booties

Boots with heels might be the best part about dressing up for the holidays. They’re just as stylish as regular heels, but offer so much more support, which makes them ten times easier to walk in. Plus, they come in just as many styles – wedges, stilettos, chunky heels, etc. – plus you have the choice of wearing short ankle booties or a taller options. What’s not to love?

7. The Perfect Coat

Ivory coat

1. Forever 21 2. ASOS 3. ModCloth

Navy coat
Girly pea coat

Putting together a killer outfit and then covering it up with not-so-killer jacket has to be one of the worst feelings ever. Luckily, there are plenty of versatile winter coats that will look fab with almost any outfit you choose. In addition, a nice coat won’t take away from the dressiness of your holiday party attire.

However, it is important to remember that in really cold temperatures staying warm should be the priority! Because of this, it’s key to shop around and find outerwear that is both fashionable and functional.

Thoughts?

What do you think?  Do you get dressed up for the holidays? What are your holiday party staples? Let us know in the comments below!

Tags : Christmas, Closet, Coats, fashion essentials, Heels, Holidays, New Year's, parties, Sequins, velvet

5 Comments
Originally published on December 21, 2013
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Comments

  1. Kim says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:34 pm

    Love the cut of the boots

    Reply
  2. Ellen Martin says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:33 pm

    Great post! I actually just wrote a post for my blog, about the best trends this holiday season, and I included velvet and sequins as well! It’s great to find someone else who shares my obsession!

    Reply
  3. Rose says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:33 pm

    Definately agree with investing in good outerwear. I splurged on a Calvin Klein classic black trench and it is one of my most-worn pieces during the winter months (hello ice&snow!!)

    Reply
  4. Dina says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:33 pm

    Couldn’t agree with these more!

    Reply
  5. Zoe says

    April 15, 2019 at 11:25 am

    Perfection! Oh my gosh, these are like my guilty pleasures. I love everything!

    Reply

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