Holiday Outfits 2025: What to Wear to Every Type Of Holiday Party

Every December, I tell myself I’m going to plan my holiday outfits early, and then suddenly it’s mid-December, there’s wrapping paper everywhere, and I’m standing in front of my closet asking the same question as last year: What do I wear?

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Between office parties, family dinners, fancy celebrations, and cozy nights with friends, it can feel impossible to find the right thing for every occasion.

That’s why I created this holiday outfit guide. You’ll find ideas for every kind of event. From dressy nights out to relaxed get-togethers at home.

Whether you’re getting ready for a glittery cocktail party or just baking cookies with your favorite people, these looks will help you feel confident, comfortable, and perfectly festive all season long.

Let’s get started with my best Holiday outfits styling tips that you have to learn about!

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Estimated reading time: 15 minutes

✨ How to Plan Your Holiday Outfits Like A Pro!

Before jumping into the looks, let’s talk about how to actually plan your holiday outfits so you can enjoy the season instead of stressing over what to wear for a month.

1️⃣ Choose a color palette that feels festive but still like you.

Red and green are not the only seasonal colors. Metallics, deep jewel tones, black, ivory, or even blush can look just as festive. Pick two to three main colors you love and build from there so everything mixes and matches easily.

2️⃣ Mix one statement piece with simple basics.

If your skirt sparkles, keep the top simple. If your dress has texture, let it shine on its own. The best holiday outfits balance something special with something classic, which keeps you from feeling overdone.

3️⃣ Focus on textures instead of trends.

Velvet, lace, silk, cashmere or sequins always feel holiday-ready and never go out of style. These fabrics photograph beautifully and make any outfit look elevated without needing bold prints or loud colors.

4️⃣ Prioritize comfort for every occasion.

You’ll enjoy yourself more if you can actually sit, move, and eat comfortably. When trying on your outfits, do a quick mirror check sitting down and walking around the room. Your holiday outfits should look good from every angle and feel good too.

5️⃣ Have one backup outfit you love.

Things happen. You spill something, the dress code changes, or you simply change your mind. Keep one easy go-to outfit ready that makes you feel instantly put together.

Here are a few examples that always work:

A knit dress with ankle boots and gold hoops for a quick, polished look.
A silk top with straight-leg jeans and metallic heels for a mix of casual and chic.
A cashmere turtleneck tucked into a silk midi skirt with tights and boots for something elegant and effortless.
Don’t forget dainty jewelry and a bold lipstick! It makes a huge difference.

The goal is to have one combination that you know fits, feels good, and always looks great. When you plan your holiday outfits, that backup outfit will save you every single time.

Planning your holiday outfits with these tips means you’ll spend less time second-guessing and more time enjoying everything the season brings.

✨ Dressy Holiday Party Outfits

When it comes to dressier occasions, you want holiday outfits that feel elegant but not overdone.

The goal is to look polished, festive, and confident while still feeling like yourself. Whether you’re heading to a work celebration, or a fancy dinner with family, the right outfit will make the night even more special.

This is where fabrics really matter. Velvet, lace, and silk instantly make any outfit look elevated and holiday-ready. These textures add that little touch of magic that feels right for the season.

Your Holiday Outfits Guide: What to Wear to Every Holiday Event!

If you prefer a timeless look, go for neutral colors like black, ivory, or champagne and add subtle sparkle through gold or silver jewelry and shoes. If you love to make a statement, this is the time to lean into bold details like metallic heels, a red lip, or gold statement earrings.

🛍️ Where to shop for fun Holiday pieces?

❄️ Winter Party Outfits

Cold weather style is all about smart layering. Start with a solid base like a lightweight cashmere sweater or ribbed knit top, then add texture and structure with a blazer, faux-fur vest, or a jacket.

If you’re wearing a dress or skirt, add tights and ankle boots to stay warm while keeping the outfit sleek. Black or dark brown tights work with nearly everything. A touch of shimmer in your top or accessories instantly makes any look feel festive.

Styling Tips To Remember:

Invest in layers that last. A wool coat or neutral blazer will serve you well beyond the holidays.
Rework what you own. Try a turtleneck under a sleeveless dress or a cashmere sweater with a silk skirt.
Shop intentionally. Add versatile pieces like neutral boots or a cashmere turtleneck you’ll wear all season.
Accessorize smartly. Gold hoops or pearl earrings add shine without fuss.
Add color with lipstick. A red or berry lip brings warmth and a festive touch to your holiday outfits.

Is Your Closet Ready for the Holidays?

Having cute holiday outfits is only part of the story. The real magic happens when your closet actually works for you year-round 😏

Take the Closet Quiz to find out what stage your closet is in and get personalized tips to help you simplify, refresh, and build a wardrobe you truly love.

It only takes a few minutes and it is completely free. You will get instant results and a clear idea of what to focus on next. Get started here ⬇️

🎁 Casual Holiday Outfits

For the holidays spent at home, comfort is key. But that doesn’t mean your look can’t feel special. The best holiday outfits for relaxed gatherings, mix soft fabrics with little details that make them feel festive.

Start with comfy basics like knit dresses, wide leg pants, or your favorite jeans. Add a cashmere sweater, a cozy cardigan, or a pop of color in your top to bring the outfit to life.

🎄 Styling Tips for Casual Holiday Gatherings:

Keep it soft and simple. Cotton, cashmere or blends always look effortlessly chic.
Add one elevated touch. A silk headband, sparkly earrings, or red lipstick make any outfit feel intentional.
Use color to set the mood. Deep reds, greens, or neutrals work beautifully for the Holidays.
Shop with comfort in mind. A good cardigan can be worn for lounging, errands, or casual dinners all winter long. Wear one you already own or invest in a good one. You’ll wear it a lot!

💼 Office Holiday Party Outfits

Finding the right balance between professional and festive can be tricky, but the best holiday outfits for office parties make you feel confident, polished, and still a little fun.

Start with classic pieces you already own (a blazer, tailored pants, or a sleek midi skirt) and add a hint of sparkle or texture. A silk top, velvet blazer, or statement earrings instantly make workwear feel celebration-ready.

Keep your look sophisticated but comfortable so you can mingle, eat, and enjoy yourself.

☀️ If your party is during the day, go lighter on accessories.

🌛 For evening events, add metallic heels, bold jewelry, or a red lip to elevate your holiday party outfit.

✨ What to Keep in Mind

Dress for the environment. Is it a fancy dinner, a cocktail hour, or a casual lunch? Match your outfit to the setting.
Balance personality with polish. This is still a work event, so skip anything too short, tight, or low-cut.
Think beyond red and green. Jewel tones, neutrals, or even winter whites look elegant and professional.
Plan for comfort. You’ll likely be standing and talking a lot, so choose shoes you can move in easily.
Keep accessories minimal but intentional. One standout piece — a pretty pair of earrings or a bold lip color — is enough to make your look feel festive.

Holiday Styling Tips You’ll Actually Use!

You don’t need a closet full of new things to create beautiful holiday outfits. Just a few key pieces that make everything you own feel more festive. These are the items worth having (or adding) that you can wear in different ways long after the holidays are over.

Metallic shoes. Whether it’s silver strappy heels or gold block pumps, they add instant shine to dresses, skirts, and jumpsuits.
Velvet pieces. A rich velvet dress or top feels perfectly seasonal and adds texture that looks beautiful in photos.
A sparkly clutch. A small bag with metallic or sequin detail adds just enough glamour and goes with every holiday outfityou’ll wear.
Statement jewelry. Think pearl earrings, lab grown diamond hoops, or dainty layered gold necklaces — these accessories elevate even the simplest outfit.
A statement dress. Choose something timeless in a solid color or subtle print that can be styled differently each year.
A cashmere sweater. Soft, timeless, and endlessly versatile. It pairs beautifully with satin skirts, sequin pieces, or even strappy sandals for a cozy-meets-polished holiday outfit.
A sequin or silk skirt. You can dress it up with heels or down with a knit sweater. It’s one of those pieces that always works.
A little black dress. Choose one you feel amazing in. Style it with statement earrings and a bold lipstick for an effortless party look you can wear year after year.
Strappy sandals. The perfect mix of dressy and delicate. A great option for indoor parties or warmer climates.
Bold lipstick. The finishing touch that pulls everything together — classic red, deep berry, or mauve shades always look festive and timeless.

The holidays are beautiful, but let’s be honest, they can also be a little overwhelming. Between travel, family gatherings, and endless to-do lists, figuring out what to wear sometimes feels like one more thing to manage.

That’s why your holiday outfits should make life easier, not harder. Choose pieces that make you feel comfortable, confident, and a little festive, even on the busiest days. You don’t need something new for every occasion. A few favorites styled in fresh ways are more than enough.

So take a deep breath, get dressed in something you love, and remember that how you feel matters so much more than what you wear. That’s where real style starts.

Thanks for being here and happy holidays!

XO,

Aimara

>>> PS: If your closet still feels a little overwhelming, take the closet quiz before you go. It is a fun way to start fresh and head into the new year feeling organized and inspired! (I’ll tell you what to do next based on your answers)

About The Author:

I’m Aimara, the creator of Ways of Style, a space where I share outfit ideas, travel tips, and advice to help women simplify their closets and feel confident in what they wear. My goal is to make style feel easy, practical, and enjoyable for every season of life.

Although this year we decided to skip the holiday madness and headed to Bali on our own, I still wanted to share this 2025 guide to help you with something small that can make a big difference. Feeling good in what you wear truly changes how you show up in every part of your life.

If you enjoyed this post, take a look around and explore more of my style and travel guides. You will find plenty of inspiration to help you dress with confidence, pack smarter, and create a wardrobe you love.

Did you feel inspired to create your own Holiday outfits? Save this post on Pinterest!

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