holiday party outfit guide // festive looks for every occasion and budget!

This time of year is BUSY. From casual get togethers with your friends, to work functions and fancy cocktail parties, your schedule is likely packed with activities. While it’s obviously easy to just share fun holiday party dresses this time of year, I wanted to share some casual options along with the dressy outfits for those of you just looking for something cute to wear to your friend’s secret santa party. With that, I’d like to introduce you to my Holiday Party Outfit Guide, featuring five looks ranging from super casual to cocktail fancy, and highlighting options for recreating the looks at every price point!

Here are five holiday party looks for every occasion, along with various similar options to achieve the look at every budget:

LOOK ONE // JACQUARD PARTY DRESS

I love that while this dress features some red, it doesn’t scream “Christmas”. With the metallic silver and gold jacquard print, it could honestly work for holiday parties OR New Year’s Eve! Pair it with a red lip to bring out the red in the dress, or with gold or silver statement earrings to make the look pop. Because the print on this dress is pretty busy, I would opt for simple pumps and a clutch or small handbag.

LOOK TWO // SWEATER, JEANS & HEELS

You’re probably thinking this doesn’t look very “holiday”, and that’s sort of the point. With so many dinners and little fetes throughout the week this time of year, I prefer to save the really jazzy pieces for the bigger parties. This is an outfit I’d wear to a Christmas dinner at a friend’s house, or a post-work happy hour before we all head to our respective homes for the holiday. It’s a comfy, cozy look, but is instantly elevated by chic, luxurious accessories.

LOOK THREE // BELL-SLEEVE SWEATER + METALLIC SKIRT

This outfit you can REALLY do on a budget. Metallic pleated skirts are everywhere this season and available at every price point! Just grab a black sweater, heels and a clutch from your own closet, and pair with any kind of pleated metallic skirt. The skirt I’m wearing here has unfortunately sold out (and the sweater is about to), so I’ve rounded up a bunch of pretty bell-sleeve sweater styles and metallic pleated skirts below! There’s one for every budget:

LOOK FOUR // JEANS, FLATS + A FESTIVE CHRISTMAS SCARF

For more casual get togethers like a Secret Santa with my besties or a cookie decorating party (I hosted one a couple years back!), I’d opt for something effortless and comfortable like a pair of skinny jeans, a button down, and festive accessories like a plaid scarf. I found this particular plaid scarf in Kyoto, but I’ve linked several similar inexpensive styles below!

LOOK FIVE // RED COCKTAIL DRESS + GOLD ACCESSORIES

This is a look I would absolutely wear on Christmas Eve to church and dinner, or any other holiday cocktail party this season! This fit-and-flare dress is such a beautiful shade of red, the silhouette is incredibly flattering, and it has pockets. Did I mention this number is on sale right now? Shop more red dresses and gold accessories at various price points below: