Classy Christmas Party Outfits for 2020

Wondering what to wear to an upcoming Christmas party, whether with friends, at the office, in a backyard, or even on Zoom? Check out these easy tips and you'll be festive (and classy) in no time!

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In search of a classy Christmas party outfit?

Oh the holidays! Presents, festive decor, and way more party invitations than you were really expecting! Getting festive for all of these events is one of my favorite parts of the holidays - and with so much online shopping available, it's really easier than ever to compile the perfect outfits, even if the party you're attending is just on Zoom!

Even if you've put off planning your outfit until far too late, never fear!  Let's walk through the basics of putting together a fun, yet classy, outfit for the holidays. Later in the year, I'll add even more outfit suggestions, as some of these items are from last year and aren't available anymore!

How do you dress for a Christmas party?
​The Basics & the formula

Ok, before we get started, let's talk basics and the perfect Christmas party outfit formula.

In general, really no matter the party, you'll want to start with your "base" outfit, which complies with the dress code and sets the tone for the rest of the things we'll add on later. So that's generally a cocktail dress, a nice sweater+pants+heels combo, or a basic sweater and skirt ensemble.

Then, on top of that, add (at a max), two fun, festive touches. We won't go overboard with those. We just want something to add a little bit of excitement to the outfit. 

Classy, yet festive.

What should those fun touches be for Christmas 2020, you ask? For this year, I'd go with:

• Tartan;
• the endlessly trendy leopard of the moment; 
• faux fur; *or*
• sparkles.

​USE WITH CAUTION. A combination of all of these and they'll think you were hitting the sauce before you showed up. Personally, I tend to steer away from overly "Christmas-y" touches, unless I can find something really tasteful. It's more about festive & playful, than themed.

Ready?

Let's go through some options I've rounded up from some of my favorite stores - don't forget to shop the looks!

What to wear to a cocktail Christmas party:
​Snazzy Dresses

For most Christmas parties, I'm loving a gorgeous dress, black tights, and some fun shoes (more on those below). If you're looking to save, rocking a dress you already have is a *very* easy way to cut down the budget. You can add some new embellishments with a fun purse or new shoes, to pump it up a bit for this year!

Photo from Wool&

Photo from J McLaughlin

More exciting events call for snazzier dresses, and Lilly Pulitzer always comes through. She never has a huge variety of options, but what she does have really hits the mark!

Photo from Lilly Pulitzer

Photo from Lilly Pulitzer

What to wear to a casual Christmas party:
Festive shirts

Begone, "Christmas sweaters," whether real or ironic. If you're going to a casual party, why not pick out a shirt that makes a statement all on its own? To pair, I am seeing *tons* of faux leather pants this season. Nordstrom actually built out a whole section on their website for them.

Photo from Tuckernuck

Photo from Dudley Stephens

What to wear to a Christmas Party:
​Statement jewelry & purse

I'd say the easiest ways to bring a Christmas party outfit "to life" is with fun jewelry and a fun purse. Julie Vos is all the rage right now, for bangles, earrings, etc., so adding some of that into your existing collection would make for a good Christmas "to me from me!" 

And, of course, a fun purse! I like a clutch or a clutch with a long chain, so that I can put it out of the way while trying to manage shrimp on sticks and my pinot grigio.

Photo from Julie Vos

Photo from Tuckernuck

What to wear to a Christmas Party:
Exciting Shoes

I *love* using shoes as my little bit of festive excitement. They're fun and cute, but they don't draw too much attention and people have to be really paying attention see how I've spruced it up!

The minute I saw these two pairs (in catalogues, no less!) I just couldn't resist sharing them- leopard and tartan: my two favorite things!

Photo from Tuckernuck

Photo from Jack Rogers

If you only check out one item in this post, let is be Birdies' Christmas offerings. How amazing are these pseudo-carpet slippers? Perhaps the cutest things I've ever seen.

For outdoor holiday events, I tend to continue the black theme, with some easy, black boots that can handle walking around in wetness and potential snow!

​The Blondo boots I love for travel are also my perfect Christmas party go-to!

Photo from Nordstrom

What to wear to a Christmas Party:
A Classy Wrap

If you've been reading the blog for a while, you know I'm all about wraps, particularly from J McLaughlin. Cozy, easily removable, and certainly classy, they can really take a Christmas party outfit to the next level. And, the best part: you'll be warm without looking like you're refusing to take your coat off and are about to dash out the door!

Photo from J McLaughlin

Photo from Goodnight Macaroon

Photo from Goodnight Macaroon

What to wear to a Christmas party:
​Make a statement with a fun coat

Depending on the party, sometimes the coat is all anyone sees! ​If you're attending an outdoor event - or perhaps a barn party - wear a coat that makes a statement. I like to pair it with a turtleneck, as Tucknuck has done below, if a scarf would cover up the coat's detailing.

Photo from Tuckernuck

What to wear to a Christmas Party:
​Perfect nails

And, to top it all off, how about the best looking nails around? Personally, I think red or a really dark burgundy is the way to go, depending on what you've selected for everything else. If you're feeling confident, a little nail sparkle can go a long way.

Lately, I'm a bit of a manicure addict, and my fabulous salon uses CND polish, which I now swear by. They have gel, but even their "normal" polish lasts a full week, especially if I add a top coat half way through!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

I hope you have the most phenomenal time at your party, regardless of attire, and let that champagne flow! Cheers and Happy Holidays!

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