Festive attire for women: what to wear
A velvet, sequin or satin dress + heels + festive jewellery.
Christmas and New Year parties, winter celebrations.
- When
- Evening
- Trousers for women
- Yes
- Jeans
- No
- Sneakers
- No
Three outfit ideas
Velvet
A bottle-green velvet midi dress, gold earrings and black heels.
Sparkle
A sequin midi skirt, a black cashmere sweater and heels.
Satin
Champagne satin trousers, a black top and metallic sandals.
What to wear
- A velvet midi dress
- A sequin skirt with a cashmere sweater
- Satin trousers with a dressy top
Shoes
Metallic or velvet shoes.
Accessories
A sparkly bag, bold earrings.
What to avoid
- Costume-y looks – the Christmas jumper only if announced
Colours
Burgundy, bottle green, gold, silver, black.
In summer
For summer celebrations: bright colours and prints instead of velvet.
In winter
In winter: velvet, cashmere, sequins, gold and silver.
Details that make the difference
- Hem the gown for your actual shoes: a long dress should just graze the floor in the heels you'll wear.
- Under silk and satin wear seamless, skin-tone underwear: these fabrics show every line.
- Check that your clutch fits a phone, lipstick and keys before the night.
- Bring a wrap or stole – halls get cool and the trip home at night is cold.
About festive attire
Cocktail attire with a seasonal twist: sparkle, velvet, rich colours. Festive attire is a newer, informal phrase used by companies and hosts who want cocktail-level dress with seasonal playfulness.
Business formal for women
A dark suit (skirt or trousers) + a blouse or shirt + closed shoes.
Business casual for women
Tailored trousers or a skirt + a blouse or fine knit + (blazer) + loafers or pumps.
Other codes for women
Frequently asked
01Festive attire: can women wear trousers?
Yes – elegant trousers or a trouser suit are perfectly fine.
02Festive attire: are jeans OK?
No – jeans are too casual for this code; choose tailored trousers.
03Festive attire: are sneakers OK?
No – choose leather shoes.
04What to wear to an office Christmas party?
Business wear with a festive touch: a velvet blazer or dress, a sparkly skirt with a knit, bolder accessories. Avoid anything too revealing.