What To Wear For Every Festive Thing On Your Calendar
It has been a minute since I’ve written a Holiday Dressing Guide. The last time I put one together was 2021, which feels like a completely different lifetime. This post has always been one of my absolute favorites every year and I’m genuinely so excited to bring it back.
Holiday dressing has changed so much; our calendars look different, our styles have evolved, and honestly, we’re all ready to have fun with fashion again. So, this year’s guide needed a little refresh. I kept the spirit of the original posts that you all loved, but I’m updating the format so it’s easier to use, easier to shop, and more reflective of what real holiday schedules look like now.
Whether you have school parties, dinners with friends, office events, church services, or New Year’s Eve plans, this guide is your shortcut to feeling pulled together without the panic. I cannot wait to see what you wear this season.
Let’s get into it.
Style Note: If you need to get wrinkles out of faux leather or sequins, flip the piece inside out and use your blow dryer on a low setting. You can also lightly steam sequins on the inside.
Holiday Dressing Guide: Trends for 2025
Holiday 2025 is all about texture, shine, and those standout pieces that make getting dressed fun again. You’ll see a mix of modern glamour and timeless classics, the kind of trends that work whether you’re going to a school party, a fancy dinner, or ringing in the new year on the couch.
Bold Textures and Shine
Velvet is everywhere this season. Dresses, tailored pants, blazers, even matching sets, all in rich jewel tones that look elevated without trying too hard. Sequins and rhinestones are also having a moment, popping up on dresses, tops, skirts, and even accessories for that full-on festive feel.
Satin Everything
Satin is the sleeper hit of the season. You’ll see satin pants paired with chunky, cozy sweaters… satin shorts or miniskirts layered with lace or textured tops… and bias-cut satin midi skirts with fitted knits. It’s soft, fluid, and instantly dresses up any look without feeling “too much.” Think effortless glam.
Two-Piece Sets
If you want something dressy without committing to a full gown, a two-piece set is your best friend. Sequin sets, velvet sets, knit sets… they all feel modern and intentional. Plus, you can mix and match the pieces later, which gives you more mileage after the holidays.
Rich Color Palette
Emerald green, sapphire blue, burgundy, plum, jewel tones are leading the way again this year, especially when paired with classic neutrals like black, ivory, or charcoal. If you want an instant “holiday but not too obvious” look, start here.
Modern Minimalism
Not everything has to sparkle to feel festive. There’s a strong minimalist trend happening too. Sleek silhouettes in satin, silk, or wool blends, soft neutrals, and clean lines. It’s quiet luxury for the holidays and honestly so chic.
What Are We Dressing For?
Instead of listing every single event, I pulled together the main categories most of us have on the calendar in November and December. Under each one you will see a mix of specific events like school parties, the Nutcracker, sip and shops, and church or family gatherings.
You can always add black tights to any of these looks if it is cold. I am linking my favorite black tights in the outfit sections.
Casual / Dressy Holiday Events
Most of the “everyday” holiday events fall into these two buckets. Think school parties, Santa visits, open houses, markets, and early evening dinners with friends.
Casual Holiday Outings
School parties, Santa photos, sip and shops, teacher lunches, casual open houses
Think: polished but comfortable. You are probably wrangling kids, walking through a market, or sitting on the floor helping with crafts.
Outfit formulas you can try:
- Festive sweater or graphic tee + dark jeans + embellished flats
- Midi skirt + cozy knit + sneakers or boots
- Faux leather leggings + oversized sweater + loafers or booties
You still look cute in photos, but you can bend down, carry gift bags, and eat cookies without feeling like your dress is going to explode.
Dressy Holiday Moments
Office parties, The Nutcracker, holiday concerts, nicer dinners, church events
This is where you can lean into velvet, satin, or a pretty dress that feels a little more special.
Outfit formulas you can try:
- Velvet midi dress + statement earrings + metallic heels
- Satin skirt + fitted knit top + slingbacks
- Tailored trousers + embellished blouse + sparkly heels
If you are heading to the Nutcracker or the theater, I like something that feels classic and elegant, not necessarily in traditional red or green. Jewel tones, black, navy, and metallics all work beautifully.
heel and clutch feel more cocktail.
Cold / Hot Christmas Weekend
If you live in the South, you already know what this is about. It can be freezing on Wednesday and hot on Friday. I always like to have a cold and warm option ready for both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, because there is no telling what the weather will do.
Cold Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Outfit ideas:
- Sweater dress + tights + knee high boots
- Plaid skirt + turtleneck + blazer or coat
- Jeans + festive sweater + lug sole boots
Layer with a coat or wrap and you are good to go for church, family dinners, or opening presents.
Warm Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
When it is 78 degrees and humid and you are still pretending it is winter.
Outfit ideas:
- Lightweight midi dress + sandals or low heels
- Short sleeve sweater or tee + satin skirt + flats
- Linen or cotton trousers + tank + metallic sandals
You can keep the holiday look with color, print, and accessories, even if the temperature says early fall.
Staying Home / Going Out For New Year’s Eve
Once upon a time, Justin and I hosted wild New Year’s Eve parties. Now we are usually the staying home crowd, hanging with the kids and enjoying snacks in comfy clothes. I still like to have both options ready though, just in case we decide to get dressed and go out.
Staying In
Think cozy and cute, not old college sweatpants.
Ideas:
- Matching lounge set + fuzzy socks + sparkly headband
- Knit dress + slippers + layered necklaces
- Cute joggers + sequin or metallic top if you want to feel festive on the couch
Going Out
If you do decide to go out, this is the time for a little bit of drama.
Ideas:
- Sequin mini or midi dress
- Satin or velvet two piece set
- Black jumpsuit with cutouts or a slit, plus statement earrings and heels
I want to see what you are wearing this season. Tag me on Instagram or send me a photo of your holiday outfits so we can all get inspired together.
XO,
Tiffany
Check out all of my holiday content here.
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