The BAZAAR Guide to This Year's Best Holiday Party Outfits (2024)

Sparkles, and feathers, and satin, and new tailoring! The time has come to dress for the holiday you want. Prepping your look is where every celebration begins—and can be as thrilling as the night itself—so let’s get ready. (Pro tip: Have your pre-going-out playlist on hand and signature homemade co*cktail on standby while you plan your outfit.) The dress code? Festive attire meets creative black-tie. It's formal, but fun. Think: extravagant glamour or traditional with a twist—and all is open to interpretation.

Whether you’re going to a co*cktail party with friends, a dinner function with family, or a charity gala with colleagues, ‘tis the season to make memories in an equally memorable look. As you mark your calendars and invitations start to roll in, Harper’s BAZAAR has your holiday dressing guide covered with eight keys pieces to look elegant at any event.

Sequined Blouses

Paint the town sparkly! The sequined blouse is a quintessential holiday wardrobe top. Its straightforward shine is the key to one-and-done festive dressing. What’s so great is its versatility and “zhuzhing-up” effect. When it's layered with a tailored jacket and pencil skirt, it's business that knows how to have a good time—voila, balance! You can also top off a satin-silk skirt or fully lean in and grab a pair of matching sequin pants. But nothing compares to sporting this top with your favorite pair of oversized vintage wash jeans—it’s simply the coolest.

When it comes to accessorizing, picture classics with a twist, and in a Tom Ford-Gucci era or Old Bottega kind of way: earrings that dangle, pointed heels that shine (in patent, let’s say), and a top handle-bag that feels artisanal.

Why don’t you...?
Double down on the shimmer with gleaming gold link earrings.

Maxi Skirts

Move over minis, there’s a new ‘it’ skirt in town to take you great lengths this holiday party season. Not only did the maxi skirt glide onto several fall ’22 runways, but it also made a splash in resort ’23 collections from Fendi to Valentino to Burberry.

All those runways reminded us why wearing separates to an evening event can be so elegant. Whether you’re planning a night out with friends (and perhaps pairing your skirt with a crop top) or attending a sophisticated formal function (insert classic white button-down shirt or waistcoat here), this skirt is sure to elongate in the most flattering way. Added bonus if there's a slit detail or tail hem for easier socializing and dancing at your holiday bash.

Why don’t you...?
Anchor the silhouette with a sharply tailored vest.

co*cktail Dresses

Consider this your affirmation to go a little harder on the glitz and the glamour. That’s what festive attire is all about, right? The foundation of a holiday co*cktail dress is in the fabrics and trimmings: sequins, chainmail, feather, and tulle. Hemlines are raised, but necklines are where you can tap into the details further. To maximize your bust area, go low; and to minimize, choose a higher neckline. Sleeveless or off-the-shoulder dresses will accentuate your shoulders and clavicle area—especially if they're lined with feathers or tulle for added flair. Finally, add a pop of color to the mix with a classic shaped-bag.

Our favorite co*cktail dresses make staying out past your bedtime worth the effort. Your Instagram feed will thank you!

Why don’t you...?
Swap out your clutch for a playful mini top-handle.

Tuxedos

For a modern take on evening, there’s something so timeless about investing in a tuxedo. It’s chic and understated, yet quietly sexy. There are so many ways to wear a tuxedo as separates—like pairing the pants with a white T-shirt and pointed kitten heel, or the jacket with your favorite jeans and silk camisole—and there's no expiration date on when you can wear it, no matter which combination speaks to you.

When searching for a tux, it’s all about the cut, shape, and details: the length of the jacket and width of the lapels, the shine and finish of the fabrics. For a pulled-together, sleek look, go with a single-button jacket. As for the pants? Try them on with heels before hemming them so they just touch the ground slightly. Then to add some sparkle, tap into those shiny button earrings or clip-ons that have been waiting to come out of your jewelry box all year!

Why don’t you...?
Kick in a pair of sparkly strappy sandals.

This article originally appeared in the December/January 2022 issue of Harper’s BAZAAR.

Want more Harper's BAZAAR?
Get Instant Access!