What to Wear to a Semi Formal Christmas Party

It’s officially time for holiday parties! By the end of November, I usually already have a handful of holiday events lined up so I’m 100% thinking about all my holiday outfits. Do you have outfits ready for your office Christmas company party, your black tie winter wedding, and everything else in-between? If not, then now’s the time to shop! Today, I’m sharing what to wear to a semi-formal Christmas party and/or what to wear on New Year’s Eve because I think this outfit works perfectly for both occasions.

Dress (old – similar, similar) / Heels (come in 12 variations, similar for less: one, two) / Champagne Ornament (old – similar) / Acorn Ornament (old – similar) / Woodland Ornament (old – similar, similar)

Semi Formal Holiday Party Outfit

My semi-formal holiday party outfits tend to lean toward being really festive! So, mixing sequins and velvet (old – similar, similar) is right up my alley. I also just love this cocktail dress! If you love jewel tones, then a dress like my green one is for you. At parties, I’m often on my feet for extended periods of time. So, I opt for a comfortable and understated heel (similar for less: one, two) to balance out my party dress. Sequins can be fancy, yes, but a short hem on a sequin dress gives it a perfect semi-formal vibe. In my opinion, it comes off as more party than formal, which is perfect! Keep reading for why I chose each piece for the outfit, why it works for a semi-formal Christmas Party outfit, how to style it, and where to get it.

Sequin Party Dress

I’ve been wearing sequins since they were on my tutus as a toddler (remember this outfit?). I just love a sequin dress (I wore them to prom, sorority events, everything!). So, it’s always an easy choice for me to buy sequin dresses for holiday parties. You might actually be surprised to learn that I wore this dress as my wedding exit dress! I thought the sequins and the fun pop of color were perfect for my final wedding hurrah.

A sequin dress like this dress works perfectly for a semi-formal Christmas party. The sequins make it festive and fancy but the short hemline makes it appropriate for a semi-formal event. My particular dress (old – similar, similar) is a bit boxy which makes it fun to swing and dance around in. I also liked the idea of cinching it at the waist so I added a velvet belt to give the dress a complete styled look. I think the whole look totally falls under the semi-formal attire category. But semi-formal attire can definitely be person to person and up to interpretation (which makes it fun!). Admittedly, when it comes to party dress codes, a semi-formal dress code can be a more stressful one, which is why I like to make it fun with sequins at the holidays!

P.S. For some outfit ideas for men, read this post on exactly what Edwin wears and buys from exactly what brands. I spill on his preferences for nicer clothing in the post too including his favorite dress shirts, dark suit, and more.

Suede Heels

A sequin party dress is such a statement that I always want to tone down the outfit with my shoes (sometimes I opt for the reverse and go for a statement shoe and a simple dress). Nothing beats suede shoes in the fall and winter so a simple suede ankle strap heel is the perfect addition to this outfit. I also style these suede heels with skinny jeans and silk tops, with boyfriend jeans and cozy sweaters. With long flowy skirts, and with mini party dresses like in this outfit. They are so versatile and really comfortable, which is important for parties when I might find myself standing for a couple hours (I love a block heel!). The heels also come in 12 variations of colors and materials. Simply put it’s the perfect pair of dress shoes. P.S. I really like these two similar heels for less: one // two.

Christmas Tree Ornaments

Now a Christmas tree ornament isn’t really an outfit accessory but it is a great thing to have in your hand when you arrive to a holiday party. They make for great hostess gifts! Year after year, I think that Anthropologie makes the cutest Christmas tree ornaments. Shop some of my favorites below:

Dress (old – similar, similar) / Heels (come in 12 variations, similar for less: one, two) / Champagne Ornament (old – similar) / Acorn Ornament (old – similar) / Woodland Ornament (old – similar, similar)

Get the What to Wear to a Semi Formal Christmas Party look:

P.S. this is an old post that I refreshed and updated with completely new links for 2019!

Photography by Virgil Bunao