What to Wear to Holiday Parties – 7 Outfit Ideas for Work, Cocktail, Family & Kids Parties!

As the holiday season approaches, I’ve found myself playing around in my closet, trying to figure out the best outfits for the different events I’ll be attending. Since sharing inspiration is always a good thing – here are some of my outfit ideas for holiday parties!

Work Parties – Layering an interesting top (sequin tank/peplum) over your existing work outfit makes getting ready for a work party SUPER easy! Add in a statement necklace, intensify your makeup, and you’re good to go!

Necklace – F21 / Shirt – H&M / Sequin top – Express (similar) / Skirt – J.Crew Factory (similar) / Heels – Target

Necklace – H&M / Shirt & Peplum – Smart Set / Heels – ZARA (similar)

Cocktail parties – Depending on the venue, you could dress warmly and add in a statement necklace to glam up your look OR you could wear a sparkly dress and cover up with warm outerwear (can you tell that being warm is SO important to me?). If you don’t want to invest in a dress you’ll only wear once, consider renting a dress. My sparkly one below is from Rent Frock Repeat (read about my rental experience here).

Dress – Smart Set / Necklace – ZARA / Booties – Old Navy (similar)

Dress – Badgley Mischka (in LOVE with this one) / Heels – ZARA (similar)

Family Parties – Skirts & Button-downs paired with cozy tights are an easy choice when you want to look pretty but not too dressed up.

Shirt – Garage / Skirt – Dynamite (similar) / Booties – Old Navy / Clutch – GAP (similar)

Shirt – Express / Necklaces – F21 / Skirt – Smart Set / Boots – Old Navy (this year’s version here)

Kids parties – The difference between family parties and kids parties is that you’ll probably be on your feet more (helping your kids enjoy various activities…cookie decorating, games & bouncy castles – fun stuff) so I paired this festive and glam sweater with my comfiest boots!

Scarf – Old / Sweater – H&M (similar) / Jeans – Garage (similar) / Boots – Old Navy (this year’s version here)

 

Hope you liked my outfit ideas! Do you have any tried-and-tested Holiday Party Outfits?

Disclaimer – I purchased all of these outfits myself – although I used a gift card balance (from Spark Sessions) towards some of my Smart Set clothes. I had a promo code to use on my rental from Rent Frock Repeat (detailed in my original post here).

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13 Comments

  1. Elaine A (TOBeautyReviews)
    November 29, 2013 / 6:22 pm

    Great inspiration! I especially love the layering of the tanks over the white shirts!

    • Ella Pretty Blog
      November 29, 2013 / 6:37 pm

      Thanks Elaine – it's a fun way to add sparkle while staying warm (so important for me LOL!)

  2. Daily Express
    November 29, 2013 / 8:30 pm

    This is a really great post with excellent options and visuals. I'd love to have you link up with us on Monday for a Holiday Style series we're doing. Monday's theme is casual holiday gathering attire and your looks are perfect for that! 🙂 Feel free to email/contact me if you're interested in participating!On the Daily Express

    • Ella Pretty Blog
      December 2, 2013 / 3:15 am

      Thanks so much – will definitely visit your blog to find out more about the link-up!

  3. Kallie @ But First, Coffee
    November 29, 2013 / 10:18 pm

    This is a great post! And such cute outfits to boot! I can't really pick a fav! Kallie, But First Coffee Blog

    • Ella Pretty Blog
      December 2, 2013 / 3:16 am

      Thanks Kallie – this was a useful post for me, because my holiday outfits have now been planned – no more worrying about what to wear 🙂

  4. Carylee
    December 2, 2013 / 4:31 am

    These are so great! I love the chambray/lace skirt/tights/booties! Totally something I would wear – perfect for a holiday gathering!-Caryleemorepom.blogspot.com

    • Carylee
      December 2, 2013 / 3:17 pm

      Yay! So glad you linked up – this post is just what we were going for!

  5. Beautygirl24
    December 2, 2013 / 6:40 pm

    Wow! I love all of these looks Ella! I want to wear each one! I'm happy to see you are doing this link-up too 🙂

    • Ella Pretty Blog
      December 4, 2013 / 3:15 am

      I'm so glad we're in the link up together – I'll be participating next week too!

  6. Kellys Reality
    December 3, 2013 / 1:10 pm

    Loving all of these looks! Especially the sparkly H&M shirt 🙂 Hopping over from the style link up. You have a grey blog I'm looking froward to reading more.

    • Ella Pretty Blog
      December 4, 2013 / 3:16 am

      Thanks Kelly! The sparkly H&M is my favorite – so glad I bought it when I did 🙂

  7. Eileen Chow
    December 19, 2013 / 5:25 am

    Great creative layering! Especially love the peplum over the dress shirt. So chic! Cheers,Eileen

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