While I do love a fun night out, I’m really not a party girl. Yes, I love to sing and dance in front of the DJ booth, mix and mingle with my friends, and take mirror selfies in the bathroom, but honestly, I go to parties for the fashion. I spend weeks researching my looks, and it basically takes me a whole day to get ready. Once I’m there, I can’t help but observe everyone’s outfits. And the holiday season is the best time of year for partywear. Admittedly, I’m accepting every holiday party invite just for the opportunity to play dress-up and make mental notes of the trends.
When I want to feel glamorous, Net-a-Porter is the first place I go. The online retailer’s selection of luxe, trend-focused pieces is pretty unbeatable, and its party edit is thriving right now. Of course, I couldn’t resist the urge to comb through the many pages of party attire and create four on-trend holiday looks for you. Before you decline an invite because you don’t know what to wear, take a scroll through this holiday lookbook for some exciting outfits to re-create.
Maxi hemlines have made a huge comeback this season, dominating Pinterest boards and runway shows with no sign of going away. The elongated style of this dress embodies the elegance of a gown without being too formal. For your next holiday party, pair this cutout maxi with textured heels that peek out from under the dress when you walk and a saturated purse that can be seen even in the darkest of rooms. Tie it all together with silver statement jewelry, and congratulate yourself for making it onto the “best dressed” list.
Hands down, the easiest way to take a rather simple look to new heights is to color-block. It gives the impression that you spent hours methodically planning your outfit when, in reality, it took no time at all. The combination of blue and purple is unexpected but effective. For the ultimate holiday vibe, take a collared, satin shirtdress and your favorite strappy heels for a spin with silver accessories.
What’s a holiday party without a little (or a lot) of sequins? This iconic texture makes the rounds every year, and I’m not complaining. Put a trendy spin on your sequined garments by playing with length and color. This sequined micro-mini is the star of the show and requires very little styling to make a big splash. Opt for classic styles like a turtleneck and heeled sandals to tone down this bold, monochromatic ensemble while maintaining that festive element.
Black can be mistakenly labeled as boring when it comes to holiday dressing, and I’m here to dispel that myth. An all-black look will forever be the sleek and classic outfit recipe that anybody can pull off. Take your everyday blazer and trouser pairing, for example, and style it with a bead-embellished top as an ode to the season. Pro tip: The key to making an all-black outfit holiday ready is to experiment with textures and lengths that add a touch of sparkle.
