ELLE’s Holiday Party Outfit Guide: 14 Complete Looks for Every Dress Code

With the holiday season come countless opportunities to earn the title of the best-dressed guest. To help you nail every occasion, we’ve put together 14 chic holiday party outfits so you don’t have to.

Whether you’re headed to a not-so-ugly sweater party in the office, a cozy family gathering, or a formal New Year’s Eve party, you’ll find something here that suits the dress code. Plus, our festive looks tap into broader current trends, so you’ll be able to rewear pieces throughout the coming months.

Give your signature LBD a festive twist with fur trim and sparkly accessories. Staud’s Kendall Jenner-approved Moon Bag makes a reliable plus-one to any party.

Not sure of the dress code? Prove your fashion prowess by nailing the red tights trend. The styling hack works for a wide variety of settings when paired with a silky black slip.

ELLE editors are wholeheartedly embracing the Ralph Lauren Christmas aesthetic that’s going viral this holiday season. Years down the line, that graphic pullover you grabbed for an ugly sweater party will be a valuable vintage gem.

Sau Lee’s corseted gown gives a nod to Old Hollywood glamour, yet feels distinctly modern. Steal a page from Taylor Swift’s style playbook by pairing your party dress with Melinda Maria’s expensive-looking jewels.

Stand out from the sea of cocktail dresses with a sharply tailored pant suit. Alice + Olivia’s emerald-colored three-piece is one you’ll be excited to pull out again for a future event.

A minimalist red dress makes a nice backdrop for sculptural Alexis Bittar earrings, Jacquemus bags, and other statement accessories. A dramatic faux fur coat leans into the more-is-more look and assures you stay warm no matter where the night takes you.

An icy white gown makes a chic pick for a formal affair, especially when paired with a shaggy coat, silver accessories, and red-bottomed Christian Louboutins.

Even a casual Secret Santa exchange can set the stage for a chic holiday party look. Contrast a festive graphic sweatshirt with sleek (and secretly comfortable) silk trousers and dramatically draped pearl accessories.

A New Year’s Eve party is the ideal excuse to treat yourself to that animal print coat you’ve been eyeing all season. A fitted LBD, sheer black tights, and pointed-toe black pumps make a foolproof pairing for any fête.

Pay homage to Burl Ives’s “Silver and Gold” with elegantly mixed metallics. Use the opportunity to show off heirloom pieces and recently unwrapped jewelry gifts.

This season’s trendy mocha and chocolate brown palette makes the perfect choice for those who aren’t looking for a traditional red-and-green look. Suede and sequins add decadence to the sophisticated neutral—as does a candy-colored Prada Wander bag worth treating yourself to as an early gift.

BaubleBar’s holiday light-inspired lariat isn’t your usual novelty Christmas jewelry. Paired with a chic blazer dress and tasteful gemstone studs, it’ll become the talking point of your annual office party.

Burgundy and bright cherry red feel particularly festive with velvet, beaded fringe, croc embossing, and other interesting textures. You can remix each piece throughout the holiday season with neutrals like camel and chocolate brown.

A festive plaid dress will always be a showstopper. Why not lean into holiday tradition even further with a black velvet bow?