These 31 Festive Staples Make for the Best Holiday Party Outfits, According to a Stylist
Let these be the heroes of your winter fêtes.
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’Tis the season for winter fêtes and the inevitable “What are you wearing?” texts. However, no one loves a good party more than I do. Grab your designer bag, favorite jewelry pieces, sticky bras, and whatever else you may need, because today we’re talking chic holiday party outfits. As the temperatures continue to drop, our sweaters, puffers, and slippers start to make their way toward the front of our closets once again. Personally, I know the struggle of sorting through it all to successfully put together an outfit that correlates with the weather. And with the holidays being stressful enough, I’ve made it my mission to make party dressing second nature for you.
I tapped New York-based stylist Beverly Nguyen, who’s worked with notable A-list stars and also happens to be the woman behind Beverly’s Shop (so, yeah, she knows a thing or two about style and parties), to share her expertise when it comes to dressing for the holiday season and feeling like your best self while doing it.
“Wear something that makes you smile and feel confident,” Nguyen tells ELLE.com. “Oftentimes people dress for the occasion and not for themselves, and it makes [them] miserable. So I always say if it’s a simple black suit that you feel fun and sexy in or a giant ball gown that makes you laugh on your own—just go for it.” Of course, that isn’t the only thing she shared. Ahead, find the 20 best items based on Nguyen’s insight (and my personal favorites, considering her biggest advice) that’ll liven up your existing wardrobe and help you confidently conquer all the parties. From accessories to dresses to beauty products, you can shop them all now below.
Nguyen shared that this Kallmeyer suit is her go-to outfit for casual and dressy events. “It has an amazing silhouette, weight in fabric, and I feel so chic even after 10-plus hours in it,” the stylist says. Not only can you stand out from the traditional holiday outfit, but it’s the perfect ensemble to go from the office straight to the cocktail party.
The gold hardware on this stunner will be just what you need to give your holiday outfits a festive glimmer.
Why not utilize the things in your closet? A crisp white oversized button-down shirt—which looks flattering on everyone—is another tasteful go-to, according to Nguyen. The stylist shares her favorite ways to style a button-down that works on just about everyone: with simple black jeans, statement jewelry, and a bright red lip. Or, an A-line skirt, leather boots with a clean face and hair pulled back.
Whether you love dressing up or dread it, adding this sequined mini skirt to your closet will make your life 100 times easier. Not only will this look stunning on the dance floor, but this trendy investment will handily match the other tops in your wardrobe. It also pairs nicely with the brand’s satin corset top.
Truth be told, it’s the cutout that makes this dress.
Phone, keys, wallet...lipstick? Check, check, check, and check. Finish off any party look with Nguyen’s most-favored lipstick shade.
Nguyen may have mentioned Completedworks’s earrings as a must-have for the party circuit, but also said, “essentially anything from Sophie Buhai.” Take that as her seal of approval for this standout accessory.
An understated bag is the essential way to complete your party looks without taking away from the standout pieces you’re wearing.
I don’t know about you, but I’ve been seeing faux fur jackets everywhere this season. And it might just be the perfect way to give your ensembles a wintry touch.
A heel that really needs no introduction—but FYI, these are one of the most comfortable platform shoes on the market. (And they’re a favorite among ELLE editors!)
Lean into the luxuriousness of this breathable, faux-leather tube top by wearing it with the brand’s matching pants and a pair of high heels or edgy booties. Offered in sizes XS to 5XL, this strapless beauty was made to flatter all.
Looking for a cute and cozy way to celebrate the holidays this year? A lightweight sweater will fit well underneath a heavier coat, and this one happens to be just ever-so-slightly sheer, which gives it a more modern approach than your standard crewneck.
L’AGENCE Billie Belted Leather Jacket
Why opt for a classic black leather jacket when you could go for something more eye-catching (it was the buttons, for me)? It is the holidays, after all! Throw this on over any outfit and you’ll be good to go.
Manolo Blahnik Capri Crystal-Embellished Satin-Trimmed Velvet Clutch
You’ll be needing something to hold all your things while you’re out on the town. Why not this refined Manolo Blahnik clutch? There are nine color options, but there’s nothing more festive than the emerald velvet color, in my opinion.
We can agree that all the It-girls are wearing ballet flats. Maybe it’s not a heels night—opt for these metallic Dolce Vita flats instead. It comes in two other neutral colors and will go with just about anything in your closet. Plus, there’s no way these babies are coming off with that chanel-stitched strap.
The versatility of a good bodysuit is unmatched, and this one from Lululemon—specifically designed for movement—will claim its place in your closet for years to come.
The best part about a good pair of jeans is that they can be dressed up or down. Case in point: These Rag & Bone jeans, which our senior fashion commerce editor loves to wear with heels and a fun jacket.
If you lean towards the quiet luxury route, take it from a brand that encourages you to “dress quietly and let your accessories do the talking” when it comes to accessorizing. Aureum Collective recently launched an array of fine leather goods, like this belt, that will effortlessly amplify any outfit. Made with genuine leather and 24-carat gold plated hardware, the quality Nova Motif Belt truly celebrates everyday decadence.
According to Nguyen, one of the biggest trends to look out for during the holiday party season is faux fur. And if you want to take part, look no further than this chic bolero.
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