Lookbook

The holiday season is here and Christmas parties are filling up everyone’s calendars. It can be so much fun to look forward to because you can celebrate with people you really love but deciding what to wear can be stressful. LOL How fancy do you dress? How casual do you dress? You want to be comfortable but also look festive and embrace the “extra-ness” of the season. Here’s a round-up of some casual Christmas party outfits that you can wear to your next festive get together!

What To Wear to a Casual Christmas Party

Casual can mean a bunch of different things to many people but I personally like to err on the side of being a tad overdressed than underdressed. Choosing pieces that are more polished can allow me to embrace the festive spirit without sacrificing my comfort. For me that usually means wearing flats instead of heels but not going so casual that I am wearing sneakers. Maybe a dressy cardigan with jeans or a pretty blouse with trousers can still have the overall look of casual without being too dressed down.

What Does a Casual Dress Code Mean

A casual dress code to me means that it’s not cocktail or black-tie attire but still requires being polished and put together. Jeans would be acceptable though choose a style that isn’t distressed and preferably a darker wash. Heels may not be necessary but skip the sneakers in favor of chic ballet flats. And an easy way to elevate a casual look is by adding fun accessories such as a great statement earring or beautiful belt.

How to Dress For a Casual Christmas Party

Tweed Cardigan with a Slip Skirt

This look to me is a slight step down from cocktail attire but still looks super polished and dressy. I love the embellishments on this tweed cardigan which makes it perfect for the holiday season. And instead of going with black jeans to complete the look, opt for a silky slip skirt and boots. Add a fun evening bag with some embellishments to elevate the look even more.

Lady Jacket and Faux Leather Pants

I actually wore this to a holiday lunch with a friend and it was absolutely perfect! While it would still be a great outfit to wear past the holiday season, this red lady jacket is so festive! And I styled it with a black turtleneck and my faux leather pants which I wear non-stop all fall and winter. A pointy toe flat really elevates this look. I also added a statement belt (code: MAREE15) and pair of earrings (code: MAREE15). Since this was a lunch outing, I opted for a regular daytime handbag instead of an evening clutch or bag.

Lady Jacket and Wide Leg Jeans

I clearly have a deep love for lady jackets and similar type of cardigans because I think they naturally look so polished and chic. This look isn’t overly festive but definitely would work for a business casual holiday lunch. Dark wash wide leg jeans are always a bit more dressy than other styles. Add some suede boots and a great bag to complete the look.

Ornate Blouse and Black Trousers

This outfit is another great look to wear to an office holiday party where the dress code is polished and professional but not cocktail attire. This blouse (code: MAREE20) is an absolute stunner and looks great with a simple pair of black trousers. I added my favorite black pumps, my favorite statement earrings (code: MAREE15) and a small braided bag that could work for day or night.

Fair Isle Cardigan and Jeans

Some of the other looks I’ve shared may still be too dressy and you may feel the most comfortable in a sweater and jeans for a casual Christmas function so this look is the perfect option. Fair Isle is traditionally a winter print but can also look very festive at the same time. Once again choose jeans that aren’t distressed but you could choose a lighter wash if you prefer which will make the look more casual. Add a simple belt to pull the whole look together.

Statement sweater and velvet ballet flats

Honestly this look doesn’t necessarily scream Christmas but not everyone wants to wear something that does. This sweater has the most gorgeous details and instantly elevates a simple pair of wide leg jeans. These green velvet flats have been in rotation all fall for me but I they would be perfect for a casual Christmas get together. If this event is during the day, add a simple belt, statement necklace (code: MAREE20) and small crossbody (code: MAREE15) to complete the look.

Knit Cardigan and Faux Leather Pants

Another look that would be perfect for a business casual holiday lunch or early evening event. This jardigan (mix of a jacket and cardigan – code: MAREE15) is stunning and immediately makes the outfit more professional. To make it a bit more fun for the holidays, wear it with some faux leather pants, a statement belt (code: MAREE20) and metallic ballet flats. If you are coming from work, this look would still work with a tote bag and doesn’t necessarily need an evening bag or clutch.

Chunky Turtleneck, Dark Denim and Sparkly Flats

One of the best ways to instantly make an outfit festive is to add some sparkly flats. LOL A chunky turtleneck and jeans is always a comfy choice. But the addition of sparkly flats makes it a great casual holiday party outfit. You could choose a more evening style bag or keep things simple with your daytime bag that can hold everything you need!

Shirt (similar) | Pants (similar – code: MAREE15)) | Shoes | Clutch (similar)

Holiday party season is in full swing and it can be overwhelming trying to decide what to wear to every function you have. You don’t need to buy a whole new holiday wardrobe and can simply add in festive pieces here and there. But if you do want to go all out on a new look, here is a roundup of some affordable holiday looks! There is a range of price points but almost everything is under $100.

Affordable Holiday Looks

Affordable Holiday Outfit Ideas

Black cardigan with sequin pants

I love pairing a simple cardigan or knit with a pair of sequin pants for the  holidays. It balances out the look perfectly and you can wear the cardigan past the holiday season. Add a statement gold chunky necklace for some sparkly around the neck and maybe a fun feathery bag to add another texture to the look. Then finish off the look with a simple pair of slingback black pumps.

Bejeweled cardigan with a slip skirt

A slip skirt is a year round staple in my wardrobe but it is especially perfect during the holidays. Contrast the shiny fabric with a sweater or knit cardigan and since it is the holidays, opt for one with some embellishments. Long statement earrings are perfect for this look and a brighter silver bag will add another tone of gray to the outfit. Finally, I have these clear shoes and wear them ALL season long. They are my absolute favorite holiday shoe.

Wrap sequin dress with a faux fur coat

Holiday fashion is the time to wear all the sparkly things and this sequin wrap dress is a stunner. Add a faux fur coat over top for even more drama and then try some mixed metal strappy sandals to finish off the look. Since everything in the outfit is neutral, I love the idea of a pop of color with this red feather evening bag.

Sequin slip dress with a cardigan

Another super glittery outfit but the shape of this dress is so simple and classic. To go with that classic theme, opt for a cream cardigan with just a hint of embellishments. I like the idea of anchoring this outfit with some black accessories like this bejeweled round black bag and black strappy sandals.

Pearl sweatshirt and sequin pants

Mixing something a bit more casual with something dressy is always a great combination. This pearl sweatshirt would look great with a simple pair of jeans but you could easily dress it up with sequin pants. Keep the shoes simple with slingback black pumps but it’s always fun to add a quirky bag. This one has such a unique shape and mirror-like finish.

Ruched metallic mini dress and faux fur coat

A bit of a less flashy option if you want a mini dress for the holidays as the fabric is subtle and not overly sparkly. To keep warm, throw on a large faux fur coat but your feet may have to suffer because these gold strappy sandals are so fabulous. The bag option is a bit understated which helps to balance out the boldness of the rest of the outfit.

Cozy and festive

I LIVE for looks like these. This sweater looks like a super cozy knit and wearing it with these shimmery palazzo pants is the perfect pairing. Adding more texture with these braided ballet flats and adding a pop of color with this iridescent metallic bag.

Black sparkly top and dark denim

This is the version of a “going out top and jeans” that I wore for nearly a decade anytime I had somewhere to go. LOL This look is great for a festive night out with friends. This top is subtly festive with just a hint of sparkle while these high waisted wide leg dark wash jeans are perfect year round. Add some embellished pumps and a very glittery bag that will pop against the dark base of the outfit.

Sparkly top and faux leather pants

I’ll end this post with an outfit that I clearly love to repeat year after year. A sparkly top (discount code: MAREE15), faux leather pants and my trusty clear shoes that I wear all holiday season. I added a fuzzy coat for warmth (discount code: MAREE15), but I actually wear this coat day to day with jeans and flats. It’s perfect for so many occasions. A simple little black bag with some silver baubles rounds out the look.

Related: 15 Comfy Fall/Winter Outfits