What to Wear to a Party: 4 Easy Looks Guaranteed to Get Compliments

There's no denying that party season is here. As if over night, our social calendars have gone from lazy weekends to work drinks, early nights to all-nighters, and before we know it, we’ll be all booked up. Not that we’re complaining, though!

I firmly believe there's no better time of year to dress up and show out than the festive period, and in the months between November and New Year’s, you'll find us in a particularly special collection of clothes designed to shake off the seasonal blues. Sequin dresses, strokeably soft velvets and plenty of sparkly accessories are guaranteed to bring out your inner party animal, but where do you begin when putting together the right party outfit? I think I've found the answer.

what to wear to a party

(Image credit: @dawn.tan)

Before you book your Uber, let's get to the good part: outfit planning. Each event requires a slightly different kind of outfit. For example, the fun, cocktail party dress might be a little bit much for the intimate family dinner. (Although, I will always advocate for glitter.) So in order to help you put together a look for the big night ahead, I've assembled four outfits that will have you covered for everything from getting Christmas drinks in the pubs with friends to seeing in the New Year. So sit back, relax, and scroll through the gallery below for the only four party outfit ideas you’ll need this winter.

1. SPARKLE ON SPARKLE

what to wear to a party

(Image credit: Future)

Style Notes: Why not go all out when it comes to party dressing? I really can't think of a good reason not to! Pair a sequin mini with equally sparkly accessories like a silver bag, glittering earrings and a fun party shoe for a look that is bound to turn heads.

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2. A TIMELESS DENIM LOOK

what to wear to a party

(Image credit: Future)

Style Notes: For something a little more low-key, I always opt for denim. Try something smarter like this gorgeous, indigo wash, structured jumpsuit (you can add a coat over the top to beat the chill!) and classic jewellery, before completing the look with kitten heels and a bag to throw your phone, wallet and keys in.

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3. COCKTAIL READY

what to wear to a party

(Image credit: Future)

Style Notes: Yes, brown and pink are the colours to know about right now, but we're still not ready to say goodbye to classic black for party season. This playful look pairs every fashion person's favourite dress—Taller Marmo's mini—with matching heels and pearl-detail touches.

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4. A CASUAL CHRISTMAS 'FIT

what-to-wear-to-a-party

(Image credit: Future)

Style Notes: The festive period isn't all about sequins and sparkles. If you're heading to the pub or to a dinner party with friends, rely on a trusty blazer and legging duo and add knee-high boots. Choose a pretty necklace or statement bag to ensure it still feels festive-adjacent.

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Next Up: It's Party Season—Here Are 7 Major Trends That Work for Every Dress Code

Remy Farrell
Fashion Editor

Remy Farrell is a London-based shopping editor with nearly 10 years of editorial experience covering fashion, beauty and lifestyle. After graduating with a journalism degree and working on the editorial and fashion teams for titles such as Grazia, Elle, Cosmopolitan and British Vogue, she moved into the luxury e-commerce sector, working as fashion assistant at TheOutnet.com styling for the social media channels and helping to develop the collections for the in-house brand Iris & Ink. After expanding an assisting and styling portfolio that includes shooting talent such as Gigi Hadid, Victoria Beckham and Miquita Oliver, she also branched out into beauty, creating tried-and-tested reviews and diverse beauty content.In her role as shopping editor at Who What Wear, Remy is interested in discovering new and exciting brands to share with the Who What Wear readership and particularly loves uncovering hidden gems at affordable prices to make shopping accessible to everyone.Born and raised in Sheffield, Yorkshire, Remy moved to London in 2014 and lives in the Docklands with her partner and pug Billie.