Holiday Party Outfits That Look Expensive (for Less)
The short answer: For a holiday party, pick one standout texture, like sparkle, sequins, satin or lace, in a rich colour such as black, red, silver or green. Keep the rest simple: a heel or flat, a small clutch and a little jewelry. A good fit and one shiny detail make an outfit look expensive.
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Looks styled on AI-generated models. Photos are cropped from our AI-generated look illustrations, not photos of the exact listed products. Check each listing before you buy.
Just want the dresses? Shop our holiday party dresses.
The looks at a glance
- Hot Pink Sequin House Party
- Silver Sequin Rooftop Party
- Cherry Satin Corset Holiday Party
- Noir Lace Halter Supper Club
- Green Satin Sequin Hotel Lobby
- Burgundy Knit & Black Satin
- Black V-Neck Orchard Walk
- Black Sparkle Holiday Party
Sparkle and sequins
1. Hot Pink Sequin House Party
A hot pink sequin halter mini, silver crystal sandals, a sequin clutch and rhinestone drops. Pure fun.
Shop this look:
- BP. sequin halter minidress, Hot pink: Shop at Nordstrom(paid link)
- Crystal stiletto heeled sandals: Shop on Amazon(paid link)
- Sequin envelope clutch with chain: Shop on Amazon(paid link)
- Rhinestone teardrop drop earrings: Shop on Amazon(paid link)
2. Silver Sequin Rooftop Party
Head-to-toe silver: a sequin mini, crystal sandals, a rhinestone clutch and chandelier earrings. Styled with round silver glasses.
Shop this look:
- Princess Polly Miss Me sequin minidress: Shop at Nordstrom(paid link)
- Crystal stiletto heeled sandals: Shop on Amazon(paid link)
- Rhinestone clutch: Shop on Amazon(paid link)
- Rhinestone chandelier earrings: Shop on Amazon(paid link)
Heading out on New Year's Eve too? Try our Black Sequin New Year's Eve look.
Satin, lace and corsets
3. Cherry Satin Corset Holiday Party
A cherry-red satin off-shoulder corset mini with gold strappy sandals. Styled with a thin pendant and rings. Festive and flirty.
Shop this look:
- Katia Rae off-the-shoulder corset minidress: Shop at Macy's(paid link)
- Strappy heeled sandals, Gold: Shop on Amazon(paid link)
4. Noir Lace Halter Supper Club
Black satin and lace with red platform heels, a rhinestone clutch and crystal drops.
Shop this look:
- LIONESS Amore lace inset halter minidress: Shop at Nordstrom(paid link)
- Platform strappy heels, Red: Shop on Amazon(paid link)
- Rhinestone triangle clutch: Shop on Amazon(paid link)
- Teardrop crystal long drop earrings: Shop on Amazon(paid link)
5. Green Satin Sequin Hotel Lobby
Green satin with a little sequin, gold heels, a gold clutch and teardrop earrings. Styled with gold glasses.
Shop this look:
- Princess Polly Alishia satin sequin mini dress: Shop at Nordstrom(paid link)
- Strappy stiletto heeled sandals, Gold: Shop on Amazon(paid link)
- Glitter pleated evening clutch: Shop on Amazon(paid link)
- Gold-plated teardrop drop earrings: Shop on Amazon(paid link)
Cozy and casual party looks
6. Burgundy Knit & Black Satin
A chunky burgundy cardigan over a ribbed top, a black satin midi skirt and lined Chelsea boots. Cozy for a casual get-together.
Shop this look:
- Chunky knit button cardigan, Burgundy: Shop on Amazon(paid link)
- Ribbed slim long-sleeve top, Burgundy: Shop on Amazon(paid link)
- Satin slip midi skirt, Black: Shop on Amazon(paid link)
- Faux-fur-lined Chelsea boots, Black: Shop on Amazon(paid link)
7. Black V-Neck Orchard Walk
A black V-neck long-sleeve bodycon mini with suede penny loafers. Styled with a small cream bag. Easy for a daytime holiday brunch.
Shop this look:
- V-neck long-sleeve bodycon mini dress, Black: Shop on Amazon(paid link)
- Suede penny loafers, Black: Shop on Amazon(paid link)
One last sparkle
8. Black Sparkle Holiday Party
A sparkly one-shoulder mini with long sleeves and patent pumps. Styled with round black glasses. Instant party.
Shop this look:
- Sparkly one-shoulder long-sleeve mini dress: Shop on Amazon(paid link)
- Chunky-heel pointed-toe pumps, Black patent: Shop on Amazon(paid link)
How to make a party outfit look expensive
- Get the fit right; a tailor or a quick hem goes a long way.
- Choose one texture to shine, like sequins, satin or lace.
- Keep colours close: all black, all silver, or red with gold.
- Wear simple jewelry: one pair of drops or a single chain.
- Clean, simple shoes: pointed pumps, strappy sandals or ballet flats.
FAQ
What should I wear to a holiday party? A dress or set in one festive texture, like sparkle, sequins, satin or lace, with simple heels or flats and a small clutch. Rich colours like black, red, silver and emerald always feel festive.
What colours are best for a holiday party? Black, red, emerald, silver and gold. Pick one and keep your accessories in the same family.
Can I wear sequins to a holiday party? Yes! Sequins are made for holiday parties. Keep shoes and jewelry simple so the dress does the talking.
How do I make a cheap dress look expensive? Focus on fit, steam out wrinkles, and add one polished accessory like a clutch or drop earrings. Simple shoes help too.
What shoes go with a holiday party dress? Pointed pumps, strappy heeled sandals or ballet flats if you'll be standing all night.
More ideas: holiday party dresses · all looks · gifts for girlfriend