Holiday Outfits Guide: What to Wear for Every Event
The Ultimate Guide to All of Your Holiday Looks
It’s tiiimmmeee *read in the tone of Mariah Carey*. Somehow the holidays are already upon us again. Which means… Well, many things. But among them are the many seasonal outfits for a range of gatherings and occasions. In the whirlwind of the next few months, our style can be a grounding sense of home or playful creative outlet. And as we head into discussing the many things we all might have coming up, a reminder: the question “what should I wear?” should always feel expansive, fun, and full of opportunity… not another thing to stress about.
In these next few months, we’ll be offered an excuse for everything from getting more decked out than the halls for New Years Eve, to cuddling up in our coziest PJs for mornings by the fireplace. And if you need a friend to help you figure out what to wear to any holiday events and gathering in between… you’re in the right place. Here, you’ll find lists (checked twice) of seasonal looks and pieces to complete them from across the internet for all holiday needs this year. It’s your one-stop shopping guide for styling outfits for holiday cocktail parties, family dinner outfits, cozy moments, outdoor festivities, travel outfits, and of course New Year’s Eve. Dig in and enjoy!
Holiday Cocktail Party Outfits
Sometimes in these dark winter days, we really just need as many reasons as we can get to get dressed up, leave the house, and go celebrate! Holiday parties are perfect for this. They invite elegance and flair, tradition and whimsy. As the season cools off, some really cool winter style has been emerging. Whether you’re inspired by the glittering lights or rich seasonal colors, here are some standout options for your party circuit this year:
Doen
$498
Reformation
Urban Outfitters
Trusty Seasonal Sparkles
For Love and Lemons
$279
Revolve
Little black dress (LBD) + Festive tights
Doen
$328
Revolve
$119
Calzedonia
Accessories to Top it off
Reformation
Doen
Family dinner outfits
Oh the holidays and their food… There's nothing like a meal shared with loved ones. For moments around the table, what matters is being present with the delicious food and company. So when it comes to your outfit, you want to feel good. Whether serving harder than the turkey or being able to eat your weight in it takes priority is totally up to you. Either way, here are some cute and comfy ideas for things to wear to those holiday dinners…
Texture and patterns
Revolve
$126
Revolve
$178
Wray
Wray
$178
Stretchy Jeans and Comfy Pants
Rag + Bone
Spanx
Seasonal Accessories
Alohas
Coach
Cozy evenings/Christmas morning outfits
These are arguably some of the best moments of the holidays. Baking cookies, warm bevies by the fireplace, cheesy movies, and yes, Christmas morning if that’s your kind of thing. But during the holidays, your grey sweats and typical PJs might not hit like they usually do. As far as I’m concerned, November through January is one big excuse to make a *thing* out of things. Nice lounge wear and cute PJs can be just the thing to make it happen.
Eberjay
Wray NYC
GAP
Spanx
Alo yoga
Eberjay
Outdoor Festivities
Sometimes getting dressed for holiday festivities actually means getting bundled for holiday festivities. There are times to make sacrifices for the ‘fit, but don’t be the person who can’t enjoy the vibe cause they didn’t dress for the weather! There are trees to be chosen, lights to be seen, skates to be tied, and carols to be sung! Plus… jackets, hats, and scarves are fun and cool. Case in point:
The blanket coat to keep you toasty and bundled
Apparis
$545
Lisa says gah
Quince
Free people
Columbia
Lisa says gah
$168
Warm winter accessories
WHITE + warren
Artic fox & co
Holiday travel looks
Okay, so not the most exciting look to style but a crucial one. For many of us these next few months call for several hours on an airplane. But remember what I said before about making a *thing* out of things?? Well, the same rule applies here… You’re not just traveling this winter season. You're having your movie moment. Think The Holiday. Think Love Actually. Think When Harry Met Sally. It’s gonna be great you guys. And if that’s not convincing, we can at least make it a little more comfortable…
Step 1: The perfect comfy (and cool) sneaker
New balance
$150
Alohas
Step 2: Good sweats or leggings
Vuori
Eberjay
Uniqlo
Step 3: Light yet warm layers
Avoid the shivers once the doors close without having to tote heavy coats across terminals during a tight connection…
Skims
Jenni kayne
Step 4: the perfect bags
To keep you light on your feet, with everything you need
July
Baggu
Step 5: Don’t forget those toes
Your feet go through a lot during travel. Good, warm socks (bonus points for compression) are game-changers…
New Year’s Eve Outfit
And finally, we arrive at the it-girl of holiday style: New Year’s Eve. You never know what New Year’s Eve will bring. But you can make damn sure you look amazing when that clock strikes midnight. Sometimes getting dressed is the best part of the night, and others it’s the kick off point for magical memories. Either way, it’s always fun to start the year in an outfit that reflects the version of yourself you want to bring into 2025. Here are some dresses that fit the bill:
Reformation
For love & lemons
Asos edition
Retrofête
Cult Gaia
Samsoe samsoe
With these outfit ideas in hand, let the season inspire you. Take the cold and get cozy, take the darkness and add sparkle. If you want them to be, your style choices can be expressive of this chapter in your life. So have fun with it! Whatever the occasion, remember to wear what makes you feel joyful, comfortable, and confident—that’s where the true holiday magic is.
