The Best Christmas Party Outfits To See You Through The Festive Season

No matter if you feel like we've only just gone through June (I can't be the only one) or you're already watching Christmas films and munching your way through mince pies: party season has officially arrived. And alongside an increasingly full calendar of office Christmas parties and meals with friends comes the stress of what presents to buy, how to stick to the tenner limit for Secret Santa and, most importantly in this instance, what to wear. So, luckily I'm on hand to help as a self acclaimed festive dresser, of sorts.

Scrolling through thousands of sequinned dresses, velvet jumpsuits and silver skirts will only get you so far. Chances are it will most likely end in a panic buy of bits you aim to return and never get around to – hello three mini skirts in a range of sizes, none of which quite fit – or an overwhelming feeling that there's too many options. Neither of these options are outcomes we want to see, so I've done the heavily lifted (more accurately scrolling) for you. And as a fashion editor of four years and a stylist before that, trust me when I say you'll feel like Cinderella at the ball after looking at this partywear list – no mice, pumpkins or glass slippers included.

To make it easier to find what partywear pieces you're looking for, I've broken this list down into sections: the LBD (little black dress), the chic suit, sequin, feather and sparkly styles, party accessories, jumpsuits and more. And, allow me to stress here that this list hasn't been complied purely from the comfort of my sofa, oh no. Myself and the team and regularly in stores trying on a whole host of styles, like Renee who scoured Mango for must-have party outfits. So, let's get into these party pieces.

The Little Black Dress (LBD)

The LBD is a classic for good reason, it's incredibly easy to style, works for every occasion and can be dressed up or paired back as you wish. So, if you've got a work Christmas party with only 30 minutes to change, this day-to-night style could be the one to opt for with a simple change of shoe to instantly elevate your outfit. Plus, although 'little' is in the title, midi and maxi options are also incredibly chic.

The Chic Suit

Not everyone wants to wear a dress, so suits are a great alternative. And, now, they come in an incredibly chic range of fabrics from rich festive velvets to statement making colours and patterns – case in point: the M&S x Sienna Miller brown zebra print style – so there's no short supply of options to choose from. Simply style with a black or white shirt, or T-shirt if after a more casual look, and you'll be out the door looking polished and party ready in no time.

The Statement Silver Trousers

Silver trousers shot to fame last festive season and it seems they're back for another year on the dancefloor thanks to faashion fan favourite label Jacquemus. The high street is awash with options available at a whole host of price points and if you style them as you would a great pair of jeans, there's no shortage of outfit possibilities. A sheer black shirt or grey jumper for more casual occasions are my go-to looks, especially when paired with a classic black court shoe. Simple. If you are after more options, take a look at my silver trousers shopping guide.

The Party-Ready Accessories

Sometimes, the only thing needed to turn your favourite outfits into a party ready piece are some great accessories. Think statement rings, extra large earrings or a statement bag that will instantly left an everyday outfit. Plus, they can be reworn with almost every item in your wardrobe, meaning endless partywear possibilities.

Sparkles, Feathers and Sequins

If you're someone wanting to go all-out for party season, sparkles, sequins and feathers are the three things to look out for and the good news is there's no short supply of any of these once the partywear collections come around. So, no matter if you'd like a chic sequin jacket to liven up a classic jeans and T-shirt look or go full-out with a feathered dress, it's time to embrace the party pieces.

A Great Jumpsuit

Another option for those who would rather stree clear of a dress is a great jumpsuit, of which there are plenty. Not only are they often an incredibly comfortable item to pick out, but they also come in a wide range of party-ready colours and fabrics, perfect for the festive season. And, as they cover the entire body, there's very little styling that needs to be done. Just slip on a simple pair of shoes and possibly an earring and you'll be ready to hit the dancefloor.

If you're still struggling to find the perfect Christmas party piece, I've answered some burning questions below to help you find the perfect outfit.

What do I wear to a Christmas party?

Well, it completely depends on the vibe. A classic choice would be a red or green dress, or you could go for sequins and metallics for a more standout look. I suggest checking out the dress code and playing around to see what works. Remember comfort is key so opt for clothes you can still shake a leg to.

What shops sell the best Christmas party outfits?

For a gorgeous Christmas party look, hitting the high street stores like Next, Zara, and ASOS is always a safe bet. These retailers often showcase a variety of festive and stylish outfits to suit different tastes at a good price point. If you after something more luxurious, Net-a-Porter always has an impressive edit and I've included a handful of smaller labels in this guide so you can get a feel for what else is out there as well.

What are the best shoes to wear to a Christmas party?

In cold weather its best to wear a shoe that covers your whole foot, e.g. a heeled boot or some cute ballet flats. Just make sure they're comfortable enough for the night or bring a spare change of shoes otherwise.

What should you do if it's really cold on the night of your Christmas party?

If its really cold on the night of your Christmas party I'd recommend wearing a big coat over everything. A nice top and trousers is also a good solution, but if a dress is a non-negotiable - thick tights it is, especially if you'll be spending a lot of time outside.

What should I wear to formal Christmas party?

If your Christmas party is quite formal, a glamorous maxi dress or chic suit will always work. Take the opportunity to dress up and lean into the extra glam look.

Lauren Cunningham is acting fashion news editor at Grazia. She currently lives between Lisbon and London and is always on the lookout for exciting collaborations, new small brands and those boasting impressive sustainability credentials. Find her on Instagram @laurencunningha.m.