Holiday Party Outfits: Office, Cocktail and Casual
December can bring three very different parties in one week: the office party, a dressier cocktail night and a casual get-together at a friend's place. Start with the dress code and the venue, then add one festive piece and keep the rest simple.
Office party
Festive but still work-appropriate: a velvet blazer, a satin blouse with trousers, or a knit dress in a jewel tone. If it's straight after work, swap in earrings, a scarf or shoes rather than a whole new outfit.
Cocktail party
This is the night for velvet, satin, a little sequin or a sharp suit. Midi lengths and tailored separates look dressy and are easy to move in.
Casual get-together
A soft sweater with a sparkly skirt, a metallic knit, or dark jeans with a velvet top and boots. Comfortable shoes win when there's standing around a kitchen island.
Ask the SI concierge
We’ve pre-filled it for you. Edit the sentence with details about your person for 3 to 6 fashion picks, each with a reason it fits and a button to real listings from independent makers.
Try one of these:
How to choose
- Pick one festive hero piece (velvet, sequins, satin, metallic or a rich color) and keep everything else plain.
- Dress for the venue: warm restaurants call for lighter fabrics; outdoor or drafty spaces call for a good coat and scarf.
- Choose shoes you can stand in for hours.
- Order early. Handmade and vintage pieces can take a week or two plus holiday shipping.
Skip these
Skip anything too revealing for a work party, brand-new shoes for a long night, and itchy unlined sequins.
Shop real pieces
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velvet dress: Etsy Nordstrom ASOS Amazon Fashion
sequin skirt: Etsy Nordstrom ASOS Amazon Fashion
velvet blazer: Etsy Nordstrom ASOS Amazon Fashion
Prices, shipping, sizing and returns are set by each retailer or Etsy seller, so check the listing before you buy.
Read more on the blog
- What to Wear to a Holiday Party: Outfit Ideas for Every Dress Code
- What to Wear to a Work Holiday Party: Polished, Festive and Comfortable
- What to Wear to a Winter Wedding as a Guest
FAQ
What should I wear to an office holiday party?
Something festive that you'd still be comfortable seeing your manager in: a velvet blazer, a satin top with trousers or a knit dress in a jewel tone.
What is cocktail attire for a holiday party?
A knee- to midi-length dress, dressy separates or a suit, with one festive fabric such as velvet, satin or sequins.
How do I make a work outfit party-ready?
Swap in statement earrings, a silk scarf, a metallic shoe or a velvet blazer, and add a bolder lip or a pocket square.
Where do these come from?
Every button opens a live Etsy search, so you see real pieces from independent makers and vintage sellers, with photos, reviews and prices. You buy from the seller; we may earn a commission.