The BAZAAR Guide To This Year's Best Holiday Party Outfits

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.

From left: Pomellato earrings. Tacori earrings, $5,190. Tiffany & Co. earrings, $14,500. Eéra earrings, $3,710.

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.
Related article: The Best Festive Holiday Dresses for Cocktail Party Season

From left: Attersee vest, $495. Helmut Lang vest, $375. Interior vest, $1,900.

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 cocktail 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 cocktail dresses make staying out past your bedtime worth the effort. Your Instagram feed will thank you!

Related article: Valentino Unveils Its New Party Collection For 2022

Related article: 8 Festively Chic Pieces You’ll Wear Even After The Holidays

Clockwise from top left: Panthère de Cartier top-handle, $3,150. Jil Sander bag, $2,990. Bottega Veneta handbag. Hermès Kelly II Mini, $8,250.

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!

Clockwise from left: Jonathan Simkhai sandals, $675. Sam Edelman sandals, $160. Isabel Marant sandals, $1,235. Celine by Hedi Slimane sandals, $890.

For the holiday party season, consider standout high-heel boots covered in crystal embellishments that are still easy to dance in. If you prefer something more wearable, a croc-effect option is ideal for making an everyday statement, whereas an intentionally wrinkled leather pair gives off a cool-girl edge.

Related article: The Best Knee-High Boots For Every Occasion

This article originally appeared on Harper's BAZAAR US. Additional reporting: Shermin Ng