Dressing up and stepping out for all sorts of holiday parties is one of the best things to look forward to in December. (If you like parties, that is.) With the usual celebrations cancelled left and right last year, many of us are taking the chance to gather with friends, family, coworkers and other loved ones this month and celebrate together for the first time in a long time. But if your old party wardrobe is in need of an upgrade, we’re here to help.
So many of our favorite retailers including Amazon, Mango, Urban Outfitters and Nordstrom have special collections for holiday party dressing available to shop right now. Whether you want to keep things simple with a little black dress, go luxe with faux-fur and sequins or stay cozy in a velvet dress or knit set, we’ve found just the look for you. We’ve also found great plus-size dresses and outfits, and discovered cute pants, tops and skirts for every kind of holiday party in a range of sizes.
When you’re hopping from a special dinner with the family to Christmas weddings and cocktail parties, we know you want to look your best. Many of these dresses and outfits are multi-purpose and will look wonderful on New Year’s Eve, too. Just make sure to stay warm!
For more Christmas ideas, check out the Good Housekeeping 2021 Holiday Guide for holiday decor ideas, Christmas games and activities, holiday recipes and popular gift ideas.
1
Velvet Pull-On Pants
Treasure & Bond
nordstrom.com
$79.00
Velvet and holiday parties are a match made in heaven. Bring some cozy texture to a trendy wide-leg pant with these velvet trousers — and stay comfortable all night long.
2
Dua Cowl Neck Sequin Mini Dress
Urban Outfitters
urbanoutfitters.com
$49.00
December is the perfect time to break out the sequins. This cute mini dress would look right at home at a Christmas cocktail party or New Year’s Eve bash. (It also comes in a vibrant purple, if you’re feeling more adventurous.)
3
Bow Front Satin Minidress
Speechless
nordstrom.com
$69.00
You’ll look as pretty as a present in this show-stopping red satin cocktail dress with a layered skirt and bow detail.
4
Colette Drapey Midi Skirt
Urban Outfitters
urbanoutfitters.com
$59.00
Pair this drapey midi skirt with a cropped sweater or turtleneck for a simple yet elegant party look. The skirt comes in a rich green and jewel-toned blue.
5
Floral Chiffon Dress
If you’re not a big velvet-and-sequins person but still want to bring some holiday flair to your look, consider dark florals. They’re not only for Christmas, but they’ll look right at home in a cold evening. This green and black floral chiffon dress from Mango can be worn year-round.
6
Flare Cocktail Dress
If it’s cold, pair this simple cocktail dress with your favorite tights and heels. If you’re going somewhere warm, you can style it as-is.
7
Oversize Sweater Dress
Pink Queen
amazon.com
$39.99
If you want to stay cozy, you can’t go wrong with an oversized sweater dress. This top-seller on Amazon comes in 24 colors and a wide range of sizes. Pair it with thigh-boots for a look that’s pure Ariana.
8
Satin Crepe Button-Up Shirt
Bardot
nordstrom.com
$89.00
Keep things simple with a versatile black satin button-up.
9
Houndstooth Hourglass Velvet Midi Dress
Naked Wardrobe
nordstrom.com
$72.00
Or go super-sexy with an hourglass midi dress in a seasonal houndstooth velvet fabric.
10
Faux Wrap Dress
City Chic
nordstrom.com
$119.00
This flirty and festive faux-wrap dress comes in four rich shades and has fluttery sleeves and a flattering neckline — it will look right at home at an office party, Christmas dinner with the family or more formal affair.
11
Wrap Neckline Dress
If you’re headed to a Christmas wedding or other formal event, you can go for holiday elegance in a full-length gown with simple details in rich jewel tones.
12
Shining Just for You Metallic Gown
Lulus
nordstrom.com
$88.00
You’ll also look right at home at a Christmas wedding in a shiny metallic gown.
13
Vision of Elegance Sequin Cross Back Midi Dress
Lulus
nordstrom.com
$98.00
This sequined midi dress comes in both golden and green shades — we prefer the green for Christmas and the gold for New Year’s Eve.
14
Plaid Sweater Skirt
En Saison
nordstrom.com
$72.00
Plaid and winter go hand-in-hand. This checked sweater skirt pairs perfectly with its matching top, or you can mix and match with a turtleneck or blazer.
15
Houndstooth Skirt
River Island
nordstrom.com
$60.00
Not interested in sacrificing your bold and colorful style for the Christmas card? This adorable sweater set from River Island can bring some Clueless and Chanel-inspired elegance to any party.
16
Velvet Knot Dress
If you love the velvet look and want to stay warm, consider a long-sleeved option like this mid-length knot dress.
17
Velour Mini Dress
Everlane
everlane.com
$68.00
This high-necked velour mini dress from Everlane comes in three different colors and is adorably retro. Pair it with some chunky boots and statement earrings for an on-trend look.
18
Shiny Textured Dress
This textured mini dress with a single puff-sleeve is pure ’80s in the best way. It’s a total party-girl look, with enough style for New Year’s Eve (or a fancy Christmas cocktail party).
19
Sequined Palazzo Trousers
Pair these festive palazzo pants with the matching top for a sexy head-to-toe sequin look, or keep it simple up top and let the trousers steal the show.
20
Sheer Sleeve Wrap Front Top
1.STATE
nordstrom.com
$79.00
You can match this cute top with a skirt for a family-friendly Christmas look, or keep it simple with jeans.
21
Gathered Neckline Dress
You can’t go wrong with a sweater dress. This mid-length dress comes in brown and black and has a gathered neckline and fitted silhouette, making it fancy enough for parties but comfortable enough to actually sit down in.
22
Lulus Brazen Babe Cowl Neck Satin Slipdress
Lulus
nordstrom.com
$74.00
The ’90s satin slip dress trend is alive and well. This cute knee-length dress in a metallic wine color makes that trend work for Christmas.
23
Bicolor Draped Dress
Is there anything more elegant than a black-and-white dress? This bold number has enough retro style (and flattering draping) to make you want to dance the night away.
24
Spaghetti Strap Dress
When all else fails, turn to a simple black dress. This one is long enough to suit cold-weather dressing — just layer it over a mesh top or keep warm with a nice coat.
25
Oversize Faux-Fur Coat
Turn heads as you walk into the party with the perfect faux-fur coat. We love this plush lavender option from Mango. (You’ll be freezing the whole night if you just wear a mini dress and don’t bundle up.)
Cassidy Olsen
Cassidy Olsen is a freelance food, culture, and film writer bouncing between Dublin and New Jersey.
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