Updated for the 2026 party season. Last updated: 1 November 2026.
The short answer: the easiest Christmas party outfit is a long-sleeve midi dress in a rich colour (black, wine red or deep green), knee-high boots or heels, and a statement coat to arrive in. Lace, velvet, satin and sequins all read "festive" without trying too hard. For the office party, keep sleeves long and hemlines at the knee or below; for a black-tie ball or a big night out, go full length. Our favourite all-rounder is the Off-Shoulder Lace Corset Midi Dress, worn with the Long Faux Fur Coat over the top.
The black Lace Corset Midi Dress at a townhouse Christmas party.
Christmas parties come in very different shapes: a drinks do in the office, a restaurant dinner with friends, a family party at home, a black-tie ball. Below we've matched an outfit to each one, with what to wear on top, because in December the coat is half the outfit. Every piece we link to is from our own Ashby & Pine range, and we've been honest about what each one is and isn't good for.
Christmas party outfit ideas at a glance
| Type of party | What to wear | Coat to arrive in |
|---|---|---|
| Office party | Long-sleeve lace or knit midi dress, knee-high boots | Faux Shearling-Lined Long Coat |
| Dinner with friends | Lace corset midi dress in wine red | Long Faux Fur Coat |
| Big night out | Satin cowl neck maxi dress | Shaggy Faux Fur Jacket |
| Black-tie ball or gala | Sequin mermaid maxi gown | Long Faux Fur Coat |
| Family party or Christmas Day | Ribbed knit jumper dress or a chunky high-neck jumper | Long Hooded Puffer Coat |
| Winter date night | Lace midi dress or satin maxi, heeled boots | Shearling-Collar Aviator Jacket |
What should I wear to an office Christmas party?
Aim for "dressed up, but you could still give a presentation in it". A long-sleeve midi dress hits that balance: it feels special, covers you for a cold office and works from 5pm drinks to a late dinner. Lace is ideal because it looks festive in daylight and candlelight alike.
The Off-Shoulder Lace Corset Midi Dress has long sheer lace sleeves and a structured corset bodice, in black, wine red or mint green. Black is the safe office choice; wine red is the one people remember. If you'd rather not go off-shoulder at work, the Collared Ribbed Knit Jumper Dress (black, khaki, red or mustard, sizes S to 3XL) is smart, warm and has pockets.
On your feet: block-heel or heeled knee-high boots are kinder than stilettos on a long night and look great with a midi hem. Over the top, a double-breasted faux shearling-lined coat keeps the look sharp on the commute.
Wine red lace under the Regent Street lights.
What to wear to a Christmas dinner or drinks with friends
This is where you can have more fun. Keep one "hero" piece and let everything else be simple: a lace dress with plain black boots, or a sequin top with dark jeans. Rich jewel colours (wine, emerald, burgundy) photograph beautifully under fairy lights, and they won't clash with everyone else's black.
The real winter trick is the coat. A long faux fur coat turns even jeans and a nice top into a party outfit the moment you walk in, and it's genuinely warm on a dry, cold night. If you prefer something shorter, the Shaggy Faux Fur Jacket in light brown sits at the hip and looks great over a slip or satin dress.
The Long Faux Fur Coat: the fastest way to make any outfit look like a party outfit.
Honest note: faux fur isn't made for heavy rain. If the forecast is wet, wear a puffer or parka on the way and leave the faux fur for dry nights.
Black-tie and gala: Christmas ball outfits
For a ball, awards dinner or anything with "black tie" on the invitation, go full length. Two styles work especially well in winter:
- Sequins. The Sequin Mermaid Maxi Evening Dress comes in gold, black and brick red, with sizes from S up to 4XL. Gold is the most festive; black is the most versatile if you want to wear it again for New Year's Eve.
- Satin. The Satin Cowl Neck Halter Maxi Dress in burgundy has a draped neckline and an open back. It's simpler than sequins, so it suits people who like a cleaner, more elegant look.
Both are bare-armed, so the coat really matters. A long faux fur coat over a floor-length gown is the classic winter-ball combination.
Casual Christmas party outfits (family parties and Christmas Day)
At home, comfort wins, but you still want to look like you made an effort for the photos. Good options:
- A knit jumper dress with thick tights and ankle boots.
- A cream oversized high-neck jumper with a satin skirt or smart trousers. It's the cosy-but-chic option for the Christmas market too.
- A matching coat and knit dress set, which is a whole outfit you don't have to think about, in five colours.
Going out for a walk between lunch and pudding? Throw a long hooded puffer over the top. More ideas in our winter outfits for women guide.
Winter date night outfits
Winter date night is one of the most searched outfit questions every December, and the answer is close to a dinner-party outfit with a little more personality. A lace midi or satin dress with heeled boots is a safe win. For something more relaxed, try dark jeans, a fitted knit and a suede aviator jacket with a shearling collar: warm, flattering and easy to wear for a walk after dinner.
What should men wear to a Christmas party?
For most office and dinner parties, men can't go wrong with smart-casual layers: a fine knit or quarter-zip knitted polo over a shirt, tailored cord trousers, suede loafers or Chelsea-style boots, and a long tailored overcoat. For a ball, it's a dinner suit; for a family party, a cable-knit half-zip and dark jeans is plenty. Our winter outfits for men guide has full looks.
How to stay warm in a party dress
- Thermal tights. Fleece-lined tights with a sheer effect look like normal tights but feel far warmer.
- A coat that covers the dress. A long coat that reaches past your hem stops the wind getting to your legs. A cropped jacket over a maxi dress leaves a cold gap.
- Boots, not sandals. Knee-high boots under a midi dress keep your legs warm and you can dance in them. See our best women's winter boots.
- Something for your ears. A faux fur ear warmer headband keeps your ears warm without crushing your hair the way a hat would.
When to order for Christmas
Our delivery takes 5–7 working days. For a party on a Friday, order by the Friday of the week before to be safe, and leave a little extra time in the busy weeks before Christmas. If you're between sizes in a fitted dress, check the size guide on the product page and measure yourself before you order.
FAQ
What is appropriate to wear to a Christmas party?
For most Christmas parties, a long-sleeve midi dress, smart boots and a statement coat is appropriate. Keep it smarter and less revealing for office parties, and go full length for black-tie events.
What colours should I wear to a Christmas party?
Classic Christmas party colours are black, wine red, burgundy, deep green, gold and silver. Rich jewel tones look especially good under warm party lighting.
Can I wear jeans to a Christmas party?
Yes, for casual parties. Pair dark jeans with a dressy top or a fitted knit, heeled boots and a faux fur or shearling coat so the outfit still feels festive.
What do you wear to a Christmas party if you don't like dresses?
Try wide-leg trousers or dark jeans with a satin or lace top, or a smart knit co-ord. Add heeled boots and a statement coat to dress it up.
How do I keep warm at an outdoor Christmas party?
Layer fleece-lined tights under your dress, wear knee-high boots and choose a long coat that covers your hem. An ear warmer headband helps without spoiling your hair.
Shop all women's dresses and women's coats and jackets.