Holiday party season is the one time of year when more sparkle is always the right answer.
From office parties to New Year’s Eve, December demands outfits with a little extra. The trick is choosing shine that feels festive, not costume-y.
The rule of thumb: one statement piece per outfit. Sequins on the dress means simple shoes; a velvet blazer means quiet jewelry.
Here are 20 ideas that sleigh every dress code. Let’s get into it.
The Sequin Mini Dress
The holiday classic. A sequin mini in gold, silver, or black is festive perfection — just keep accessories minimal and let it shine.
Best for: cocktail parties and New Year’s Eve. Pair with our New Year’s Eve makeup ideas for the full look.
Velvet Wrap Dress
Velvet reads luxurious without a single sequin. Jewel tones — emerald, burgundy, navy — are especially stunning in holiday light.
Best for: dinner parties. The wrap silhouette flatters everyone.
Sequined Top + Black Trousers
All the sparkle on top, sleek and simple below. This balance keeps sequins office-party appropriate.
Best for: work holiday parties. You’ll look festive without outshining the boss.
Metallic Pleated Skirt
A metallic pleated skirt catches light with every step. Pair with a simple black turtleneck and you’re done.
Best for: evening events. The movement of pleats + metallic is pure magic.
The Little Black Dress, Holiday Edition
Your LBD plus holiday jewelry — chandelier earrings, a crystal clutch, red lip. Instant festive transformation.
Best for: when you need a last-minute option. The accessories do all the work.
Burgundy Satin Slip Dress
Deep burgundy satin glows in candlelight. It’s romantic, rich, and effortlessly elegant.
Best for: date-night holiday parties. Add a faux-fur stole for drama.
Green Sequin Blazer
A sequin blazer over an all-black base is festive power dressing. Unexpected and unforgettable.
Best for: creative offices and cocktail parties.
Champagne Slip Skirt + Cream Sweater
Soft shine for daytime events. A champagne satin skirt with a cozy cream sweater is holiday-adjacent perfection.
Best for: daytime gatherings and family parties.
Black Velvet Jumpsuit
A velvet jumpsuit is modern, comfortable, and surprisingly formal. The one-piece ease can’t be beaten.
Best for: dancing all night. No dress to adjust, just pure fun.
Red Lace Dress
Red lace is the definition of holiday romance. Keep the silhouette simple — the lace is the star.
Best for: Christmas parties. It’s basically the dress equivalent of a bow on a present.
Silver Sequin Pants
Sequin pants with a simple black top — festive from the waist down, chic from the waist up.
Best for: fashion-forward parties. You’ll be the best-dressed person there.
Navy Velvet Blazer + Jeans
For dressier-casual events: a navy velvet blazer elevates dark jeans to party status.
Best for: neighborhood parties and casual gatherings.
Gold Lamé Dress
Liquid gold. A lamé dress is maximum impact with minimum effort — it’s basically wearable champagne.
Best for: New Year’s Eve. Nothing photographs better at midnight.
Tartan Plaid Dress
Classic Christmas plaid in a fit-and-flare silhouette — festive, feminine, and timeless.
Best for: family Christmas events. It’s cheerful without trying too hard.
Black Sequin Midi Skirt
A black sequin midi with a simple knit is the sophisticated way to do sparkle. Understated glamour.
Best for: dinner parties. The midi length keeps it elegant.
Emerald Satin Blouse + Black Pants
A jewel-toned satin blouse is festive without being loud. Tucked into black trousers, it’s pure polish.
Best for: office parties. Professional by day, party-ready by night.
Crystal-Embellished Sweater
A cozy sweater with crystal or pearl details — comfort meets celebration.
Best for: casual holiday gatherings. You’ll be comfortable AND festive.
White Tuxedo Blazer Dress
A white or cream blazer dress is striking against a sea of black and red. Bold, modern, memorable.
Best for: upscale parties. Keep the styling sharp — this look is all about precision.
Plum Velvet Pants + Silk Top
Rich plum velvet trousers with a champagne silk top — unexpected color combo, maximum elegance.
Best for: dinner parties where you want to stand out tastefully.
The After-Party Mini
For the late-night leg of the evening: a short, sparkly, dance-floor-ready mini. Comfort is secondary; fun is primary.
Best for: New Year’s Eve after-parties. See our after-party looks for more late-night inspiration.
Shine bright all season long. Save your favorites to Pinterest, and complete the look with our holiday party makeup looks for festive glow that lasts all night.
