What to Wear to a Christmas Party (Work & Nights Out)

The Christmas party invites are arriving, and so is the familiar question: what do I wear? Office party, festive dinner or a big night out, the right outfit depends on where you're going. Here's how to get it right.

The office Christmas party

Aim for festive but polished: something that works at the table and on the dance floor.

A velvet midi or mini is the easiest win. The Lola Velvet Bow-Detail Midi Dress or the Karla Embellished Velvet Mini Dress look dressed-up without trying too hard.
Not a dress person? A sequin blazer and trousers, such as the Simona Sequined Blazer and Trousers Set, is sharp, modern and easy to move in.
If the party starts straight after work, pack a sequin skirt like the Rébecca Sequin Mini Skirt to swap in with a simple black top.

Work Christmas party dress code, decoded

Drinks in the office or a pub: keep it smart-casual. One festive piece (a sequin skirt, a velvet top or a metallic blazer) with tailoring is enough.
Restaurant dinner: a velvet or satin midi with long sleeves is comfortable for a long meal and still feels like an occasion.
Venue party with a DJ: this is where a sequin or embellished mini works. Keep the neckline or the hemline as the statement, not both.
"Black tie optional": a floor-length gown or a dressy midi with heels is the safest choice.

Remember you'll see these people on Monday: choose something that feels like you, that you can sit, stand and dance in, and that you'd be happy to see in photos.

The festive dinner

A seated dinner with friends or family calls for elegance over sparkle-overload.

Choose long sleeves or a midi length for comfort through a long meal.
Rich colours look beautiful by candlelight: think red, emerald and black.
Keep embellishment to one area (sleeves, neckline or hem) so the look stays refined.

The big night out

This is when you go all in on sparkle.

Sequin and rhinestone minis are made for it. The Livia Flower Sequin Mini Dress in Red and the Iliana Long-Sleeve Sequin & Pearl Mini Dress both catch the light under party lighting.
Add heels you can dance in and keep accessories minimal.

The black-tie Christmas event

For galas and formal Christmas balls, choose a floor-length gown. Jewel tones feel especially festive: the Polly Sequin Maxi Gown in Emerald Green is a standout. For more black-tie guidance, see our winter wedding guide.

Festive colours that always work

Red: the classic Christmas colour
Emerald green: festive without being literal
Gold and silver: perfect for parties running into New Year
Black velvet: timeless, with texture

Don't forget your coat

December nights are cold. A statement coat such as the Layla Sequin Fur-Trim Coat in Gold finishes the look; you'll be photographed arriving and leaving too. Browse jackets and coats.

Quick checklist

Check the dress code and venue
Choose festive fabric: velvet, sequin or metallic
Pick shoes you can stand and dance in
Plan a warm layer
Order early. December delivery times get busy.

Christmas party outfit FAQs

What should I wear to a work Christmas party?

Something festive but polished. A velvet or satin midi dress, a sequin co-ord or a sequin skirt with a plain top all work. Match the formality to the venue and keep to one statement detail.

Is sequin too much for an office party?

Not if it's balanced. A sequin skirt with a simple knit, or a sequin blazer with black trousers, feels celebratory without being over the top. Save full sequin minis and gowns for evening venues.

What colours are best for a Christmas party?

Red, emerald green, black, gold and silver are the classic festive shades. Black velvet is the most versatile if you want one dress for several events.

Can I wear a dress I can re-wear for New Year's Eve?

Yes. Metallic and sequin pieces work for both. See our New Year's Eve outfit ideas for how to style them differently.

Shop the Christmas edit

Find sequin gowns, velvet minis and metallic midis in our Christmas collection and Christmas party dresses, and read How to Choose a Party Dress for more styling help. Every UK order ships free.