The holiday season practically begs for a packed social calendar, and Christmas parties are the quintessential holiday get-together. From elegant soirées and office celebrations to family dinners and festive nights out, this is the season to reach for a little extra sparkle. Ahead, we’re breaking down the trends, luxe fabrics, outfit formulas, and standout pieces that make a holiday look feel polished, festive, and entirely your own.
Holiday Fashion Trends 2026
Before diving into outfit ideas, consider this your 2026 holiday style briefing. While festive favorites like red, green, winter white, silver, and gold never go out of style, this season is less about one standout detail and more about the mix. Think sequins paired with velvet, bows styled alongside metallics, and cozy knits elevated with polished touches. The overall vibe is celebratory and fashion-forward, striking the perfect balance between festive and refined.
All About Embellishment
Holiday dressing is your chance to have a little fun with fashion. Sequins, rhinestones, beading, feathers, bows, fringe, and metallic finishes instantly elevate even the simplest silhouettes, bringing a festive sense of occasion. Whether you choose one statement-making detail or thoughtfully mix a few, the key is creating a look that feels celebratory, polished, and effortlessly chic rather than overdone.
Noel of Novelty
Christmas comes just once a year, making it the perfect excuse to embrace pieces that feel a little more special than your typical Friday-night outfit. A faux-fur cuff, oversized bow, or unexpected neckline can instantly transform a familiar silhouette into something memorable. The key is balance: Let one standout detail take center stage and pair it with clean lines and polished styling for a look that feels fashion-forward, festive, and effortlessly chic.
Fancy Fabrics
Luxurious fabrics do most of the styling work for you. Velvet brings rich depth and warmth, satin adds a liquid-like sheen, organza creates soft volume, and sequins deliver instant impact. The chicest holiday outfits balance these statement textures with more understated pieces. Think satin trousers paired with a fitted knit, a velvet dress styled with minimal jewelry, or a faux-fur coat layered over a sleek, streamlined look. The result feels elevated, effortless, and undeniably festive.
Christmas Party Outfit Ideas
Looking for inspiration for your Christmas party outfits? From statement-making separates to sparkly dresses, these festive essentials make it easy to build an ensemble that fits both the invitation and your personal style.
Dressy Holiday Tops
A dressy holiday top is the MVP of a packed December calendar. Look for festive hues or elevated details like feathers, shimmer, bows, statement sleeves, or velvet to instantly give your outfit a party-ready feel. Style it with tailored trousers or a satin skirt for an office celebration, then swap in dark-wash denim and heels for dinner with friends. Since the top does all the heavy lifting, you can keep the rest of your look polished and streamlined for an effortlessly chic finish.
Evening Dress Pants for Women
Holiday glam isn’t strictly limited to dresses–but you knew that already. A pair of standout evening pants can make just as much of an impact this Christmas party season. Think festive tartan plaid, lustrous satin, rich velvet, and other luxe fabrics that feel a touch more special than your everyday trousers. For balance, pair wide-leg styles with a fitted knit or silky cami, and pair cropped silhouettes with statement heels to show off your shoes. Equal parts chic and versatile, dressy evening pants make it easy to bring the festive energy without reaching for a dress.
Christmas Party Skirts
Nothing says festive season quite like a party skirt. Styles adorned with sequins, embellishments, and high-shine finishes do most of the work for you, making holiday dressing feel effortlessly chic. Simply pair one with a cozy knit, sleek bodysuit, or understated blouse for a look that strikes the perfect balance of polished and party-ready. For maximum versatility, opt for a midi-length silhouette that can seamlessly transition from office celebrations and family gatherings to festive cocktails and beyond.
Holiday Jumpsuits
As far as Christmas party outfits go, a one-and-done jumpsuit is hard to beat. Lean into the festive spirit with holiday-ready hues, luxe fabrics like velvet and satin, or statement details such as sequins, feathers, and bows. Just add a pair of sleek heels and a clutch, and you’re set for everything from office parties to evening celebrations. The result is equal parts sophisticated and effortless. Pro tip: A matching two-piece set is a holiday-season hero. Wear the pieces together for a polished party look, then style them separately throughout the season to create entirely new outfits. It’s a fashion-person favorite that delivers maximum impact and extra mileage from your wardrobe.
Sparkly Dresses
No holiday wardrobe is complete without a sparkly dress: For a festive soirée, a glittering style instantly sets the mood. While a sequin midi feels polished and elegant enough for semi-formal celebrations, a sparkly mini brings just the right amount of fun and glamour to a cocktail party. And when it comes to styling, the no-fail formula is to keep shoes and accessories sleek and understated, letting the dress take center stage. That is, of course, unless your holiday style leans more maximalist–in which case, don’t be afraid to pile on the shine and make a statement.
Red Christmas Dresses
Nothing says Christmas party quite like a red dress. From cherry and crimson to rich wine and burgundy, every shade feels especially festive this time of year, and luxe fabrics only enhance the effect. Satin creates beautiful movement, while velvet adds depth and richness. Details like bows, beading, ruffles, and open-back silhouettes elevate a classic red dress into a true standout occasion piece. Choose the hue and silhouette that make you feel your best, then finish the look with metallic, black, or tonal accessories for a perfectly holiday-ready ensemble.
Sweater Dresses
Ideal for casual soirées, family gatherings, and more low-key office celebrations, a sweater dress is the ultimate blend of comfort and style. Cozy yet polished, it’s the kind of piece that makes holiday dressing feel effortless. To elevate the look, opt for styles with thoughtful details like keyholes, pleating, ruffles, polished hardware, or unexpected cutouts. Knee-high boots are a natural pairing, adding both warmth and sophistication, while sheer tights and delicate heels instantly dress things up for more formal festivities.
Furry Jackets
‘Tis the season to bring the glamour, and nothing delivers quite like faux fur. After all, half the fun of a holiday party is making an entrance, so why not let your outerwear have its own fashion moment? Whether you gravitate toward a rich chocolate brown, creamy winter white, or a festive jewel tone, a faux-fur jacket instantly elevates any outfit. Consider it the finishing touch that sets the tone for the look underneath and signals an evening that’s equal parts festive, fashionable, and unforgettable.
We want to see what you’re wearing this festive season! Show us your Christmas party outfits on Instagram or TikTok @lulus using #lovelulus–and for more stylish Christmas outfits for women, head to our Holiday Shop!
This post was originally published in 2019 and has been updated with new content.
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