Get Dressed Up! Simple Holiday Party Outfit Ideas

Remember when we used to get dressed up for the holidays? Like when you’d get a special new dress as a kid to wear for Christmas Eve or Christmas Dinner and it was the best thing ever? Why don’t we do that anymore?

I know there aren’t a ton of holiday parties happening in 2020 because of everything that’s going on, but that doesn’t mean we can’t get dressed up for ourselves and celebrate the season a little! If you’re hosting a get-together for your bubble, why not have a little fun and dress your best?

In this post I’m going to share how you can dress up your everyday wardrobe to create a fun holiday outfit! Don’t worry, I’m also sharing plenty of cute pieces that you can save and splurge on this season that you’ll be able to wear all year! Expect holiday party outfit ideas, fun accessories and shopping guides for how to shop for holiday outfits, how to shop for fun skirts and how to shop for the right jewellery to help!

Pleated Skirt & Sweater Combo

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I have a large collection of fine-knit sweaters in my closet and I find they are the perfect canvas for so many holiday outfits. This simple grey sweater and black pleated skirt combo are dressed up for holiday fun with this statement pearl necklace! Shop similar items here:

Sequin Skirt & Sweater Combo

This is another example of wear a basic sweater allows another piece to shine! This basic black knit is the perfect base for letting this sequin pencil skirt to be the main attraction! Pair with simple shoes and delicate jewellery or a sparkly earring to balance. Shop similar items here:

Tulle Skirt & Sweater Combo

I would normally be pairing this with a fine knit sweater as well but for a more modern and trendy approach, I topped it with a chunky knit or wear it over a tee for a more basic feel. I love tulle skirts any time of year but they’re extra special for the holidays! Shop similar items here:

How To Shop For Sequins

I am a huge fan of things that glitter (I mean, this blog is called Styled to Sparkle) and sequins are no exception. I believe that there are ways to wear sequins any time of year but the key here is that the holidays are usually the easiest time to find these pieces, so this is when I suggest shopping for them. There are a few things to consider when shopping for sequins – and I recommend you heed my advice here.

3 Tips For Shopping For Sequin Clothing

I always like a sequin piece that has some stretch to the fabric – it makes it easier to get in and out of and always fits a little nicer.
Check the size and density of the sequins or embellishments on the fabric. Is it a mix? How does it move? Does it look full enough or does it look like there are bare spots?
Ensure the piece is lined! this is the best advice I can give you. Sequins have to be sewn in and this means a lot of seams. A lining means that these rows and rows of seams aren’t rubbing up on your skin causing irritation.

Holiday Skirts You Can Wear All Year

So many people think of sequins or beautiful skirts made of pleated satin or even tulle as holiday-only pieces and this just isn’t the case! I will say that just like sequin pieces, certain fabrics are easier to find around the holidays – such as satin or tulle, so now is the time to pick them up.

Pleated Skirts – All Year Long

I am a huge fan of pleated skirts because I feel like they are classic and feminine. I love them with a plain white button down shirt, a cute cami or tank top, a sweater (shown above) or an embellished top. They’re a classic closet staple for me. Here are some of my faves:

Tulle Skirts – All Year Long

Tulle skirts seem to have gained more popularity over the last few years, but even so, the holidays are the best time to shop for them (for the sake of variety and availability). I love tulle skirts for Spring especially as they are often found in pastel colours (light pinks, blues and greys) and are oh so feminine. I prefer to pair them with something simple, but feel free to add a sequin cami or floral patterned top to take it all the way. Here are some of my faves:

Satin Skirts – All Year Long

A satin skirt might seem confusing to you, so let me clarify – I’m not talking about prom or bridesmaid pieces here. I like a more modern satin skirt, either pleated (my fave) or a slip skirt. I love the shine and structure that the fabric brings to a pleated skirt, either wide or knife pleats. They also add a soft, feminine aspect to the look as well. If pleats aren’t your thing and you prefer a slip skirt, I love to pair them with a textured sweater to add some balance. Here are some of my faves:

Dress It Up With Jewellery

I know a lot of us aren’t spending money on new cocktail dresses or party wear this year, so why not take that opportunity to splurge on a sparkly little treat for yourself? Jewellery is the easiest way to take an otherwise plain outfit and make it a little more dressy or glam. I personally prefer classic jewellery, items that I can wear everyday or on special occasions, year over year.

A String of Pearls

Pearls are always such a classic piece and thrown on over a sweater or little black dress immediately takes an outfit up a notch. I have this necklace that is near and dear to me as it was a wedding gift from my in-laws that I wore with my wedding dress. I love classic jewellery, but a piece with a keepsake meaning is even more special. SHOP: Pearl Necklace

My love of classic jewellery led me to this string of black pearls from Paris Jewellers. What I love so much about this necklaces is of course its simplicity, but that they are natural, cultured pearls – making them more special and unique. A classic set of pearls always works, but this dark set is a great, glam alternative! Next on my list? Pink pearls of course! SHOP: Black Pearl Necklace | Pink Pearl Necklace

A Touch of Sparkle

Adding a touch of sparkle (so you are of course Styled to Sparkle) is one of my favourite things to do. I love a sparkly ring, a classic stud earring or a delicate bracelet. Again, I prefer classic and timeless pieces that you can wear year after year, adding new pieces each year, rather than stocking up on trendy pieces. Here are some of my faves:

Statement Costume Jewellery

For a number of years I was a Stella & Dot Stylist and so naturally I go back to them when it comes to trendy, costume statement pieces (like the statement pearl necklace shown above). I think their quality is really great and for me when it comes to these pieces that I won’t wear often that the costume price point just makes a little more sense. I’ve chosen some pieces that I think you’ll be able to wear year over year, too. Here are some of my faves: