Stand out this holiday season with 8 show-stopping party outfits
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Whether you’re trying to catch the eye of a special someone or just want to look phenomenal for photos, an impeccable party outfit is a must-have this holiday season. There are many seasonal events that you may need to attend as the year draws to a close—work parties, family gatherings, nights out with friends, and more—so now’s the time to start putting together an ensemble that will knock everyone’s socks off.
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To give you some inspiration on how to stop traffic this holiday season, we’ve put together eight looks that will make a statement at any party. Whether you’re going out clubbing on New Year’s Eve or just relaxing by the fireplace with your family, these outfits will make you the star of the show.
1. A bold blazer for your work party
Who says work outfits have to be stuffy? You can keep things professional—but still fashionable—with this dapper J.Crew Willa Blazer. It has a fun black-and-red pattern that’s perfect for the holidays, and its fitted silhouette will accentuate your frame.
The best part about this jacket is that it’s a breeze to style. You can easily pair it with a plain sweater or long-sleeve tee, like the Rib Mock Neck Sweater. Finish off the look with black skinny jeans or trousers, depending on how formal the event is. Finally, slip on a pair of over-the-knee boots, like the Minnada Over-the-Knee Boot from Vince Camuto, to dial up the drama and turn heads at your event.
Get the Nordstrom Rib Mock Neck Sweater for $89 at Nordstrom
Get the AG Farrah High Waist Ankle Skinny Jeans for $198 at Nordstrom
Get the Vince Camuto Minnada Over-the-Knee Boot for $259 at DSW
2. A shimmering dress that will light up the night
If you’re heading out on the town, all eyes will be on you in the gorgeous Maeve Sequin Blazer Dress. Styled to look like an oversized blazer, the dress is covered in shimmering red sequins. It has an elegant lapel around the neckline and long sleeves to keep you warm, and the dress is available in women’s standard, petite, and plus sizes 00 to 26W.
Naturally, this dress is going to be the star of the show, so you can keep your accessories fairly simple to complete the look. Keep your legs warm with a pair of black tights or micro fishnet stockings, and pull in a pop of red with some simple earrings, like these Ribbon-Wrapped Hoops from J.Crew Factory. The sky-high Christian Louboutin So Kate 120 Patent Leather Pumps would be the perfect complement to this show-stopping dress, thanks to their iconic red soles, but you can also opt for a more comfortable shoe if you’re going to be on your feet all night. Shop the heels in women’s shoe sizes 34 to 42.
Get the New Day Women's Micro Basic Fishnet Tights for $10 at Target
Get the Ribbon-Wrapped Hoop Earrings for $17 at J.Crew Factory
Get the Christian Louboutin So Kate 120 Patent Leather Pumps for $795 at Saks Fifth Avenue
3. This long-sleeve velvet dress that’s flattering for all sizes
Khloe Kardashian’s Good American line might be best-known for its super-flattering jeans, but the brand also offers a wide selection of size-inclusive clothing, including this amazing Plunge Neck Long Sleeve Velvet Midi Dress. The dress is available in sizes XS to 5XL, and its V-neck cut and form-hugging material is flattering on all body types.
You can easily wear this lovely dress to events throughout the year, but for the holidays, dress it up with a vibrant jacket, such as the Sam Edelman Wool Blend Coat, for an eye-catching look. The cheery green hue is perfect for the holidays, and it comes in sizes 2 to 14. From there, you can accessorize with a pair of ankle booties and a sparkly handbag, and you’ll be ready to rack in the compliments at your holiday party. We love the Marc Fisher Glorify Boot for its sleek pointed toe and modern block heel. The style is available in women’s whole and half shoe sizes 5.5 to 11.
Get the Plunge Neck Long Sleeve Velvet Midi Dress for $135 at Good American
Get the Sam Edelman Women’s Wool Blend Coat for $190 at Nordstrom
4. A fun and flirty feather top
You're sure to be the best dressed at any event when you show up in the Luna Ostrich Feather Top. The bandeau-style crop top is covered in billowing ostrich feathers, and it comes in black, white, or pink colors to suit your personal style. Shop the style in women’s sizes XXS to XXL.
While the top is a splurge, you can complete the look with more budget-friendly pieces. A pair of simple high-waisted dress pants will ensure the feathery top is the star of the show, and help minimize how much skin is exposed to the cold winter air. You’ll be comfortable for hours in these Steve Madden Fleur Pointed Toe Mule. For accessories, we love the Bourgeois Bow Studs from Kate Spade—after all, your presence is a present! Finally, complete the look with a cute, budget-friendly purse that’s big enough to hold your wallet, phone, and other party essentials.
Get the Cemi Ceri Women's High Waist Dress Pants for $28 at Amazon
Get the Steve Madden Fleur Pointed Toe Mule for $43 at Nordstrom
Get the Luna Ostrich Feather Top for $250 at Banana Republic
5. An ensemble styled around an eye-catching necklace
Sometimes an accessory is just so fabulous that it inspires a whole outfit, and that’s certainly the case with the Betsey Johnson Ornament Gem Drama Necklace. The designer is known for her bold sense of style, and this unique necklace is adorned with dangling rhinestone fringe, along with festive holiday ornaments and snowflakes.
To let the necklace be the star of the show, we’d pair it with the Flirty Feelings Emerald Green Velvet Bustier Bodysuit, available in sizes XS to XL, and a simple white skirt. The Susana Monaco Tie Wrap Skirt, which comes in sizes S to XL, would be the perfect complement to the velvet top, and if it’s going to be chilly, you can bundle up with a stylish coat like the stunning Adrienne Landau Faux Fur Jacket. Oh, and don’t forget a pair of equally sparkly shoes to complete the look. Just like that, you’ll be ready to break hearts as you celebrate the holidays!
Get the Flirty Feelings Emerald Green Velvet Bustier Bodysuit for $28 at Lulus
Get the Susana Monaco Tie Wrap Skirt for $148 at Bloomingdale’s
Get the Betsey Johnson Ornament Gem Drama Necklace for $168 at Macy's
Get the Adrienne Landau Faux Fox Fur Short Jacket for $385 at Revolve
6. A classic ‘fit dressed up with a statement bag
If you don’t want to get too crazy with your holiday outfit, sometimes it’s best to stick with the classics. This red Studio Tissue Jersey Turtleneck Top from Torrid is a must-have for every plus-size wardrobe, and it would look amazing tucked into the Faux-Leather Mini Skirt from J.Crew, available up to size 24. Plus, the best part is that both these staples can be mixed and matched with other pieces to wear year-round.
To give your outfit a little extra pizazz—after all, it is the holidays—you can top it with a cozy knee-length coat, like the Long Double-Breasted Sherpa Coat from Old Navy, which comes in regular, tall and petite sizes up to 4X. Of course, a statement bag is an absolute must. We’re particularly fond of Morty the Penguin, who’s ready and willing to be your adorable holiday companion at every party. Watch out, though: Your friends and family are going to want to keep him for themselves!
Get the Studio Tissue Jersey Turtleneck Top for $36 at Torrid
Get the Long Double-Breasted Sherpa Coat for $70 at Old Navy
7. A festive sweater for more casual soirees
Unfortunately, head-to-toe sequins aren't practical for most casual holiday get-togethers, but you can still look phenomenal with a festive holiday sweater. The Santa’s New Sleigh Sweater is sure to earn you compliments thanks to its fun red-and-green pattern, complete with holiday trees and poinsettias. The sweater is available in women’s sizes XS to XXL. And you can layer up against the cold by topping the sweater with this cute puffy crop vest, which comes in a variety of colors. Not festive enough for you? Check out our list of the top Ugly Christmas Sweaters.
For the rest of this look, you can keep things comfy with a pair of high-waisted jeans—the High-Waisted O.G. Straight Built-In Warm Ankle Jeans from Old Navy are budget-friendly and sure to become part of your regular rotation. Finally, pop a pair of Dr. Martens Boots on your feet, and you’ll be ready to stomp through the snow to reach your destination. Shop the boots in women’s shoe sizes 5 to 11.
Get the High-Waisted O.G. Straight Built-In Warm Ankle Jeans at Old Navy for $40
Get the Santa's New Sleigh Sweater at Kiel James Patrick for $128
Get the Dr. Martens Leona Platform Ankle Boots at Free People for $190
8. A metallic look that’s ideal for New Year’s Eve
You can start the new year off on a fabulous note with the Lilly Pulitzer Calyssa Dress. It has puffy 3/4-length sleeves and a fun flared skirt, and the whole dress is covered in a gold leopard print set on ivory fabric. Shop the Calyssa Dress in women’s sizes 00 to 16. The dress will look perfect paired with the gold Skyhigh 145 Platform Pumps from Stuart Weitzman, and from there, it’s just a matter of finding a few accessories to complete your metallic-inspired ensemble.
The shimmery Frankie Clutch comes in both silver and gold colors, either of which would match the dress, and you can keep it securely by your side all night thanks to the long crossbody strap. The Festive Stamp Earrings from Boden will complete the look—they come in both star and snowflake shapes, but we think the stars would work best for a New Year’s Eve bash.
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This article originally appeared on Reviewed: 8 show-stopping holiday party outfit ideas: J.Crew, Anthropologie and more