As the festive season rolls in, the question on everyone’s mind is, “What to wear?” From office parties to family dinners and every celebration in between, the right outfit can set the tone for a memorable night.
But remember:
- You do not have to wear something different to every single event
- You can wear the same outfits you wore last year or the year before.
- You can make ‘casual outfits’ feel more party just by adding the right accessories.
- If you want to buy something new, go for something versatile that you can wear to many other events in the future, or even something that even if it’s fancy, you can still rework it and wear it casually.
- It doesn’t have to be brand new. Some of my favourite party outfits are vintage or pre-loved. This is more sustainable obviously, but also there is a big chance no one will have the same outfit as you. And also how amazing it is when someone ask 'where you bought that?' and you just casually say 'oh, this? it's vintage'.
1.Going-out (out!) top and jeans:
Perfect for: festive drinks after work, office parties, dinner with friends.
Brands to watch out for: &Other Stories, Reformation, and Vestiaire for unique finds.
Pair with: Balance a cute top with wide-leg or barrel-leg jeans. For a slimmer fit, try a straight leg. Opt for skinny jeans only if your top is tunic-like or loose-fitting.
Gen Z is on a mission to resurrect Y2K trends we swore we’d never wear again—think low-rise baggy jeans, dresses over trousers, and Juicy Couture sweatsuits. Really? But there’s one trend they’ve revived that I am totally here for, and I think you will be too: the timeless power combo of the going-out-out top and jeans.
Remember the magic of a cute Forever 21 top that could take our favourite jeans from casual to club-ready in a flash? The going-out-out top had a charm we can’t forget (along with the lingering scent of Smirnoff Ice!). Now, we can relive those vibes by reinventing this iconic pairing with a fresh twist. It’s an outfit that works for anything from the office holiday party to festive drinks with friends!
2.Festive jumper
Perfect for: cosy days in, lunch at the pub, Boxing Day shopping.
Brands to watch out for: Mint Velvet, &Other Stories, COS, Etsy for vintage finds.
Pair with: anything with a bit of a structure like leather trousers, or a tailored coat. Add a kitten heel or chunky boots.
I’m not against Christmas jumpers, but I am against buying a new one every single year! If it’s something you’ll only wear for a few days, is it really worth it? Instead, why not opt for a festive jumper that you can wear beyond the holidays? Think bright colours, sequins, or fun prints that aren’t exclusively Christmas-themed—it’s a more versatile and sustainable choice!
3.The statement skirt
Perfect for: Christmas lunch, shopping days, and dinner with family.
Brands to watch out for: Marks & Spencer, Karen Millen, Boden.
Pair with: a cozy knit and boots, an oversized white shirt and loafers, a T-shirt and fancy flats, or a sleek turtleneck with kitten heels.
When you want one piece in your outfit to shine, look no further than a statement skirt. It can be anything that resonates with your style—a shimmering sequin midi, a bold satin skirt, or a whimsical tulle piece. The only rule? Pick what feels most like you and makes you feel amazing!
The beauty of a statement skirt lies in its versatility. Dress it up with a silk blouse and heels for elegance, or keep it casual with a cosy knit and boots.
4.The fancy co-ord
Perfect for: Christmas Day at home, festive lunch at the pub, Boxing Day at home.
Brands to watch out for: River Island, Cos, Massimo Dutti.
Pair with: kitten heels to elevate it, or flats and trainers for busy days out.
For ultimate flexibility, a chic co-ord is the perfect choice. Picture luxurious velvet suits, cosy cashmere sets, or embellished pyjama-style ensembles. These outfits offer a ready-made look with minimal effort and maximum style.
The beauty of a co-ord lies in its wearability. Wear it as a set for a polished look, or style each piece separately to fit any occasion or mood. Pair the jacket with jeans for a casual vibe, or the trousers with a chunky knit for cosiness. From dressed-up evenings to casual daytime looks, a co-ord set has you covered for the festive season.
5.The sleek dress
Perfect for: festive drinks after work, house parties, New Year’s Eve.
Brands to watch out for: Rewritten London, Massimo Dutti, &Other Stories.
Pair with: a blazer and heels, a cashmere cardigan and boots, an over-the-top coat, or strappy sandals with tights.
The classic ’90s slip dress keeps coming back for a reason: it’s one of the most versatile pieces for your festive wardrobe. This minimalist staple can be dressed up or down, making it perfect for layering, accessorising, and experimenting with jewellery. From cable knits and blazers to statement earrings, the slip dress adapts to any occasion.
Since slip dresses are often loose-fitting, I recommend opting for a thicker, well-constructed version that provides more shape and support. It’s an investment piece that elevates your style year-round.
Looking for help with your festive wardrobe? I’m here to make holiday dressing easy and stylish for you! With my online styling service, I’ll handpick looks tailored to your style, budget, and events, so you’ll feel effortlessly chic at every celebration. Book a session with me, and let’s create your perfect festive lineup!