22 Christmas Outfit Ideas for Women, From Velvet Dresses to Sequin Skirts
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Good Christmas outfit ideas for women should work as hard as you do in December, from Christmas Eve dinner to the holiday party, Christmas morning and church. This list sticks to a festive but wearable palette of deep red, emerald and forest green, black and cream, with gold and silver doing the sparkly work. You will find velvet, satin and sequins for the dressy nights, plus soft knits for the cozy ones.
Every piece below comes from a brand you know, and each one is numbered so you can build outfits across the list. Pair the red cashmere crew with the velvet skirt for church, or wear the sequin skirt with the ivory sweater for a party at a friend's house. Start with one dress or one great skirt, then let the shoes, the gold clutch and a big bow do the rest.
1. Boden Draped Sleeve Velvet Dress in Midnight Emerald
Deep green velvet is about as Christmas Eve as a dress can get, and Boden keeps this one grown up with a slash neck and draped sleeves. A bias waistline gives the skirt a soft, swishy fall, so it looks lovely at a long dinner table. Boden even suggests finishing it with heels, earrings and a clutch, which is exactly the plan.
Add the gold Steve Madden Noir pumps and the gold Loeffler Randall clutch for a classic green and gold moment. The Tory Burch doorknocker earrings bring a little shine up near your face. If the night turns cold, throw the camel Abercrombie coat over the top.
2. Reformation Lilibeth Silk Dress in Chianti
Wine red silk charmeuse is made for the holiday party, and the Lilibeth is cut as a slim maxi with a cowl neckline. It comes with a detachable sheer cape, so you can wear it over your shoulders at dinner and take it off when the dancing starts. The dress is 100% silk and dry clean only, so save it for the nights that count.
Black heels keep it sharp, and the Steve Madden Bri slingbacks add a tiny bow at the side. Carry the gold Rayne clutch for contrast against all that deep red. Pull your hair back with the green J.Crew bow if you want a little extra Christmas in the look.
3. Staud Sur Dress in Nightspark
Sequins belong at a holiday party, and this Staud mini is covered in sequin paillettes in a dark, silvery mix. It is fully lined, with a soft scoop neckline and adjustable straps to fine tune the fit. A center back invisible zipper keeps the line clean from every angle.
Layer the red velvet Steve Madden blazer over it for the walk in, then take it off once the room warms up. The gold Noir pumps or the oxblood Dolce Vita booties both work, depending on how much standing you expect. Keep jewelry simple since the dress is doing plenty, so the Tory Burch earrings are enough.
4. Boden Pleated Tulle Midi Dress in Dark Cherry
For church on Christmas morning or the Christmas Eve service, a dotted tulle midi feels festive without trying too hard. Boden makes this one in pleated dotty tulle with sheer sleeves, in a deep cherry shade that reads warm and rich. The brand designed it to carry from early fall right into party season, so it keeps earning its spot.
Wear the oxblood Dolce Vita booties to pick up the dark red, or the red Loeffler Randall bow flats for a softer look. Button the camel Abercrombie coat over it for the walk from the car. The green J.Crew bow clip adds a pop of color at the back of your hair.
5. Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater in Varsity Red
Every holiday closet needs one red sweater, and Quince makes it easy with a crewneck in 100% Grade A cashmere. The cashmere is pill resistant, so it should still look neat after a month of gift wrapping and cookie runs. It is soft enough to wear on its own and warm enough to slip under a coat, and it comes in extended sizes up to 3X.
Tuck it into the black Reformation velvet skirt for church, with the red Noa flats to match. On Christmas morning, wear it with the Good American velvet pants until the brunch guests arrive. For a party, try it over the gold J.Crew sequin skirt with the Bri heels.
6. Rails Miranda Sweater in Ivory
A cream sweater is the cozy half of a Christmas wardrobe, and the Miranda is a soft blend of 75% cashmere and 25% silk. Rails suggests wearing it with a satin skirt or jeans, which covers both the party and the morning after. It fits true to size, so you can order your usual.
Pair it with the green Quince silk skirt and the gold Noir pumps for a Christmas Eve look that feels soft but polished. It also plays nicely with the J.Crew sequin skirt when you want sparkle without a full party dress. On Christmas morning, add the red Loeffler Randall flats and a big mug of coffee.
7. Boden Mae Fair Isle Cardigan in Camel, Red Pom Pom
Christmas morning calls for a festive cardigan, and the pom poms make this one hard to resist. Boden knits the Fair Isle pattern with a touch of wool and alpaca for warmth and finishes it with chunky buttons down the front. The camel and red colors look right at home next to a tree and a pile of wrapping paper.
Button it over the ivory Rails sweater for extra warmth, or wear it alone with the Good American velvet pants. The oxblood Dolce Vita booties take it out the door for a family walk. For church, layer it over the dark cherry Boden dress and skip the coat if the drive is short.
8. Rails Sonora Top in Crimson
Satin tops are the easiest way to dress up pants you already own, and the Sonora comes in a deep crimson that fits right into the holiday palette. It is cut from a lightweight satin blend with a fluid drape, a loose boxy fit and shirred shoulders. Tonal lace trim and a button loop keyhole at the back neck add pretty details up close.
Tuck the front into the black Banana Republic flannel pants and add the Bri slingbacks for an office party. Since the sleeves are short, the red velvet Steve Madden blazer or the camel coat gives you an easy layer. The Tory Burch earrings finish it off with a bit of gold.
9. Steve Madden Tonia Blazer in Red Velvet
Red velvet tailoring is a fun swap for a party dress, and this Steve Madden blazer has long sleeves, a button front and a structured collar. It is 100% polyester velvet that you can hand wash, which is handy for a jacket you will wear all season. It is also sold as part of a matching set, so you can go fully coordinated if you like.
Wear it over the Staud sequin dress for a party look with real color. With the black Banana Republic pants and the gold Noir pumps, it becomes a sharp Christmas Eve outfit. Keep the crimson Rails top underneath if you want to stay tonal.
10. Abercrombie & Fitch 100% Wool Mid-Length Coat in Camel
Camel is the coat color that ties every holiday outfit together, since it works over red, green, black and cream alike. Abercrombie makes this one in 100% boiled wool with a relaxed fit, a classic lapel collar and a double breasted front. It is fully lined, with pockets and an interior chest pocket for your phone during the service.
Throw it over the Boden velvet dress for Christmas Eve, and the green and camel together look rich. It also works over the red Quince sweater and the Reformation velvet skirt on the way to church. The oxblood Nesly booties keep the whole look grounded in the cold.
11. Quince 100% Washable Silk Skirt in Basil Green
Green satin feels like Christmas without looking like a costume, and this midi skirt is made from 19mm mulberry silk satin. It has a bias cut that moves nicely when you walk, plus a hidden elastic waist for long dinners. The silk is washable, and the skirt also comes in extended sizes up to 3X.
Pair it with the ivory Rails sweater and the gold Steve Madden pumps for Christmas Eve dinner. For church, try the red Quince crewneck on top and the red Noa flats below. The gold Loeffler Randall clutch picks up the warm tones either way.
12. J.Crew Sequin Ruffle-Trim Mini Skirt in Candlelight
Party season is the time for a sequin skirt, and this J.Crew mini is covered in pale gold sequins with ruffle trim along the hem. It is lined, with an elastic waistband and a side zip, and it falls above the knee. A matching top is sold separately if you want the full shimmery set.
Balance all that sparkle with the soft ivory Rails sweater and the black Bri slingbacks. For a cozier party, try the red Quince cashmere crew and the oxblood booties. Add the gold Rayne clutch and you are ready for the office party or a friend's open house.
13. Reformation Helen Velvet Skirt in Black
Black velvet skirts go from the Christmas Eve service to a holiday dinner with nothing more than a top change. The Helen is a column style midi with a slim fit, made from a soft, non stretch velvet in 82% rayon and 18% silk. It is dry clean only, so treat it like the special piece it is.
Tuck in the red Quince sweater and slip on the red Noa bow flats for a classic church look. For a party, pair it with the crimson Rails satin top and the gold Noir pumps. The camel Abercrombie coat works over both.
14. Banana Republic High-Rise Flare Italian Flannel Pant in Black
Tailored trousers are the comfortable secret of a long holiday night, and these are cut from a warm Italian wool blend flannel. A high rise, a wide flared leg and an outseam wrapped toward the front all work to make your legs look longer. An elastic back waist and front and back pockets keep them easy through dinner and dessert, and they come in regular, tall and petite.
Wear them with the crimson Rails top and the red velvet blazer for a festive suit feel. The gold Noir pumps peek out nicely under the flare. On a relaxed Christmas Day, swap in the Boden Fair Isle cardigan and the Nesly booties.
15. Good American Velvet Good Waist Palazzo Pants in Black
Velvet pants look dressy but feel as easy as loungewear, which is exactly what Christmas morning needs. Good American cuts these with a high rise, wide legs and classic five pockets, plus a gap proof waistband. The fabric is 73% cotton, 25% rayon and 2% spandex, and you can machine wash it cold.
Pair them with the Boden Fair Isle cardigan for present opening, then add the Nesly booties for brunch. For a party, try the red Quince crewneck tucked in with the Bri slingbacks. The J.Crew bow clip adds a little green to an all black and red look.
16. Steve Madden Bri Slingback Pump in Black Suede
Black suede with a bow is about as holiday ready as a shoe gets, and the Bri wraps grosgrain ribbon around its slingback strap. It has a point toe, a 4 inch stiletto heel and a bow at the side. Steve Madden recommends going up a half size if you are between sizes.
Wear them with the Reformation silk dress for the party, or with the J.Crew sequin skirt for drinks with friends. They also work with the black Banana Republic pants and the crimson Rails top. The black suede makes them easy to match with almost every other piece on this list.
17. Steve Madden Noir Pump in Gold Leather
Gold heels are a neat way to add holiday shine without wearing sequins head to toe. The Noir has a sharp pointed toe, a 4 inch stiletto heel and a leather upper in warm gold. Gold acts like a neutral in December, so these go with green, red, black and cream.
Slip them on with the Boden emerald velvet dress for Christmas Eve dinner. They also look great under the flare of the Banana Republic pants with the red velvet blazer. Match them to the gold Rayne clutch for a pulled together finish.
18. Loeffler Randall Noa Moire Bow Flat in Red
Flats are the smart pick for church and long family days, and these come with a big bow in red moire. The Noa has a pointed toe, a 1 inch heel and a padded leather footbed with a gold stamped logo. That oversized signature bow makes a flat feel just as festive as a heel.
Wear them with the black Reformation velvet skirt and the red Quince crewneck for church. They look sweet with the green Quince silk skirt too, for a full red and green outfit. On Christmas morning, they dress up the Good American velvet pants in a fun way.
19. Dolce Vita Nesly Booties in Oxblood Leather
Boots carry you through the cold parts of the holiday, and the Nesly comes in a deep oxblood that suits this palette. It has a sculpted yet supportive 2 inch heel, a tapered toe and a genuine leather upper. The shaft sits above the ankle at 6.5 inches, so it works with midi skirts and pants alike.
Pair them with the Boden tulle dress for church, since the dark red tones line up. They also suit the Good American velvet pants and the Fair Isle cardigan for a relaxed Christmas Day. For a party, wear them with the Staud sequin dress for a cooler edge.
20. Loeffler Randall Rayne Bow Clutch in Gold
An evening bag is where you can go all in on shine, and this clutch is made of pleated gold lame topped with a bow. It is a frame clutch with a full lining and a removable twisted gold chain strap. Carry it in hand at dinner, or clip on the chain when you need your hands free.
Gold looks beautiful against the deep red of the Reformation dress. It also matches the Steve Madden gold pumps and the Tory Burch earrings if you like your metals to agree. Bring it along with the Boden velvet dress for a classic green and gold Christmas Eve.
21. Tory Burch Pierced Pave Doorknocker Earrings in Light Brass and Crystal
Bold gold earrings make even a plain sweater look ready for a party. These are 18k gold plated brass, with opposite hoops detailed in crystal pave for a slightly mismatched look. They measure about 1.1 inches long, are nickel free and are made for pierced ears.
Wear them with the red Quince crewneck and you are dressed for church in two minutes. They add a warm glint to the Boden velvet dress and the Rails satin top. With your hair pulled back in the J.Crew bow, they really get to shine.
22. J.Crew Chiffon Bow Clip in Midnight Foliage
Nothing says festive faster than a big hair bow, and J.Crew designed this one for holiday events. It is an oversized bow clip with an elegant drape, in a deep green that sits well next to red and gold. The bow is made of polyester, elastane and acrylic on a steel clip.
Clip it at the nape of your neck with the Reformation Chianti dress for a red and green party look. It brightens the black Reformation velvet skirt and the red sweater at church. On Christmas morning, pair it with the Fair Isle cardigan for the family photo.
What colors work best for Christmas outfits?
Deep red, emerald or forest green, black and cream are the classics, and gold or silver accents add the shine. If you love one bold piece, like a red velvet blazer, keep the rest of the outfit in black or cream so it stands out.
What should I wear to church on Christmas?
Choose a midi dress or skirt with a soft knit and comfortable shoes, like a velvet skirt with a red cashmere crewneck and bow flats. Add a warm coat, since both the church and the parking lot can feel chilly.
How can I make one outfit work for several holiday plans?
Most Christmas outfit ideas for women start with one hero piece, like a sequin skirt or velvet pants, that you restyle with different tops and shoes. Wear it with a cashmere sweater and flats for a family dinner, then switch to a satin top and heels for a party. Accessories like a gold clutch or a hair bow make the change feel bigger than it is.
