It's All Here: What to Wear When You're Hosting During the Holidays
Tiffany Reid is a Who What Wear editor in residence, fashion executive, freelance stylist, and brand consultant who most recently served as the senior vice president of fashion for Bustle Digital Group. She recently launched a YouTube series, Tried + True, in which she walks viewers through the latest trends.
I'm officially in my hosting era this year. I hosted Thanksgiving for the first time for 30 whole people, and I am currently in planning mode for my New Year's Eve party to ring in 2026. One of the unexpected perks of hosting is the freedom to fully set the tone, from the guest list to the food, the music, and, most importantly, the dress code. There's something so empowering about welcoming people into your home and creating an experience that is distinctly yours. I get so much pleasure in seeing my loved ones have a good time when I curated a moment for them. Hosting feels less about perfection and more about intention, and that mindset carries through to how you show up and, obviously, how you get dressed.
While all details matter, I'm a true believer that what you wear as a host is just as important as the atmosphere you create. As the host, your look for the party is helping to determine the aesthetic of the entire gathering. Your outfit is often the first impression guests get, and it quietly communicates the mood, whether that's festive, relaxed, elevated, or celebratory. While looking chic is important, feeling comfortable is also key to a well-balanced hosting ensemble, especially for me since I am also chasing after my little one while pouring more champagne for my guests. Whether your party is intended to be formal, casual, or somewhere in between, these holiday-hosting style tips will make getting dressed easier for your next soirée!
1. Go Bold With a Statement Print
Hosting is the perfect time to have fun with fashion. An animal print, something geometric, or a graphic floral instantly looks intentional and festive without needing much styling. You want to command the room because—let's be honest—it's your party. A bold pattern allows you to stand out in the crowd, get the attention you deserve, and have your guests easily find you when they need something.
2. Choose a Monochromatic Look
Dressing in one color from head to toe is a no-brainer, whether you opt for a subtle ivory outfit or something bright, like red. Monochromatic outfits always look chic and pulled-together. When you are juggling an endless to-do list before the big event, you need an easy thing to check off the list. The final look gives the illusion of more effort than a monochromatic look takes and shows your guests you cared enough to get dressed up for them.
3. Lean Into Cozy, Festive Knits
Comfort matters when you're hosting, and sometimes, it's the most important thing. If that is the case and you still want to look stylish, opt for cozy materials like cashmere with elevated prints and embellishments. The little extra details keep things festive and fun.
4. Prioritize Pieces You Can Move In
You'll be cooking, greeting guests, and cleaning up, and if kids are coming, there might be a lot of lifting, so you want to make sure your outfit allows for movement. Stretchy waistbands, wrap silhouettes, and silky sets feel relaxed but still look polished and are easy to pull together. The movement and ease of the look allow you to focus on the important things, like entertaining your guests.
5. Wear Shoes You Can Stand In
Choose footwear you can comfortably wear for hours, like stylish flats or cozy slippers if you're in the house. The goal is to find something you can wear all night without sacrificing style. There are so many great hybrids of flat shoes and slippers now. You cannot go wrong with something that makes a statement while you work the room!
6. Choose Wrinkle-Resistant Pieces
Hosting means sitting, standing, and moving nonstop. To combat this, go for fabrics that don't wrinkle easily (like, say, velvet!) so you still look polished hours into the night. Velvet is also one of those fabrics that is a cheat code to instantly making items feel rich and luxurious, further setting the tone of the party without a major lift on your end.
7. Let Accessories Do the Work
If your outfit is simple, elevate it with statement earrings or a bold necklace. Accessories add personality without sacrificing comfort. I like to call them conversation starters because someone is bound to ask you who makes the item or where to get it, which helps to break the ice when mingling.
