Christmas Party Outfit Ideas for Every Dress Code

Words by Eleanor Hibberd

As the invitations roll in, managing your calendar becomes an Olympic sport over party season – a feat that’s made all the more complicated by the range of outfits required to navigate office parties, formal balls, New Year’s Eve blowouts and more. These are the three main dress codes that will see you through.

More polished than partywear without feeling overly formal, the cocktail-party dress code hits the sweet spot for all elegant soirées. It is, of course, synonymous with the cocktail dress – a somewhat elusive term used to describe anything shorter than a gown that still feels appropriate for an elevated evening affair. On the question of midi or mini, both are viable – though if you opt for something particularly thigh-grazing, try balancing it out with long sleeves or an oversized blazer to avoid drifting into night-out territory. If dresses aren’t your thing, tailoring is always a sophisticated alternative, whether it’s an androgynous tuxedo (Parisian-style) or souped-up suiting in sequins and metallic touches.

A black-tie invitation is a coveted thing come Christmastime, so you’ll need an outfit that’s worthy of the occasion. The key? More is more – this is no time to be a wallflower. Leave pastels and florals for summer and embrace embellishment, metallic sheens and wintry colours like icy silver, midnight blue and emerald green. No strangers to a red carpet, the likes of Maticevski, Elie Saab and Jenny Packham will show you the way in dreamy tulle ball gowns and sparkling evening dresses.