Besides all of the obvious reasons to love the holiday season, having an excuse to get dressed up is one of my personal favorites! It’s an added bonus to delicious food, great times with family and friends, and a warm evening inside spent laughing, enjoying cozy holiday decor, and maybe a glass of wine or two. Attending a formal dinner party is the perfect reason to break out your favorite dinner party attire. Even if the event doesn’t have a dress code, there’s no reason you can’t be the best-dressed guest in attendance! If you need a little help to get there, I’ve got you covered. Keep reading for a list of 12 dinner party outfits for every occasion this holiday season.
1. short-sleeved turtleneck + wide-leg pants + wool overcoat
This first outfit is the perfect look for formal dinner parties, whether the occasion is hosted by your office or a group of your friends. A monochromatic look in a coordinating color palette is an easy way to instantly elevate your look, especially if you’re opting for a pair of wide-leg pants. Pair the wide look of the pants with a slim-fitting top for perfect balance. If you get warm easily, a short-sleeved turtleneck is the perfect way to stay cool while still embodying classic winter style.
Don’t forget a jacket for the walk from your car to the front door – this wool overcoat is a great choice. Complete your look with a pair of ankle boots with a kitten heel, a bold pair of statement earrings, and a leather black belt.
2. little black dress + pearl details + black pumps
Channel your inner Audrey Hepburn in this little black dress. No list of dinner party outfits would be complete without one! The little black dress is a staple piece that was beloved by the classic actress, and with good reason – it can be adapted to nearly any occasion with the right styling. I love the pearl details on this particular style as it reminded me of Audrey’s dress in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, which featured a pearl necklace draped over her back.
Complete the timeless dinner party outfit with black pumps, a shiny leather shoulder bag, and pearl drop earrings.
3. metallic jacket + wide-leg pants + ballet flats
Stand out and shine in this next dinner party look that is sure to leave a lasting impression. First, start with the oversized double-faced metallic jacket from J.Crew. It features a relaxed fit with two rows of polished buttons down the front. This is a statement piece that would pair well with trousers, a satin midi skirt, or could even be worn over a dress.
For this look, try a pair of wide-leg pants. Wearing a piece like a metallic gold jacket is the perfect time to keep the rest of your look understated. Accessorize with gold stud earrings, black ballet flats, and a 3-in-1 croc-embossed leather bag.
4. satin button-down + pleated skirt + headband + black heels
Grace Kelly’s classic style is the inspiration for this next dinner party look. Start the outfit with a stylish blouse – Grace loved a timeless button-down. She favored a somewhat muted color palette, clean lines, and ladylike accessories. To complement the cream shirt, pair it with a tan midi skirt. The pleats add movement, and the verticle lines create a flattering shape.
Accessorize with beautiful but understated pearl stud earrings, black heels, a gold watch and a black velvet headband to tie the look together.
5. cable-knit half-zip + pull-on pants + flats + gold watch
Let’s take on casual gatherings with this next look. I could envision this next outfit as the perfect Thanksgiving ensemble. A cable-knit half-zip is a slightly more casual look to the classic fall sweater. Next, try a pair of pull-on pants with a flexible waistband. I think we can all agree that comfortable pants are a must for a big meal! These Easy Pants from Everlane are always a good idea.
Accessorize within the beige color palette for an elevated look. Try leather flats for a comfortable yet chic shoe. Complete the outfit with a suede bucket bag, and a gold watch. This outfit idea is ideal for any of your upcoming casual dinner parties.
Related: 10 Chic and Comfortable Thanksgiving Day Outfits for Women
6. cozy cardigan + white t-shirt + dark-wash jeans + suede bag
Cozy up in this next look for a fall dinner party with friends or family. Keep things casual in dark-wash jeans. Choose a pair in a darker color to elevate your look. They also flatter every body type!
On top, start with a plain white t-shirt from Everlane. (It’s on Carolyn’s list of the best white tees on the market!) The pop of white not only provides a chic hint of contrast to your look, but also serves a practical use as well. Layer a t-shirt under your delicate or hard-to-wash knits to prevent having to wash them as frequently. This is one of my favorite tips for wearing pieces like the Emile sweater from Sezane.
Next, add your cardigan. Shades of brown are trending this fall. Pair your cardigan with dark brown ankle boots with a kitten heel, and a suede shoulder bag from J.Crew.
Love the idea of putting together an endless combination of looks like this one with the help of a capsule wardrobe? You’re in luck, MCO has free resources you can access here to get you started.
7. double-breasted blazer jacket + pleated mini skirt + slingback heels
Here’s another chic look inspired by the classic style of Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn. First, swap out the traditional midi skirt for fall with a mini pleated version instead. If you like additional coverage, you can always add a pair of tights underneath. On top, layer an oversized blazer jacket from J.Crew. The pop of the gold buttons elevates the look, and the double-breasted style adds formality. The combination of the skirt and jacket emulates the look of a formal dress.
Reincorporate pops of gold into the monochromatic look in your statement earrings, and the buckle on your croc-embossed bag. A sleek pair of slingback kitten heels complete the outfit.
8. turtleneck poncho + leather pants + ankle boots
Combine two different aesthetics for an interesting and chic for the perfect outfit to attend a holiday dinner party. If you’re like me, your style can’t be honed down to just one label. Mix and match your two personalities by pairing edgy leather pants with a turtleneck poncho crafted with luxurious fabric. The wool-cashmere combination is the perfect option to stay warm in cold temperatures, without sacrificing style.
Elongate your legs by choosing a pair of pointed-toe ankle boots. Pick a pair of shoes in the same color as your pants for an instant lengthening effect. Accessorize with a leather shopper tote – it’s perfect for transporting your hostess gift safely. A pair of gold and crystal hoops complete the outfit.
9. off-the-shoulder sweater + gray overcoat + tall boots + satin skirt
Off-the-shoulder sweaters are having a moment this season, and I for one am thrilled about it. I’ve always loved the way that this style can open up your neckline and shoulders, without sacrificing too much modesty. The style is still appropriate for formal occasions, but is a great way to add a unique twist to your favorite fall sweater outfit.
Burgundy is the new red (at least for this season), and you’ll find it everywhere in new fall and winter arrivals. It’s the perfect pop of color for your dinner party outfits. Pair it with a satin midi skirt, and tall black boots. Statement earrings, a black clutch, and a wool overcoat complete the outfit that would be the perfect look for your office holiday party.
10. collared cable-knit sweater + sweater pants + velvet loafers
Try this casual dinner outfit to feel comfortable without sacrificing style. First, start with a cozy cable-knit collared cardigan. Next, pair it with sweater pants from J.Crew. They’re the perfect alternative to leggings if you want to elevate your look.
As for shoes, try a pair of velvet loafers. Accessorize with a silver statement watch, and a pair of crystal and pearl earrings.
11. velvet dress + strappy heels + polka dot tights + pearl accessories
Guess who’s back? That’s right, I’m circling back to the little black dress. Channel your favorite Hollywood starlet in this black velvet number from Tuckernuck. Plus, if you live in a warm climate this is the perfect compromise of cool winter fashion and luxe holiday fabric.
If you like to keep your legs covered in the colder months, try a pair of polka-dot tights for a hint of vintage charm. Pointed-toe black heels, a slim pearl headband and a pair of pearl and crystal earrings complete the classically chic look.
12. sleeveless turtleneck + slip skirt + slingback heels + headband
Let’s cap off our list with one last look inspired by the sleek, mod style of Audrey Hepburn. When I think of Audrey, the classic contrast of a black-and-white look comes to mind. Pair a sleeveless turtleneck with a satin slip skirt for a sleek holiday party look. Add a pair of slingback heels, a feathered clutch, a velvet headband and crystal earrings to complete the classy dinner outfit.
Serving Looks This Holiday Season
Hopefully, by now you’re looking forward to holiday season formal events and all of the style opportunities they have to offer! Whether you’re channeling old Hollywood glam or are leaning toward a trendy vibe this year, you can serve great looks no matter the occasion – and if you need a little help with the recipe, come back to these outfits for inspiration.
Speaking of cold weather looks, is your closet prepped for winter? Up Next: A Winter Capsule Wardrobe That Will Make You Look Chic All Season Long 2024 (With Outfit Ideas!)
