What to wear to a Christmas party

As the festive season approaches, it's likely you’re already thinking about what to wear to your Christmas party. A glorious month of festivities, it’s the ultimate opportunity for sartorial hedonism with no-holds-barred sparkle, texture and adornments all on the cards—but of course, getting the balance right requires careful consideration.

There are many things to think about when compiling your Christmas party looks. What you wear to a black-tie bash will differ from a friend’s intimate cocktail evening or a relaxed family gathering. When investing in pieces, look for garments that you can wear in a variety of ways and multiple settings, changing the feel and formality with accessories and styling tricks. Buying one-time-wear items is not only awful for the environment but you’ll be doing yourself out of a hardworking purchase. However, we're not suggesting you have to forgo the trends: the key is selecting quality fabrics in classic cuts and versatile colour palettes. Renting is always an excellent option too.

For the 2024 Christmas season, big energy items are, well, big with statement sleeves, velvet and embellishments everywhere—but classic dressing is in too, with demure designs aplenty. Whimsical bows are returning this year and metallics are having a serious moment in the spotlight.

To help you in your quest of nailing the perfect festive outfit and investing in soirée-ready pieces you'll love long after the eggnog's finished and the mistletoe is down, we’ve rounded up all the key party looks for the months ahead. It’s time to fully embrace the joy of dressing up...

The Bazaar guide to Christmas party outfits

Statement Sleeves

This year, statement sleeves are taking centre stage. The perfect silhouette to add instant drama to your look, they're ideal for wearing to a Christmas party where the dress code calls for something a little bold. From romantic ruffles to structural puffs and voluminous ‘70s-inspired fluted sleeves, the trick is pairing these items with sleek tailoring for a balanced silhouette.

All That Glitters

What says Christmas better than glitter? From shimmering skirts to sparkling tops, it's an aesthetic that works for minimalists and maximalists alike. Go demure with a simple glittered cardigan and all-black everything else or opt for a real statement with a fully sequinned skirt or dress. With longevity in mind, select your garment in a colour that works with the rest of your wardrobe and style it with plainer items so you don't overwhelm the final look.

Sheer Delight

The sheer trend is equal parts playful and sophisticated. From delicate overlays to strategically placed panels, it’s the way to add an instant feminine edge to your look. Wear a sheer shirt over a silk camisole or sheer lace trousers with an opaque bodysuit for a textural effect. Layering is king here, with a beautiful wool coat being the chicest way to finish a look. If you want a more subtle take on the trend, sheer flat party shoes are big this season too.

Metallic Magic

From futuristic silvers to true golds and copper hues, metallics are all about tonal dressing. Whether you go for a sleek metallic jacket or add an iridescent accent through a handbag or shoe, the finish will elevate any evening look. When styling, think of balancing the fabric—so if you wear a silver heel with an otherwise plain look, consider adding a silver earring to even out the proportions.

All Tied Up

Bows truly come into their own during the festive season. From ribbon-adorned garments to whimsical accessories, this is fashion at its most fun. Designers like Simone Rocha, Miu Miu and Sandy Liang have all embraced the trend this season and the high street has followed suit with excellent pieces from the likes of Zara, Aligne and Omnes.

Bold And Bejewelled

Embellishments are everywhere right now. From pearl collars to rhinestone cuffs and knitwear adorned with gem trimmings, it's all in the detail. Incorporating ornamentation into your outfit is a surefire way to be Christmas party-ready. Go big with a statement piece, such as a crystal-adorned evening dress for a smarter affair, or, for something more low-key, simply throw on an embellished cardigan with simple trousers for a night on the town.

Lead image credit: Pexels 

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Also read: Mastering the cocktail dress code: a guide to perfecting the look