This Is How Fashion Editors Dress For Christmas Party Season

best christmas party outfits 2023
7 Christmas Party Outfit Ideas To Copy getty images

The most wonderful time of the year is upon us, which means that things are about to get decidedly more sparkly in the sartorial department. That's right – sequins, feathers, fringing and embellishments are set to make their annual reappearance in the collective wardrobe.

But, this year, festive dressing needn't stray into the realm of the outré. If you're looking to embrace the season in all its spangled glory without going overboard, then look no further than the street style set. This year, Christmas party dressing inspiration was to be found in abundance outside shows around the world, with Fashion Week guests throwing caution – and calendars – to the wind and channelling a little opulence early.

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This means we're awash with ideas for dressed-down sequins, subtly sparkly tailoring and fresh takes on classic seasonal silhouettes like slinky slip dresses paired with fabulous (faux) furs. And while denim might not be your first thought for party season, the triumphant return of embellished jeans means it's very much on the December agenda.

If you're sceptical about sequins (and 16Arlington's still-reigning efforts aren't enough to convince you), try pairing nude or silver shine with a cashmere knit, or throwing on a Cos trench or black overcoat from The Frankie Shop to dress things down a notch. That way, you'll strike just the right balance everywhere, from your work Christmas party to home on December 25.

Taking our cues from some of the most stylish women out there, we've gathered the year's best street style-inspired Christmas party outfit ideas to suit any budget or occasion.


Slip Dress And (Faux) Fur

Is there a more classic Christmas party pairing than a slinky slip dress lent glamorous, grown-up edge with a touch of fur or fluff? We think not. This year, black and white are the shades to go for, with little more accessorising required than a simple bag for carrying around any party essentials. This killer combination is also a great excuse to take another look at Sienna Miller's covetable collection for M&S.

christmas party outfits
Edward Berthelot - Getty Images


Obelia Corded Lace-Trimmed Silk-Satin Midi Dress

Net-A-Porter
Net-A-Porter

£456.44 at net-a-porter.com


Faux-Fur Collared Jacket

M&S
M&S

£79.00 at marksandspencer.com


The Small Vancouver

DeMellier
DeMellier

$385.00 at demellierlondon.com


Embellished Jeans

Embellished jeans are the denim trend of the moment, and the ideal way to give a subtle nod to sparkly season without going all-out (or sacrificing all-important comfort). There are plenty of stud- and diamanté-strewn styles out there, but Cos has managed to combine both while keeping things subtle in one of our favourite pairs of the year. Pair them with a black draped top and cute pearl clutch and you're good to go.

christmas party outfits
Christian Vierig - Getty Images


Embellished Relaxed Jeans

Cos
Cos

$135.00 at cos.com


Jersey Crepe Asymmetric Bodysuit

Karen Millen
Karen Millen

£36.00 at karenmillen.com


Woven Pearl Clutch Bag

Reiss
Reiss

£98.00 at reiss.com


A Pop Of Red

Still a surefire shortcut to looking style-savvy, cherry red has proved an enduring trend, brightening up everything from mini dresses to accessories. Plus, it's probably the most Christmassy shade there is, so you really can't go wrong with it at this time of year. For extra fashion credit, pair a red knit (preferably cashmere) and strappy sandals with a neutral-toned sequin skirt, which will balance things out beautifully.

christmas party outfits
Edward Berthelot - Getty Images


Clara Cashmere Crew Cardigan

Reformation
Reformation

£148.50 at thereformation.com


High Rise Sequin Sheer Maxi Skirt

$48.75 at abercrombie.com


Strappy Heeled Sandals

Mango
Mango

£29.99 at mango.com.uk


Low-Key Sequins

Wearable takes on sequins were everywhere among the street style set this year, which is great news for those looking for a more low-key way to style this Christmas classic. Throw a crisp white T-shirt and long, boxy overcoat over your favourite – and most outlandish – sequin skirt (mini, midi or maxi) and you'll look effortlessly chic, while also paying homage to the season.

christmas party outfits
Christian Vierig - Getty Images


Carla Low Waist Skirt

Reformation
Reformation

£96.00 at thereformation.com


Clean Cut T-Shirt

Cos
Cos

$30.00 at cos.com


Gaia Double-Breasted Wool-Blend Coat

Net-A-Porter
Net-A-Porter

£419.00 at net-a-porter.com


The Embellished Co-Ord

Co-ords are good in almost any context, from loungewear to party dressing. When it comes to the latter, though, embellished options are the most stylish – and fun – choice. Those ready to invest should look to the Annie's Ibiza and Clio Peppiatt collaboration, while ASOS provides some more purse-friendly alternatives. With so much going on, the embellished co-ord is also delightfully easy to accessorise – just keep it simple.

christmas party outfits
Edward Berthelot - Getty Images


Poseidon Skirt

Annie's Ibiza
Annie's Ibiza

$1500.00 at anniesibiza.com


Poseidon Jacket

Annie's Ibiza
Annie's Ibiza

$2250.00 at anniesibiza.com


Celestial Embellished Sequin Co-Ord

ASOS
ASOS

£42.50 at asos.com


The Sequin Mini

Whether it's a work Christmas party, a friend's festive gathering or an excuse to dress up on December 25, a sequin mini dress simply cannot fail. Go bold in a multi-coloured number or keep it classic in metallic hues – and, if you're prone to feeling overdressed (and want to keep off the inevitable rain) throw a trench coat over the top for good measure.

christmas party outfits
Edward Berthelot - Getty Images


Solare Sequined Tulle Mini Dress

The Outnet
The Outnet

£380.00 at theoutnet.com


Linen Cotton Trenchcoat

Arket
Arket

$112.00 at arket.com


Pointed Slingback Pumps

& Other Stories
& Other Stories

£87.00 at stories.com


Sparkly Tailoring

This party season, the street style set is adding a touch of sparkle to classic tailoring. Farm Rio's option has just the right amount of glitzy fringing on the lapel, which means you can go all-out with the sequin shorts (and, if you fancy it, skinny scarf). Pair it with a crisp white shirt, dress it down with a T-shirt, or, for the most daring, wear with nothing underneath.

christmas party outfits
Raimonda Kulikauskiene - Getty Images


Black Fringe Blazer

Liberty
Liberty

£186.00 at libertylondon.com


Julien Scarf

Rixo
Rixo

$65.00 at rixolondon.com


Sequin Shorts

Mango
Mango

£35.99 at mango.com.uk

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