In what will be my final Christmas party outfits post this year (maybe, don’t hate me if it’s not!), I thought I’d look to some regular over 40 women for inspiration on what to wear this festive season.
So rather than you having to endure me wearing All The Party Outfits, you can feast your eyes on 21 party outfits as worn by my good friends from the Over40Collective instead. What’s so great about featuring the members of the O40Co is that our styles are all so different, so there should be something to appeal to everyone in terms of style.
If you’re not fond of all the colour and pattern that I wear so much, there are sophisticated looks based around the colour black. If you’re a huge fan of sparkle and glitz, however, I’ve got you covered with all manner of sequins.
There are trousers, dresses, eclectic styles, vintage… it’s all here. Now while the styles I’ve featured may not all have been originally intended for a Christmas party, they are all festive season-appropriate – and they go from simple minimalism to full-on elegance.
So this is your final call for some last-minute Christmas party (or Christmas Day, or New Year’s Eve) outfit inspiration – I’ve added in links to each blogger’s original posts for you should you want to shop them. Most are reasonably recent so hopefully items might still be available.
So go forth and enjoy your outfit preparations, and as I said on Facebook yesterday: Whatever you’re wearing, remember it’s ONLY clothes… just enjoy yourself!
WHICH ARE YOUR FAVOURITE PARTY OUTFIT LOOKS HERE? AND WHAT ARE YOU WEARING ON CHRISTMAS DAY (OR NEW YEAR’S EVE)? TELL ME IN THE COMMENTS…
1. All the colour and pattern you could possibly want
Catherine (me of course!), Not Dressed As Lamb
I’ve thrown in an extra, as-yet-unseen outfit here: The red lace midi dress and red pea coat (with diamante clasp belt and glittery black clutch, all c/o) were styled for my M&Co InstaStories takeover at the end of last month. I’m intending to wear the dress on Christmas Day because I adore it so much… HOW flattering is this style when you have hips as I do? My other outfit ideas also feature copious amounts of colour and pattern… You want prints, pattern and explosions of colour? I’m your man 😉
Original posts (composite image): Left | Top right | Bottom right
2. Full-on glamour, glitter and sparkles
Lisa, The Sequinist
Lisa isn’t called The Sequinist for nothing – she doesn’t just wear them, she EXCELS at them. If it sparkles, she’s on it (I had trouble picking just three to feature here).
Instagram: @thesequinist | Original posts: Left Top right Bottom right
3. Elegant, ladylike chic for fans of black
Annette, Lady of Style
As I’m no expert at wearing black I’ll hand you over to the lady that is: Annette. Where I just can’t seem to get on with most people’s favourite colour [to wear], the Lady of Style mixes black with the odd rich colour, lots of texture and endless elegance.
Instagram: @theladyofstyle | Original posts: Left Top right Bottom right
4. Vintage-style inspiration
Michelle, Michelle Tyler
Formerly known as RetroChicMama, Michelle wears such creative dressy looks that it’s hard to tell if her outfits are vintage or not (best of both worlds) – she’d never turn up in the same outfit as someone else at a party.
Instagram: @mt.sustainability | Original posts: Left Top right Bottom right
5. Romantic, feminine styles in jewel tones
Liz, What Lizzy Loves
If you’re over 40 and have legs that you want to show off but you’re hesitating for some reason, take note from Liz and just DO IT…! Or do the exact opposite and wear a full-length, romantic maxi dress. Liz dresses up at every opportunity, as we all should.
Instagram: @whatlizzyloves | Original posts: Left Top right Bottom right
6. Quirky, eclectic styles for those who think outside the box
Michelle, The Barefaced Chic
What I love about Michelle is that she doesn’t follow any style rules and isn’t a slave to trends. She’s creative, she takes risks, she wears what she feels great in. Christmas is THE time to follow those style “rules” for the first time.
7. Understated, minimalist chic for fans of trousers
Nikki, Midlifechic
For those of you who prefer wearing trousers, Nikki’s got a ton of no-dresses outfit ideas for you. Her aesthetic is streamlined and minimalist… perfect if you like block colour and understated looks, even at parties.
Pin for later!
LOVING THIS POST? YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE…
– 7 Last Minute Christmas Party Outfits From the Over 40 Collective
– What to Wear to a Christmas Party (When You Don’t Wear Dresses)
Disclosure: I was gifted some items I am wearing (marked c/o) but this post was not sponsored (click here for my full disclosure). This post contains some affiliate links which means if you click through and buy I may receive a small commission.
Thanks for sharing these awesome ideas. I loved the red one piece as red is my all time fav color. Also, I liked the vintage dressing style of yours especially the green outfit. It looks very fabulous I would love to try it. Keep sharing such wonderful ideas.
Thank you so much for this fabulous Looks. The ladies are fabulous and their outsfits are perfect for Christmas time.
XO Martina from Munich – Germany
I used to love clothes shopping shopping before I had children, I now hate it…. but I still love clothes! The red dress and belt combo was a knockout on you. Couldn't believe it was M&Co it looked very expensive. To cut a long story short I completely stole your look and bought them both there and then upon seeing your blog to wear to a drinks event that was rapidly approaching and I had no idea what to wear to it. Lots and lots of compliments on it. I of course pointed out it was brilliant you that was to be credited and directed them to your blog. You are a bit like a fabulous hotel that you can't wait to tell people about but selfishly don't want to share! Got to be done though. Thanks so much Catherine, you saved the day!
Fantastic post with great examples of women and their different styles. You look fabulous in red, by the way 🙂
What a great post, so many different styles! Love love love your red dress, and the sequined skirt and t shirt of Lisa is really fun too. I am partial to a bit of velvet this time of year, it's nice to see it in a clean modern style demonstrated by Nikki too, lots of lovely looks to get festive fashion inspo from, thanks Catherine! 🙂
Everyone looks so glamorous and stunning. I love your red dress! x
These are some amazing looks!!!!
There are some gorgeous outfit ideas here, Catherine. My absolute favourite though has to be your midi lace dress in red…WOW!!
Suzy xx
http://www.suzyturner.com
I have to say Catherine, that red dress is one of my favourite looks on you! You and red are a match made in heaven. THANK YOU for featuring me you lovely lady you xxxx
Michelle xxxx
http://www.thebarefacedchic.co.uk
Seriously, You + That Red Dress = KAPOW!!!
Happy Holidays!
Bettye
https://fashionschlub.com
I SO needed this inspiration! And you, look incredible! Truly radiant and so gorgeous. Happy holidays pretty lady!
Heidi || Wishes & Reality
Fabulous outfits!
Good grief Catherine, you are hot like a firecracker with chilli pepper sauce inside a volcano! That dress was meant for you, which is a pity because now I totally want it for me :-D. I love those art deco looking swirls on it, and the coat and belt are just perfect. I think you should just wear that for the whole month of December. Oh, I'm so distracted I nearly forgot to say THANK YOU for featuring us! What a sneaky, lovely, supportive, darling (and hot!) friend you are. xxx
I've gone for a black maxi pleated skirt with a black lace top, plum suede heels and a plum leather biker jacket on top. All of which I already had in my wardrobe! I just couldn't be bothered to look for something new – is that bad or good?