'Tis the season for festive parties and get-togethers. What better way to embrace the spirit of the season than by attending a holiday cocktail party? Maybe you're going to a holiday office party or are celebrating New Year’s Eve in style at a semi-formal event. Dressing for the occasion is part of the fun, no matter how you choose to celebrate the holidays.
Holiday party attire comes in all shapes, colors, and styles. As you prepare to enjoy the season, don’t forget to look your best. Choosing what to wear to a holiday cocktail party is about more than just dressing the part—it’s about capturing the magic of the season.
If you’re looking for some direction and inspiration around holiday party outfit ideas, our guide will walk you through the ins and outs of cocktail attire and how to dress to impress this holiday season.
What Is Holiday Cocktail Attire?
Cocktail attire is a common dress code for elegant events and occasions. For women, cocktail attire typically entails wearing a knee-length dress or sleek dress pants and a blouse paired with stylish accessories and footwear. By choosing elevated clothing, you can embody this semi-formal style and shine in the appropriate setting.
During the holiday season, combine cocktail attire essentials with festive pieces for special occasions. There are typically many events during the holidays where cocktail party attire is appropriate, from holiday parties to corporate events and New Year’s Eve celebrations.
The goal is to look sophisticated and refined while adding seasonal sparkle to your outfits. Consider wearing festive colors such as green, red, or gold, or opt for classic designs and cozy materials like velvet or vegan shearling.
What to Wear to a Holiday Cocktail Party
A holiday cocktail party is the perfect opportunity to embrace festive colors and patterns. For women, cocktail dresses are the go-to choice for semi-formal occasions. If dresses aren’t your thing, opt for tailored dress pants with a festive blouse and blazer or cardigan.
Elevate your cocktail holiday attire with chic, versatile accessories. A small clutch or chic handbag is a practical and stylish addition to your holiday ensemble. For shoes, consider high heels, trend-forward Mary Janes, or classic flats. Here are a few tips on what to wear to a holiday cocktail party:
Festive colors: Red and green are holiday favorites. Embody the festive spirit by wearing different hues of green and red. Depending on the occasion, you might opt for more formal and simple colors like black or white. Add extra shine to your outfits by choosing silver or gold accessories.
Holiday patterns: The holidays are a special time when you can incorporate holiday-themed designs in your clothing. For cocktail party attire, stick to simple holiday patterns such as snowflakes, holly, or plaid.
Glitter and sequins: The holiday season is a time to sparkle. Choose from an array of holiday cocktail attire featuring sequins and glitter to really dazzle your peers. Just make sure to keep the dress code in mind and don’t go overboard with the glitter.
Layering: Depending on where you live, you might need to dress for warmth. Wear a sophisticated winter coat over your cocktail dress to keep yourself warm without compromising on style. You can layer with a cardigan, shawl, or wrap in festive colors and patterns to elevate your outfit while still feeling comfortable. You can also layer tights under dresses and skirts to keep warm while also remaining stylish.
Holiday Party Outfit Ideas
There are many ways to style cocktail attire for holiday parties, depending on your personal taste and preferences. A classic look can be achieved with a shimmery dress or a black velvet suit. Add silver or gold jewelry, like a chunky statement necklace. Complete the ensemble with a stylish flat or shoe.
For a modern twist on women’s cocktail attire, pair plaid dress pants in classic red and green hues with a sophisticated white blouse and red flats. This outfit provides a festive look that’s elevated yet comfortable.
Another festive idea for cocktail attire is an emerald green sequined dress with silver jewelry and The Point flats for comfort and style. This look is chic and festive and adds a bit of sparkle.
Finally, complete your festive ensemble with stylish yet practical accessories. A great functional and festive accessory you can style is The Party Pouch. If you’re looking for a sleeker option, try a wristlet to hold your phone, keys and compact makeup while also adding a bit of pizzazz to your whole look.
Impress at Your Next Festive Cocktail Party
Showcase your style and embrace the holiday spirit at your next big event. The right cocktail party attire can make all the difference, helping you feel confident and stylish throughout the celebration. While choosing elegant and festive pieces is essential to dressing for holiday events, you don’t want to sacrifice comfort. That’s where Rothy’s has you covered.
Known for our sustainable and contemporary designs, our comfortable footwear options are perfect for holiday cocktail parties. Not only are Rothy’s flats stylish and modern, but they’re also durable and made from high-quality materials to make sure you can wear them at festive events for years to come. Whether you’re opting for a classic black dress, a sequined skirt, or a timeless red outfit, complement your holiday party looks with our footwear and accessories.
