What To Wear for Christmas Events: Our Edit for the Most Wonderful Time of the Year


Ho, ho, ho. Like elves, we’re busy curating a mix of inspiration and information to have you looking your best this Christmas season. With all the events dotting your calendar, it’s time to start planning outfits. Are you heading to a farm to select a tree to decorate? Perhaps your inbox is filling up with invites to cookie swaps, company parties and a fancy shindig or two. Wondering what to wear for Christmas events this year? Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. From casual to couture, get ready to rock around the tree in style. It’s officially time to get into the holiday spirit. Read on for our tips for a fashionable 12 days of Christmas for women.

Say Cheese: What To Wear for Christmas Photos

The holiday season may start early for you if a photo shoot is on your to-do list. With the arrival of sweater weather, Mother Nature provides unique backdrops and natural lighting. Aim to take photos at the golden hour, just before sunset. If you’re pondering what to wear for Christmas photos, you have lots of options. You can’t go wrong with neutrals or all-black ensembles. This allows your background to shine and is easy to coordinate for a group photo. Be sure to take a few extra shots with a bit of unique flair. Simply add matching color block scarves, hats and mittens. Or, infuse fun with reindeer or angel headbands. When in doubt, pop on Santa hats for that festive feel. Capture picture-perfect smiles while you crank up the carols. Add Jingle Bells to the playlist to guarantee your crew will be laughing all the way. 

Deck the Halls in Style

When December arrives, it’s time to kick preparations into high gear. From baking family favorites to decorating your home—the to-do list can appear naughty and nice. Keep it casual yet chic while ticking off items from your checklist. For an ensemble that takes you from a tree farm to the mall, reach for your favorite jeans. This woman’s wardrobe hero will get you through the season in style. 

When thinking about what to wear for Christmas, reach for denim that goes the extra mile. For all-day comfort and movement, savor this season’s trending straight-leg jeans and rock a higher waistline. You’ll thank us when you’re placing a star at the top of the tree or sampling another cookie. Easily style dark-rinse jeans with a Fair Isle sweater and boots this December for serious après-ski vibes. Also scoring major style points in women’s winter 2021 fashion are lug-sole boots. Grab this utilitarian style for winter walks to admire neighborhood lights or department store windows decorated for the season. Your feet will thank you when you’re walking in a winter wonderland.

What To Wear to a Christmas Party

During the Christmas season, nestled in between the mail are a plethora of green, red and metallic lined envelopes spreading cheer and joy with updates from near and far. Aside from smiling photos, this pile may also contain an invitation or two to celebrate the season. Whether you’re headed to a tree-trimming party, ice skating gathering or swanky soiree, it’s time to plan your ‘fit. Rules have changed, and this time of year we follow the mantra, more is more. When wondering what to wear to a Christmas party, consider the time of day, venue and any dress code indicated on the invitation. Do you have gatherings planned for the outdoors? Baby, it’s cold outside, so level up your outerwear for a feminine, yet polished look. Or, snuggle up with a blanket scarf for a festive feel. Read on to see how we’re getting ready for parties this yuletide season.

Tree Trimming Party Ensembles

If you’re heading to an intimate tree trimming party, keep your ensemble simple, yet cheerful. Women’s sweaters are having a major moment. They’re the perfect solution when trying to figure out what to wear to Christmas parties. This season, we’re crushing on vegan-leather skirts paired with soft sweaters with elevated details. Think square necklines ideal for framing delicate layering necklaces. Or, perfect puff-sleeve pullovers that add just the right amount of drama when you’re decorating the tree. For a gift for the hostess with the mostess, bring an ornament and your favorite appetizer to share. After all, tree trimming parties are collaborative; it’s all about making memories with family and friends.

What To Wear to a Tacky Christmas Party

The obvious answer for what women should wear to a tacky Christmas party is, of course, an ugly sweater. Add jeans and flats and voilà! You’re ready. It’s as simple as that. Or, is it? Hear us out. You’ve got another option. One that will have you keeping in theme with the party while shining in the style spotlight. 

Start by embracing traditional holiday hues. Pair red denim with an emerald green blouse and silver flats. Go bold and opt for finishing touches with kitschy accessories. Think gaudy silver bells or Santa earrings. Don’t have time to hit the craft section for baubles? Reach into your decoration bin and grab some tinsel or a battery pack pair of lights for a DIY accessory. Take a hi-lo approach and add silvery strands with on-trend pearl hair clips for a style that’s both elegant and elaborate. Middle parts are here to stay and will stand out, adorned with garish yet glimmering garland. With this classic look, you will top the best-dressed list at your tacky Christmas party. Ready to jingle and mingle? We are, too.

What To Wear to a Work Christmas Party

Has your work holiday party invite arrived? Son of a Nutcracker! If your company is getting in the holly jolly spirit, no doubt you’ll wonder what to wear to a work Christmas party. While the venue and activities planned are important, don’t forget the number one rule: Always remember that you’re celebrating with colleagues. Keep your attire professional and add pops of festive flair with color, texture and accessories. For a versatile look, you can wear from desk to the dance floor, reach for a shirt dress. Seek out classic Christmas colors like pine tree green or cheerful cherry red. Show your wild side by making a statement with animal print slingback heels. For that extra icing, select modern huggie earrings, a ruched clutch and a longline overcoat. While this timeless ensemble works for many Christmas events on your calendar, it’s particularly proper for your next office get-together. 

What To Wear to an Office Christmas Lunch

Lunch holiday event toasting to the crew? Yes, please. When thinking about what to wear to an office Christmas lunch, keep it effortless. Consider the type of women’s business attire you typically wear to the office and elevate it with dazzling accessories. If your workwear go-to includes black trousers, pair them with a blouse with feminine details. We’re talking about everything from silky fabrications to sheer sleeve details. Make it a December to remember with a bow blouse to evoke the packages under the tree for a special Christmas twist. 

What To Wear on Christmas Eve

After all the anticipation leading up to the holiday, Christmas Eve is here. Can you feel the magic in the air? The day may start with a long list of errands to complete. But it’s all worth it when you end your day with slippered feet and sipping your favorite winter drink. Maybe “It’s A Wonderful Life” is on the television, and you’re able to catch your breath before the big day. There may be a few wardrobe changes between errands, visits and getting to bed in time for Santa. You’ve got a lot to consider when deciding what to wear on Christmas Eve. We’ve got a few merry and bright ideas to suit all your needs. 

What To Wear on Christmas Eve to Church

Are you going to church for services or is a concert full of your favorite carols on the to-do list? Then thinking about what to wear on Christmas Eve to church is undoubtedly on the agenda. For midnight Mass, you’ll want to arrive early to score a seat. When running into old and new friends, let your layers do the work. Wool-blend overcoats provide much-needed warmth on a frosty December night and win a ton of style points. If the weather allows, leave your coat unbuttoned to highlight your dress. Keep your legs warm with tights. Choose from patterned or opaque stockings to complement your apparel. Play it safe with flats or a low-stacked heel in case you arrive late and it’s standing room only.

Outfit Inspiration for a Christmas Eve Open House

‘Twas the night before Christmas, and you find yourself home for the holiday. Wondering what to wear for Christmas to visit friends and family? Keep it straightforward for impromptu neighborhood get-togethers and open houses. We’re mad for plaid. Choose traditional tartans like Royal Stewart and Black Watch for pants or skirts. Timeless checks are never a bad idea in our holiday style book. Think buffalo, houndstooth and tattersall. Pair your plaid with cashmere sweaters, organza blouses or soft knit turtlenecks. Round out your outfit with gold statement earrings to glitter and glow alongside a pair of slingback flats. Don’t forget to check your list (twice) to make sure you wish your nearest and dearest season’s greetings.

What To Wear on Christmas Day

No matter your plans, figuring out what to wear on Christmas day for any woman can be tricky. Let your schedule be your guide. Are you hoping for a low-key day that’s full of opening presents and seeing what surprises were left in the stockings? A dressed-down day calls for pajamas, slippers and elevated leisure sets. Hosting the in-laws and looking to dress to the nines to celebrate your favorite holiday? Don a lush velvet jumpsuit, heels and add sparkle with gem embellished hoop earrings. From comfy and cozy by the fire to chic and shimmering at the dining room table, anything goes on December 25th. This is the day to lean into soft fabrications in rich colors all while making a bold statement. 

Sleigh All Day in PJs for the Coziest Christmas

You have our permission, not that you need it, to spend the day in your pajamas. Go ahead—let visions of Sugar Plum fairies dance in your head. Opt for sleepwear in playful patterns and luxurious fabrics. Treat yourself to fuzzy slippers and a knotted headband for a Hallmark channel movie marathon. If your family tradition involves going to the movies and bringing home takeout, swap your PJs for loungewear sets. No need to knit pick, but we love velour jogger sets with slip-on sneakers for next-level leisurewear. Deciding what to wear for Christmas can be as simple as reaching for your coziest pieces to stay toasty. Now that’s a gift that keeps on giving.

Are you ready to add a little Christmas spirit to your winter wardrobe? Our style experts are here to lend a hand. Take your style quiz, order a Fix and don’t forget to ask your stylist for holiday-worthy options. Relax and receive five items that you can try on in the comfort of your own home. Shipping and returns are always free. 

A New Way To Shop

Stitch Fix connects you with personal Stylists to send you looks you’ll love.

Get Your Fix

Need expert fashion advice?

Get a personal stylist

Want more tips, trends & insider news? Follow @stitchfix on Instagram