Festive Holiday Outfit Ideas for Every Occasion

Holiday parties, family gatherings, and festive dinners all call for dressing up a bit — but what do you wear to these various events? While I love nothing more than shopping for a new season, I know that it’s equally as important to choose pieces you can get a lot of wear from. The good news is that even the most festive closet staples can be worn multiple ways — that is if you’re clever about those picks.

To offer up some inspo (and ease any seasonal stress), I’m sharing a handful of holiday outfit ideas below. These looks would work for all of your fall and winter outings, from Thanksgiving get togethers to New Year’s Eve soirees.

p.s. If you live somewhere that’s already quite chilly, you could easily add tights to any of these outfits. Tall boots and additional layers can also make things more weather-appropriate.

Holiday Outfit Ideas

Watch Here: The Sparkly Dress of the Season, Four Ways

Sequin Dress and a Sweater

If there’s one piece that makes the biggest statement during the holiday season, it would undoubtedly be a sequin dress. This pick is a recent find of mine (and one that will likely sell out fast.) It’s under $130 and showcases a rich brown color that’s much more unique than the typical white and gold options out there.

When dressing for a more casual (yet still celebratory) occasion, try layering a sweater on top of this mini dress. It’s the perfect way to keep things on-theme yet warm. I belted my sweater to give it a bit more shape but you could also wear it loose. This would be my outfit of choice for an office party or even for Thanksgiving dinner.

Mini Skirt, Faux Fur Jacket, and Knee High Boots

Want to look polished without sacrificing comfort? This outfit is a good go-to. I cannot get enough of this faux fur jacket, which has the cutest toggle button detailing. It’s the ideal weight for both fall and winter wear and it goes with both dressy and casual outfits. Plus, it’s so easy to throw on and instantly achieve a more “styled” look.

Pair the layer with a simple mini skirt, a sweater, and some knee high boots (these are by far my favorite.) Other highlights: This classy top handle purse, which is an investment I can confirm is worth it. Looking for a more affordable dupe? This find is a great option!

Sequin Skirt and a Cable Knit Sweater

Are you sensing a theme here? Sequins really are the MVP of holiday outfits, and there’s really nothing that screams “festive” quite like a sparkly little number. The combo of the sequin miniskirt and simple sweater makes it appropriate for both dressy and more laid-back occasions (think the ballet or a neighborhood party.)

Other perks: This skirt is under $70 (and it comes in black) and the sweater is under $130 and is made with such high quality. I styled the duo with tall boots but you could also opt for heels if you’re heading to a more upscale event.

Sequin Dress, a Tweed Jacket, and Heels

If you liked the brown sequin dress at the beginning of this post yet want another outfit idea, consider this one. Adding a tweed jacket offers this piece a more streamlined and traditional feel. The pair feels perfectly balanced between trendy and classic (a combo I personally love.)

This layer is already one of my favorite finds of the season — it’s almost like a blend of a cardigan and a tweed jacket. Slingback heels and a shoulder bag offer a sleek finishing touch. I’d wear this to drinks with friends or on a winter date night!

Pleated Skirt and a Cable Knit Sweater

News flash: You don’t have to stick with jeans throughout the fall and winter season. Opting for a skirt and knee high boots is a fool-proof way to switch things up. I styled the duo with this cable knit sweater, which is also budget-friendly and comes in several colors. Add a leather handbag and some dainty jewelry to take things up a notch.

Which holiday outfit idea is your favorite? Let me know in the comment section below!