On Your Mark… 8 Holiday Party Outfits to Have on Your Radar (Before Everyone Else)

[Mariah Carey voice] It's timeeee!

With Thanksgiving a little over a week away, the holiday season is upon us, transforming our calendars into a festive whirlwind of celebrations. This is my favorite part of the year, as it's a time to come together, reflect on the successes of the past months, and, of course, indulge in the joy of dressing up.

To avoid the last-minute scramble of piecing together an outfit, I've embarked on a quest for stunning outfit inspiration to set the tone for my event-filled calendar. Whether I will be at a lavish black-tie gala, a casual office gathering, or an upscale cocktail event with friends, I want my outfits to embody a chic, modern, and playful essence, highlighting flattering silhouettes crafted from luxurious fabrics.

If you too are looking for holiday party outfit ideas that are simple and polished but anything but basic, look no further. Below, I'm sharing eight party-ready ensembles that are effortlessly chic and easy to re-create. From enchanting holiday dresses to trendy skirts, there’s plenty of inspiration for everyone looking to shine this season.

Strapless Top + Lace Skirt

Hear me out: The cool-girl holiday uniform will center on a sheer lace skirt. Paired with a long peplum top or blazer, the skirt covers the hips and upper thighs, exposing just a bit of leg at the mid-thighs and knees. Of course, depending on the type of party, you can also lean into the skirt's naked quality and wear it with just a pair of bloomers underneath.

Shop the look:

Camisole + Wide-Leg Trousers

When in doubt this holiday season, pair wide-leg trousers with a stylish camisole. This combination not only exudes effortless elegance but also allows for versatility; you can dress it up with heels and accessories for a night out or keep it casual with flats for a relaxed daytime look. Plus, it's very appropriate for a corporate party.

Shop the look:

Velvet Maxi Dress

Velvet is always in style during the holiday season, offering a rich and festive look. So re-create Creative Director, interior designer, and writer Abisola Omole's outfit with a velvet maxi dress featuring lace embellishments. Finish with tights, a mini bag, and T-bar heels because suddenly, every fashion person (think Jennifer Lopez, Nicole Kidman, and Zoe Saldaña) is wearing them.

Shop the look:

Sweater + Textured Skirt

Elevate your style this holiday season by choosing a textured skirt, especially in a golden hue. Not only will it boost your mood, but it will also convey your keen fashion sense to those around you. Pair it with an elegant sweater and sophisticated heels for the perfect look.

Shop the look:

Lace Maxi Dress

A holiday party is the ideal occasion to dress up and showcase your style, and what better way to make a statement than by wearing an elegant power dress that truly turns heads? Picture a stunning maxi dress adorned with intricate sheer lace embellishments that gracefully reveal just the right amount of skin, accentuating your silhouette in a sophisticated manner. With such a striking dress as the centerpiece of your ensemble, you can keep your accessories understated—a pair of classic black heels, whether sleek pumps or chic sock-like boots, will complete your look beautifully.

Shop the look:

Cape + Minidress

The most buzzworthy trend for winter 2024 is undoubtedly cape outerwear, and it's set to be a highlight of holiday fashion. A stunning illustration of this style is found in the ensemble of Parisian trendsetter Emmanuelle Koffi. She effortlessly showcases the elegance of a cape, proving it to be a versatile and chic addition to any wardrobe. To create a similar look, pair a beautifully crafted cape with a wardrobe staple, such as the editor-favorite Norma Kamali Pickleball dress. Complete the outfit with tights and square-toe pumps.

Shop the look:

Blouse + Sequin Miniskirt

The holiday season wouldn’t feel complete without the sparkle of sequins, particularly when it comes to a dazzling sequin miniskirt. This eye-catching garment is the perfect foundation for creating a standout outfit, especially if you're gearing up for a fun night out with friends. Style it like European style influencer Ingrid Edvinsen did with a black top and sheer tights. Don’t forget a silver handbag.

Shop the look:

Leather Trench Coat + Sheer Tights

I've been observing polished Parisian fashion girls wearing leather trench coats as dresses, and I'm here for it. It's sleek and sophisticated, especially when styled with tights and pumps.

Shop the look: