What to Wear to a Holiday Party (& 4 Cute, Casual, Fashion Girl-Approved Looks)

Wondering what to wear to a holiday party? Here are some casual and unexpected looks to help you stand out.

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What to wear to a holiday party: 4 cute, casual, and fashion girl-approved holiday party looks

It’s November, and for some parts of the world that has meant a change in weather. At my college, we are experiencing some early snow! One of the best things about this kind of weather is the opportunity to break out your cute new winter clothes. Another great thing about the season? Dressing up for holiday parties!

Lots of holiday party invites but nothing to wear? Or just not sure what to wear to a holiday party? Don’t worry, CF has you covered. Here are some tips on how to dress for a holiday party, with some stylish party looks you won’t see on every other girl at the party.

These outfits are affordable but will be even better for your wallet if you can make them yourself using items you already have. Translation: You don’t have to go out and buy everything I recommend here to have amazing holiday style! Let my examples inspire you to make your own.

{RELATED POST: 5 Must-Have Holiday Party Outfits That Are Actually Affordable}

Read on to learn exactly what to wear to your next holiday party!

What to Wear to a Holiday Party – Outfit 1:

What to wear to a holiday party - Red blouse, grey tights, brown dress, pearl headband, red shoes.

Products: Blouse – ASOS, Dress – Nordstrom Rack, Tights – Modcloth, Headband – Anthropologie, Shoes – Modcloth

A warm apple cider red is a classic color to base your holiday party looks around. Here, I’ve mixed a few different shades of red with a camel brown for a perfect seasonal look that’s balanced and never over the top.

For a fun party outfit that makes a statement, layer the blouse under this short dress for an unexpected look. Add grey tights, fun red heels, and a trendy pearl headband.

What to Wear to a Holiday Party – Outfit 2:

What to wear to a holiday party: White sweater, grey tights, leopard bag, orange skirt, gold earrings, orange boots.

Products: Sweater – ASOS, Skirt – Nordstrom Rack, Purse – H&M, Tights – H&M, Earrings – ASOS, Boots – H&M

Holiday party clothes don’t need to be red and green – that’s so cliche! This look is sophisticated, girly, and fun at the same time, all while incorporating some less traditional holiday colors.

Overall, this outfit is packed with trends, but still looks classic. The orange skirt and boots are very on-trend this season, while the white sweater is cozy and classic. A leopard bag keeps the color scheme while adding a fun print. Tights keep the outfit weather-ready, and earrings finish the look.

What to Wear to a Holiday Party – Outfit 3:

White jumpsuit, pink braided headband, black heart earrings, and shoes with bows.

Products: Jumpsuit – H&M, Headband – BaubleBar, Earrings – BaubleBar, Shoes – ASOS

Creamy whites and pinks are another fun change from typical seasonal color palettes. They look great on just about everyone and will be sure to turn heads at your next party.

A monochrome white jumpsuit makes a great base for building the outfit. A trendy braided headband, statement heart earrings, and bow shoes are playful additions that add personality to the look. You could definitely swap in a high heel pump if you were going to a more upscale event — up to you!

What to Wear to a Holiday Party – Outfit 4:

What to wear to a holiday party: Brown shirt, white + brown fur jacket, purse, brown leopard skirt, black flats, pearl barrette.

Products: Jacket – Forever 21, Top – ASOS, Skirt – Nordstrom Rack, Hair Clip – BaubleBar, Bag – H&M, Shoes – ASOS

This look would be great for a more casual holiday party, and it’s perfect for those of you who live in warmer climates.

The top and skirt are neutral and on trend (tone on tone looks are big this year), while the white faux fur jacket and pearl barrette give the look those holiday feels. A purse and flats complete the outfit.

What do you think of our guide to what to wear to a holiday party?

For more holiday party outfit ideas, be sure to see our guide to holiday party outfits with jeans.

What do you usually wear to holiday parties? What are you planning to wear this year? We want to see all of your party outfit ideas. Answer by leaving a comment or tagging us on Instagram. Can’t wait to see what you guys come up with!

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in 2008; it was completely revamped in 2019 with updated items and tips. 

17 thoughts on “What to Wear to a Holiday Party (& 4 Cute, Casual, Fashion Girl-Approved Looks)”

  1. I’m not sure if this will work in the comments, but I made this polyvore: Work Party by CleverNapkins
    loosely based on what I wore to my Christmas Party for work (I’m a receptionist for a fairly large company). Only the skirt is the same as the one I had…the top is the same color and material, but mine didn’t have the belt, and buttoned up…so I wore a gold leopard print vintage belt I already own with it… and these shoes: http://www.myspringshoes.com/ca-eng/women/shoes/dress/68988844-trena

    Reply

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