Yep – it’s that time of year to get your glad rags on (otherwise known as panicking about what to wear to the Christmas party)! I thought you’d like a post with some ideas for what to wear to your festive party if you need to wear something dressy – and what’s better than a fabulous dress for Christmas? I’ve chosen eight outfits I’ve worn over the last couple of years, and although they were worn to all sorts of occasions they’d still be perfect for a Christmas party.
I’ve featured a few mini/cocktail dresses as well as midi and maxi dresses, so all skirt length preferences are covered. Plus I’ve picked out a selection available to buy right now if you need some quick ideas and don’t have the time to scour the internet.
Let me know what you’ll be wearing to your Christmas party (or parties) – or if my picks came to your rescue!
Mini/Cocktail dresses
1. Layer a short cocktail dress with skinnies (original post)
If, like me, you’d rather not bare your legs when a dress is above your knees, you can always add skinnies for a modern dress-over-trousers look. Just make sure the denim is a solid colour – not a blue wash – and add fabulous heels to give yourself long legs.
2. Layer a sleeveless cocktail dress with a blouse or top (original post)
If you’d rather not show your arms and the dress is sleeveless, add a blouse underneath and some statement jewellery. This is a pretty short dress for me, so I always go for either solid opaques or a patterned pair of tights.
3. Choose a dress with amazing detail at the back (original post)
Instead of a dress with all the detail at the front, go for something different and give your back the wow factor (especially good for those who like to show off their backs or can go bra-less). You’ll definitely have a conversation piece with a dress like this.
Here are my favourite mini/cocktail dresses I’ve found that you’ll hopefully love too:
Maxi dresses
4. Go for a maxi with a high-low hem (original post)
A high-low hem – or a huge split up one side – allows you to show off your legs a little but keeps the overall length long. I love the superhero-style design of this dress with its cape at the back. As the design is so interesting is doesn’t need a bold pattern, just a solid block of bright colour makes a statement all by itself.
5. Choose a full skirted maxi to allow you to dance (original post)
If you’re determined to dance the night away at your Christmas party, a full skirt is a must! There are lots of maxi dresses with full skirts around, and the added advantage of this style is that it allows for a little pre-Christmas over indulgence. A food baby or a little extra weight on your hips won’t be a problem in this style.
I love these maxi dresses – some cover your legs completely but others will show a bit of leg:
Midi dresses
6. Wear vintage and don’t be afraid to alter it if necessary (original post)
Vintage is the perfect choice for any gathering of a lot of people – you’ll never be wearing the same dress as someone else. I got this 1970s maxi dress from eBay and simply shortened it to a midi length which made it far more flattering. The colours are rather perfect for this time of year, too. (See this post I wrote: Tips for buying vintage on eBay if you need tips on how to avoid making vintage mistakes – and get a bargain in the process!)
7. Dress up a solid colour midi with statement jewellery (original post)
A plain midi dress in a bright, solid colour can be dressed up as much as you like with a huge statement necklace, fabulous heels, a faux fur coat – and it’s one that can be worn afterwards to work, depending how you style it. Red is the perfect colour for a Christmas party dress.
8. Choose a midi or knee-length dress in a bold print (original post)
If you want the dress to do all the talking, go for one in a bold print – very little accessorising required. Choose heels and a clutch in either a contrasting colour, or pick out one of the colours of the print for a pulled-together look.
Midis are my favourite dress length – there are so many midi dresses I love right now! Here are my picks:
P.S. If you like this, why not check out my Evening Wear Inspiration Pinterest board?
Linking up to: Visible Monday, Let It Shine, Share in Style, Monday Mingle, Style Sessions, Trend Spin Link-Up, What I Wore Wednesday, Throwback Thursday, Passion for Fashion Friday, Friday’s Fab Favourites
You have such a great collection of dresses! I love the dress with the pretty back details and the great maxi dress.
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Alice thank you!! I didn't realise quite how many I owned till I did this post 😉
What an amazing post! All from you all year long! Amazing. You're a true inspiration Catherine:D
Ann of Kremb de la Kremb
Awww Ann you're the best… thank you so much hun!! x
Love this collection of ideas! You're got everying from demure to bombshell! I can't decide on a favorite.
That's a lovely compliment – thank you so much Jean xxxx
Glamorous as ever! All of these looks are fab but I want to try the blouse and cocktail dress one. That could revamp a ton of my dresses!
It's a great way to get more mileage out of your wardrobe, Amy (and keep you warm)!! Thanks hun xx
Fab tips, love that colour block dress chick. Great colours!
Lauren
livinginaboxx
Thank you so much Lauren – I appreciate all your lovely comments! x
Oh my God, I love that green cocktail dress on you, you look so amazing in it! Plus I need to get my hands on that brooch you're wearing with it. Lots of love, Kirsten xx
http://www.thelifbissue.com
Thank you Kirsten – it was actually a necklace (though it does look like a brooch here). You're a sweetheart!
Lovely dresses.I am loving the second look. So chic.
Thanks sweetie – I think the layering and the bling worked pretty well with that green dress…!!
A dress is the perfect choice to wear to a more formal holiday gathering. So many beautiful ones here! I love the gray one with the back detail and the long flowy one with the blue, pink, and red print.
http://www.girlinahotcity.com
I think they're the two favourites with most readers, Ivete! Thank you so much xx
Gorgeous suggestions, all of them!! I have a few Christmas dos coming up but none of them will be that glam, I'll probably be overdressed – better than underdressed though! x
Ahhh my next round up post (very soon) will be what to wear to a Christmas party that doesn't require a dress, i.e. less glam! But I agree about being over rather than underdressed, P! xx
Beautiful 🙂
thanks Ivana x
Great ideas, C. I love the dress with the vee-back! xox
It seems the v-back dress is pretty popular with everyone, Patti! Thank you xx
I adore the dress with the decorated v-back .. quite classic and sexy 😉
Monica, http://www.pear-shaped-gal.com
Isn't it a stunner, Monica? I'm still in awe of that gorgeous dress even now :))) Thank you hun x
love the multiple ideas! i really love the midi version!
Irene
http://www.thedailylace.com
Thanks Irene – my favourite length as I mentioned!!
Such good ideas! I love the cocktail over skinnies.
Thanks Pam – I use this trick a lot…!