What to Wear to a Christmas Party (The Only Guide You’ll Need)
You’ve got invites. Now you need outfits that land: look festive, fit the venue, and photograph beautifully. Below is a no-fluff guide that covers what to wear to a Christmas party, how to decode festive dress code, and the exact pieces that work for office drinks, house parties, black-tie soirées, and everything in between, plus shoppable picks from Ever-Pretty that look festive without wrecking your budget.
Content Outlines:
- Christmas Party Outfit Ideas by Dress Code (Fast Answers)
- Fabrics That Photograph Best for Christmas Parties (Sequins, Velvet, Satin)
- Office Christmas Party Outfits (Polished, Still Fun)
- House-Party Christmas Outfits (Comfort You Can Photograph)
Christmas Party Outfit Ideas by Dress Code (Fast Answers)
- Casual Christmas party outfits: knit set + embellished flats, or a velvet mini dress with opaque tights and ankle boots.
- Smart casual Christmas party look: long sleeve Christmas party dress (midi) + slingback pumps + compact shoulder bag.
- Christmas cocktail dresses: sequins or satin A-line midis + pointed pumps.
- Formal Christmas party dresses: floor-length satin or sleek sequins + structured clutch.
- Office Christmas party outfit: knee-length sheath or modest Christmas party dress with sleeves + block heels.
Fabrics That Photograph Best for Christmas Parties (Sequins, Velvet, Satin)
Night lighting loves texture.
- Velvet Christmas dress: rich color, luxe vibe, flattering under warm bulbs.
- Sequin Christmas dress: fine paillettes = sparkle without bulk.
- Satin: fluid, polished—steam it and add an anti-static slip.
- Metallic knit or lurex rib: comfy, bra-friendly, quietly festive.
Ever-Pretty picks to shop:
ever JUNIPER: Sequin V-neck slit formal dress
ever SYREN: Sequin long sleeve V-neck asymmetrical hem evening dress
Office Christmas Party Outfits (Polished, Still Fun)
Goal: “me, but glossier.”
- Knee-length black Christmas dress or jewel-tone midi; sleeves feel professional.
- Crystal studs, slim metallic belt, block heels.
- Swap your tote for a structured mini.
Shop the look:
ever SIMONE: Modest christmas party dress with sheer sleeves
ever LIORAEL: Fit-and-flare midi with ruched waist (photo-friendly)
House-Party Christmas Outfits (Comfort You Can Photograph)
- Velvet mini dress + opaque tights + ankle boots.
- Metallic knit co-ord + slingbacks for easy movement.
- Add a satin bow or sparkly clip for “festive” without overdoing it.
Shop the look:
pretty AZALEA: V-Neck short sleeve pleated velvet party dress
Glitter Knit ruched slit formal dress (lighter than heavy sequins)
Christmas Cocktail Dresses for Restaurants & Hotel Bars
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Christmas cocktail dress (midi) in sequins or satin A-line; micro-minis slip on banquettes.
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Pointed pumps elongate; gel pads help if you’ll be standing.
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Petite? Above-ankle hemlines keep proportions clean.
Shop the look:
ever JETT: Sequin christmas dress midi, V-neck
ever SCARLEN: Satin A-line empire waist dress with pockets
Formal Christmas Party Dresses & Black-Tie Ideas
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Floor-length satin, column sequins, or winter formal dress with clean lines.
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Sleek bun, drop earrings, satin clutch—one statement, not three.
Shop the look:
ever TESSARA: Satin mermaid dress with ruched waist
Jacquard bodycon mermaid evening dress
Plus Size Christmas Party Dresses (Curve-Loving Fits)
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Prioritize structure at the waist (ruching, wrap-effect), stretch lining, secure sleeves.
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Midis hit the sweet spot for photos; thigh slits = elongation without fuss.
Shop the look:
ever NOIRE: Glitter V-Neck high slit sequin shoulder strap evening dress
ever EDEN: Flowy chiffon round neckline A-line midi dress
Christmas Party Colors That Always Work (Red, Green, Jewel Tones)
| Color | Vibe on Camera | Best for Venues | Fabrics That Shine | Shoe Colors (Easy Wins) | Accessory Metals | Makeup Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red (crimson, cherry, garnet-red) | Festive, high energy; reads luxe under warm lights | Office parties, restaurant cocktails, hotel bars | Sequins, satin, velvet | Gold, nude, black, champagne | Gold or mixed crystal | Warm blush, classic red lip |
| Deep Green (pine, forest) | Elegant, calm; flattering on most skin tones | Smart casual, house parties, church events | Velvet, satin, shimmer chiffon | Gold, tan, champagne, metallic green | Gold | Soft bronze eye, peachy nude lip |
| Emerald (jewel tone) | Rich, camera-loving pop without being loud | Cocktail hours, semi-formal dinners | Sequins, satin pleat, bias satin | Silver, gunmetal, black, nude | Silver | Cool highlighter, soft pink lip |
| Burgundy (jewel tone) | Deep, romantic; great for evening photos | Ballroom, black-tie, winter weddings | Velvet, micro-sequin, satin mermaid | Gold, champagne, burgundy metallic | Gold | Soft-matte skin, berry lip |
| Sapphire (jewel tone) | Crisp and polished; stands out against décor | Hotel bars, rooftop venues, gala nights | Sequins, satin column, shimmer chiffon | Silver, black, cobalt metallic | Silver | Cool-toned eye, glossy clear lip |
FAQs: What to Wear to a Christmas Party
What’s appropriate for an office Christmas party?
Midi length, covered shoulders, one touch of sparkle. “Polished with personality” is the brief.
Can I wear black to a Christmas party?
Yes—lift it with metallic shoes or crystal earrings.
Heels or flats for Christmas parties?
Both work. Let the venue floor and standing time decide; add cushioned insoles.
What jacket works over sequins?
Cropped blazer, faux-fur stole, or a clean wool coat that won’t crush texture.
Do I need tights?
If you’ll be outdoors or prefer coverage, go for sheer black with a soft sheen.
