You’ve made your famous sloe gin and perfected your mince pie recipe. Your Christmas party outfits have been woefully neglected in pursuit of such culinary preparedness, however. With a fortnight to go until the big day itself – and your calendar worryingly full of pub sessions and cocktail parties – it’s now or never.
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The good news is that for post-work celebrations, you can easily shift your look into party mode with choice accessories; a sequinned cap that fastens under the chin, say, or a pair of shoulder-grazing crystal earrings that will smoulder next to a glossed burgundy lipstick. These kinds of touches – low effort but high impact – work brilliantly with trouser suits or, equally, the good old “jeans and a nice top” formula.
Otherwise, a dress is a failsafe, especially if you lean into the season of goodwill’s taste for velvet, feathers and sequins (i.e. fabrications that major in high-octane fabulousness). If you’re more comfortable in separates, tailoring is a smart choice (in both senses of the word), or you could opt for a party skirt paired with a low-key top half (a zippered track jacket or a grey cashmere jumper, for example).
Keep scrolling to see – and shop – six options that come Vogue-approved.
The Christmas party outfits that will land you best dressed
The velvet dress
A velvet dress might feel like a cliché at Christmas, but it’s also the definition of sumptuous so gets a free pass. Seek out a frock with a relaxed silhouette – something knee-length will more easily channel a no-muss, no-fuss mood – and up the ante with accessories (Burberry’s checked bag in chainmail is suitably on-theme).
The pinstripe suit
A trouser suit can absolutely translate as “party”, it just needs a few modifications once your work day is signed, sealed, delivered. The office loo will have to serve as your changing room so you can swap out your shirt for a cubic-zirconia choker and your loafers for a lofty heel.
The party skirt
A skirt that's suitably zhushed – whether that’s owing to a silky fabrication, intricate beading or a hint of translucency – goes hand-in-glove with party season. This year, you can spike its “dressy” personality with a lo-fi tracksuit jacket, but make sure it reads festive with rhinestone-studded slingback pumps.
The statement trousers
Proenza Schouler’s striped trousers really are the gift that keeps on giving. Introduce them into your wardrobe now and, not only will they see you through Christmas, they can also make a guest appearance on holiday (just add a beaded triangle bikini and jelly flip-flops).
The shearling boot
For some, Christmas party season will involve a few outdoor escapades, whether that’s carolling or traipsing between twinkly pub gardens. These occasions call for shearling-lined boots like Toteme’s, which don’t compromise on party spirit courtesy of a stacked heel.
The Christmas coat
The combination of green and red immediately signals Christmas, but they’re also two colours that go exceptionally well together – at any time of year. Arket’s moss green coat will look right at home next to a berry-coloured frock. Add Argyle tights and you’re good to go whatever the night holds.
