Holiday Party Outfit Ideas: Trends to Try This Season

You know that feeling when the holiday invites start rolling in, and suddenly your closet feels… empty? Yeah, that. December basically sneaks up every year, and then out of nowhere it’s office parties, dinners, “casual” gift exchanges (which are never that casual), and New Year’s Eve. And let’s be real—half the fun of these events is dressing up like the sparkly, slightly extra version of yourself.

This year, the trends feel exciting. They’re bold, festive, and actually wearable. I’ve been saving looks like crazy—Pinterest boards, TikTok outfit inspo, even screenshots from people I’ll never meet but desperately admire. And after way too much scrolling, here are the trends I keep seeing everywhere (and secretly planning to try myself).

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1. Sequins, but Make It Cool ✨

Okay, sequins are not exactly groundbreaking for the holidays, but hear me out. This season it’s less “head-to-toe Vegas showgirl” and more effortless sparkle. Like a slinky sequin slip dress that catches the light just right, or a pair of wide-leg sequin pants with a basic black turtleneck.

I wore sequin trousers last December with loafers (because my heels betrayed me halfway through the night), and people would not stop asking about them. The thing with sequins: you only need one piece to make the outfit. Let it shine, literally.

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2. Velvet Everything

Velvet is one of those fabrics that just screams holidays. It’s soft, luxe, and makes you look fancier than you probably feel. This year, I’ve been seeing velvet blazers everywhere—emerald green, deep wine, even navy. Throw one over a satin slip and suddenly you look like you have your life together (even if you showed up in an Uber with one shoe in your hand—true story, don’t ask).

Also: velvet wide-leg trousers? Life-changing. They feel like pajamas but look like red-carpet glam.

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3. Metallics Are Having a Moment 🪩

If sequins aren’t your thing but you still want that shine, metallic fabrics are everywhere right now. Think silver slip dresses, gold pleated skirts, even bronze two-piece sets that look like liquid metal. They’re bold without being loud.

Last week I tried on a silver midi skirt with a chunky knit sweater tucked in—suddenly I was like, “Oh, this is my entire holiday personality now.” It’s glam, but you don’t feel like you’re trying too hard.

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4. Big, Dramatic Sleeves

Sleeves are stealing the spotlight this season. Puffy shoulders, satin balloon sleeves, sheer mesh with little sparkly details… they’re dramatic in the best way. Even if the rest of your outfit is simple, statement sleeves instantly scream “holiday-ready.”

I saw a black mini dress with oversized satin sleeves the other day, and honestly? It didn’t even need jewelry. The sleeves were the jewelry. If you like drama (without sequins or shine), this is the move.

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5. Jumpsuits (Yes, Really)

Sometimes dresses just feel predictable, you know? That’s where jumpsuits come in. Tailored, sleek, and so easy—you don’t have to worry about your dress riding up or coordinating separates. I wore a velvet jumpsuit to a New Year’s Eve party once and not only was I comfy, but I got more compliments than the friend who wore sequins head-to-toe. (She’s still mad about it.)

The trick is in the fit. Go for a cinched waist or add a belt, and suddenly it looks tailored instead of pajama-adjacent. Pair with strappy heels and you’re golden.

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6. Sheer Layers & Textures

Sheer is one of those trends that can feel intimidating, but the holiday version is chic, not risky. Think a sheer tulle skirt layered over a mini, or a mesh top under a velvet blazer. It’s about creating depth and texture, not baring it all.

It’s one of those looks where people tilt their head and go, “Wait, what is that made of?” in the best way.

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7. The Power Suit 🎁

I cannot stress this enough: a suit at a holiday party is a power move. I’m talking bold jewel tones, velvet fabrics, maybe even sequined lapels if you’re brave. It says, “I’m here for champagne, not small talk.”

The cool part is you can break the set apart later—the blazer with jeans, the trousers with a turtleneck. But together? Magic. It’s chic, it’s confident, and you won’t look like everyone else in the room.

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Accessories That Change Everything

Honestly, you could wear the same black dress to three parties, and if you swap the accessories, no one would know. A few easy add-ons that are trending hard this year:

• Hair bows (yes, giant ones—blame TikTok).

• Chunky gold jewelry that feels almost vintage.

• Tiny glittery bags that barely hold lip gloss but look fabulous.

• Sparkly heels or metallic boots (the kind you’ll probably regret walking in, but love in every photo).

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Quick Reality Check

Here’s the thing: trends are fun, but the best holiday outfit is the one you feel good in. If you hate sequins, skip them. If velvet makes you feel like royalty, lean in. If you just want to wear jeans with a dramatic top and call it festive—do it.

I’ve learned (the hard way) that confidence is the best accessory. I once wore a dress that was so not me to a holiday dinner, and I spent the whole night adjusting it instead of enjoying myself. Never again.

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Final Thoughts

Holiday fashion in 2025 is about sparkle, drama, and personality—but more than that, it’s about fun. This is the season to wear something you wouldn’t normally reach for. Sequins? Try them. A velvet jumpsuit? Why not. A red satin suit that makes you feel like the main character in a Netflix Christmas movie? Go for it.

At the end of the day, no one remembers what trend you wore—they remember how much fun you had. So pick the outfit that makes you want to dance, pour yourself some bubbly, and walk into that party like you own the room. Because honestly? You kind of do.