19 Holiday Party Outfit Ideas For Every Festive Occasion

Ever stand in front of your jam-packed closet, staring at more than enough clothing options, and think: I have nothing to wear? Same. But perhaps the issue isn’t that you’re out of viable outfit choices. You just need a fresh dose of inspiration — say: holiday outfit ideas — to help you see your wardrobe in a new way. That’s where Outfit Dump comes in. We supply you with enough ideas to fuel your style until the next drop comes along. It’s officially the holiday season, which means there’s a lot on our minds: finding the perfect gifts for everyone on our list, coordinating schedules, attending winter-y events, and making time for friends and family… That doesn’t leave a lot of room (or energy, for that matter) for planning what you’ll actually be wearing through it all. If your calendar’s already filled with a bunch of holiday gatherings, fear not: We’ve combed through our Instagram feeds to find as much party outfit inspo as possible — whether that’s a work get-together, cocktail event, or end-of-year friend hang that calls for a little dressing up. Ahead, you’ll find elegant takes on black and white, runway-approved burgundy, lingerie-inspired detailing, and so much more that, hopefully, will help you decide what this season’s festive wardrobe will look like. Work Holiday Party DressesWork Holiday Party Outfit Idea: Bow or Knot Detail We love a bow detail on a dress, but if that feels too on the festive nose, draped and knotted fabric can strike the balance between holiday vibes and elegance.Work Holiday Party Outfit Idea: Black-&-White You can’t go wrong with black and white, as proven here by this sophisticated drop-waist maxi. Style the look with a blazer or cropped coat if your location is on the colder side. Work Holiday Party Outfit Idea: Fringed Dress The fringed skirt immediately makes this dress feel more playful and celebratory — and what should your work holiday party outfit be if not exactly that? Use it as an opportunity to mix and match colors and patterns with your outerwear. Work Holiday Party Outfit Idea: Festive Florals You’ll be sure to stand out among your coworkers (in a good way) by opting for something bright and floral. The puffed shoulders on this dress take the look up a notch, and you can add even more of the holiday spirit by accessorizing with a pair of shimmery shoes.Work Holiday Party Outfit Idea: Animal Print Switch up the traditional holiday color palette with a bold animal print. We all know leopard has been dominant this year, but you try a zebra or snakeskin print.Work Holiday Party Outfit Idea: Shades of Brown Shades of brown — whether a rich, deep chocolate or a more wood-y cool-tone — can feel appropriately indulgent for this time of year. A silk or satin fabrication also make a dress feel that much more luxe. Work Holiday Party Outfit Idea: Sequinned DressBecause when else could you wear something this shiny to a work function? Holiday Cocktail Party Dresses Holiday Cocktail Party Outfit Idea: Black DressA black maxi may seem obvious for a holiday cocktail party, but it’s a classic look for a reason. The long sleeves and high slit on this one make for a minimalist dream.Holiday Cocktail Party Outfit Idea: Off-The-Shoulder Dress It’s hard to go wrong with a sleek off-the-shoulder dress, but you get bonus points if yours is festive, on-trend burgundy.Holiday Cocktail Party Outfit Idea: One-Shoulder Dress We love the asymmetrical look of a one-shoulder dress, especially one with a long, billow-y sleeve. If you’re comfortable pushing the limits of your holiday dress code, how fun would a bright neon hue be to wear during the festive season?Holiday Cocktail Party Outfit Idea: Sheer Skirt Take a style cue from Sofia Richie Grainge and opt for a gown with a sheer skirt — it fits the occasion, but adds a dimension of interest to the ‘fit. Holiday Cocktail Party Outfit Idea: Lace Dress Lingerie-inspired details, like the ones on this slip dress, are the perfect way to feel both dressed up and sensual in your outfit. Holiday Cocktail Party Outfit Idea: Open-Back Dress We’re expecting to see a lot of high-neck dresses on the holiday party circuit this season. Add a little intrigue by choosing a silhouette that also features an open back. The sparkles pictured here are optional, but very welcome. Holiday Cocktail Party Outfit Idea: Metallic Dress If carefully spaced-out gems aren’t enough shine for you, put on a metallic dress that shines all over. Think of how pretty it will look reflecting the lights hanging nearby. Holiday Maxi Dresses Holiday Party Outfit Idea: Sleeveless Maxi Dress Don’t let the cold stop you from wearing your most elegant sleeveless dress. We love the contrasting materials in the bodice and skirt pictured here. Holiday Party Outfit Idea: Red Maxi Dress Red for the holidays? Groundbreaking. But you can take your holiday look to the next level by going all in, styling it with red tights, a red coat, red shoes, and a red handbag. Holiday Party Outfit Idea: S