Galas & Formal Events
Holiday Party Outfit Ideas: What to Wear to a Christmas Party
The best holiday party outfit matches the event: a polished cocktail dress or dressy separates for an office party, a sparkly cocktail dress for an evening party with friends, and a long gown for a black-tie holiday gala. Rich colors such as red, emerald, burgundy and gold, plus sequins, satin and velvet textures, all feel festive. When the invitation doesn't give a dress code, a cocktail dress that ends around the knee is the safest choice.
In This Guide
Holiday Party Dress Codes
| Party | What to wear |
|---|---|
| Office holiday party | A cocktail dress at or just above the knee, or dressy separates. Keep sparkle and necklines modest. |
| Holiday cocktail party | A cocktail dress in a rich color, sequins or satin, with heels. |
| Casual get-together | A sweater dress, or a satin skirt with a knit top. |
| Holiday gala or black-tie event | A floor-length gown. See what to wear to a black-tie event. |
| Ugly sweater party | The sweater is the point. Pair it with jeans or a skirt. |
Not sure what "cocktail" or "semi-formal" means on an invitation? See what is semi-formal attire.
What to Wear to an Office Holiday Party
An office party is still a work event, so aim for festive but polished.
- Length: at or just above the knee, or a midi.
- Neckline: choose a modest neckline, or add a wrap or blazer over a strapless dress.
- Sparkle: one shiny element is enough: a sequin dress with simple accessories, or a satin dress with statement earrings.
- Colors: black, navy, emerald, burgundy and red all look polished.
- Shoes: heels you can stand in for a few hours, or dressy flats.
Christmas Party Outfit Ideas
- Classic red: the most festive choice. A red cocktail dress with gold or nude heels never misses.
- Emerald or deep green: festive without being literal; beautiful with gold jewelry.
- Burgundy: a richer, more grown-up red. See our burgundy dress guide.
- Gold or silver sparkle: a sequin or beaded cocktail dress is made for holiday lights.
- Black with sparkle: a little black dress becomes holiday-ready with crystals, sequins or metallic shoes.
- Velvet and satin: rich winter textures that photograph well.
How to Stay Warm at a Holiday Party
- Bring a wrap, faux-fur stole or tailored coat you can wear over a strapless dress.
- Choose a long-sleeve or longer dress for outdoor events.
- Sheer tights work with short dresses at less formal parties.
- Pack flats if you'll be walking between venues.
Accessories and Finishing Touches
- Shoes: metallic heels go with almost any holiday dress. See what color shoes to wear with your dress.
- Jewelry: statement earrings or a cuff. With a beaded dress, keep jewelry simple.
- Bag: a small metallic or beaded clutch.
- Beauty: a red or berry lip, or a touch of shimmer on the eyes.
Sherri Hill Holiday Party Dresses
Sherri Hill dresses are sold through authorized retailers; use Find A Store to locate one near you. If the store doesn't have your color or size, the retailer can check whether it's available to order.
Style 58052
A fitted strapless cocktail dress with lace embellishments. It comes in ten colors, including red, wine, navy and black, in sizes 000 through 18. See style 58052.
Style 58224
A fitted cocktail dress in hot fix stones, on a corset bodice. It comes in fifteen colors, including gold, silver, black and emerald, in sizes 000 through 18. See style 58224.
Style 58197
A fitted dress in hot fix stones, built on a corset bodice. It comes in eleven colorways, including black with silver, red with silver and ivory with silver, in sizes 000 through 18. See style 58197.
Style 58147
A fully beaded cocktail dress with an open back and fringe along the hem. It comes in nude with ivory and silver, black, and nude with gold, in sizes 000 through 14. See style 58147.
See every style in cocktail dresses, sequin cocktail dresses and evening dresses. Heading to a New Year's party next? See New Year's Eve outfit ideas.
Shop the Look
Your retailer can check whether a color or size is available to order.
Find A Store
Find a Sherri Hill Retailer
In the United States, Sherri Hill dresses are sold through authorized retailers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear to a holiday party?
A cocktail dress that ends around the knee is the safest choice for most holiday parties. Go longer and more formal for a gala, and more relaxed for a casual get-together.
What do you wear to an office Christmas party?
A polished cocktail dress or dressy separates at or just above the knee, with a modest neckline. Add one festive touch, such as sequins, satin or statement earrings.
What colors should I wear to a Christmas party?
Red, emerald, burgundy, gold, silver and black are all festive. Metallics and jewel tones look especially good under holiday lights.
Can you wear sequins to an office holiday party?
Yes, in moderation. A sequin dress with simple accessories, or a sequin top with a plain skirt, keeps the look polished.
Is black OK for a holiday party?
Yes. Black is always appropriate; add sparkle, metallic shoes or a red lip to make it festive.
How do I stay warm in a dress at a winter party?
Bring a wrap or tailored coat, choose a longer or long-sleeve dress for outdoor events, and pack flats for walking.
