Christmas Party Outfits for Every Invitation
Christmas party outfits are easier to get right when you start from the room rather than the dress. Drinks after work, a dinner at a friend's house and a dressy evening in a hotel each call for something a little different.
The pieces worth buying are the ones you will wear again in January. A sparkle trouser, a velvet roll neck and a short faux fur jacket all go well beyond one night.
At a glance:
- Office party: sparkle trousers and a plain top
- Dinner with friends: velvet or a printed shirt with jeans
- Dressy evening: a two-piece in sparkle, or tailoring with detail
- Over the top: a short faux fur jacket
- Christmas party outfits for the office
- Dinner with friends
- When the invitation says dressy
- Something warm over the top
- The shoe that finishes it
Christmas party outfits for the office
The office party usually starts straight from work, so the outfit has to cope with a desk and then a bar. Sparkle on the bottom half and something plain on top is the simplest way to do it.
The MeiMeij wide leg trousers have a fine sparkle through black cloth that only shows when the light catches it. Wear them with a black knit at your desk, then change into the MeiMeij silver roll neck for the evening. It has a liquid metallic surface and a soft collar, and it takes up no room in a bag.
Dinner with friends
A dinner at someone's house wants warmth and comfort with a bit of polish. Velvet is the answer most years.
The Luisa Cerano roll neck in truffle velvet is close-fitting, with ruched sleeves and a crushed finish that catches candlelight. Tuck it into dark jeans and add a heeled boot. For something with more colour, the Herzens shirt in black coffee has a border print in black, gold and ivory, and looks just as good worn open over a vest.
When the invitation says dressy
For a black-tie dinner or a party in a hotel, a two-piece does the thinking for you. The MeiMeij jacket in black sparkle has a boxy, short body and wide three quarter sleeves, and it matches the sparkle trousers to make a suit.
For tailoring with a twist, the MeiMeij black wool jacket has three fabric roses climbing the lapel and hip. It looks striking over a slim black dress or a pair of black trousers.
Our MeiMeij edit has both pieces together.
Something warm over the top
A December party usually means a walk to the car or the station. A short faux fur jacket keeps you warm and adds to the outfit rather than covering it up.
- Beatrice B in brown, with chevron-worked faux fur and a deep shawl collar
- Luisa Cerano in truffle, finishing at the hip with a stand collar
- Liviana Conti in a lynx print, boxy and waist length
Each one finishes above the hip, so it sits neatly over trousers or a dress. See them with our jackets and coats.
The shoe that finishes it
A metallic shoe goes with every outfit here. The Riani slingbacks in bronze crackle leather sit on a kitten heel you can stand in all night, and the warm metallic flatters black, brown and velvet alike.
Come in and try a few combinations. We can put together a full outfit in one visit, and there is no rush.
Frequently asked questions
What to wear to a Christmas party?
Think about where the party is before choosing the outfit. For drinks after work, sparkle trousers with a plain knit or a metallic top are easy and comfortable. For a dinner at home, a velvet top with dark jeans and a heeled boot feels festive without trying too hard. For a dressy evening, a matching sparkle jacket and trousers or tailoring with a striking detail works well. A short faux fur jacket and a metallic shoe finish any of them.
What should I wear to a work Christmas party?
Choose something that moves from desk to bar with one change. Sparkle trousers with a black knit look smart in the office, and swapping the knit for a metallic or velvet top makes it an evening outfit. Keep the shoe comfortable enough to stand in for a few hours, such as a kitten heel. Avoid anything you would need to adjust all night.
Can you wear trousers to a Christmas party?
Yes, and many people find trousers more comfortable for a long evening. Wide leg trousers with a fine sparkle, velvet or a satin finish look every bit as dressed up as a dress. Pair them with a fitted top or a short jacket so the shape stays balanced, and add a heel if the trousers are full length. A trouser suit in sparkle is one of the smartest options for a formal party.
What shoes to wear to a Christmas party?
A low heel you can stand in all night is the safest choice. A kitten heel or a slingback in a metallic finish goes with black, brown and jewel colours, and it lifts the hem of wide trousers off the floor. If the party involves dancing or a walk, a heeled ankle boot gives more support. Try your shoes with the outfit before the night, especially with full-length trousers.
Is sparkle suitable for an office Christmas party?
Yes, if you keep it to one piece. A fine sparkle woven into black trousers or a jacket reads as festive but still smart, especially beside a plain knit or a simple top. Save head-to-toe sparkle for a dressier evening. Matching the sparkle to the setting is what makes it look considered.
Written by Lonah Boutique
Lonah has been on Seamoor Road in Westbourne since 2003, built on hand-picked designer labels you won't find on the high street. We listen first, then translate what's on the catwalk into something you'll actually wear. Clothes, shoes, bags and accessories, all under one roof.
