5 Chic Party Outfit Ideas for All Types of Dress Codes

It’s that time of year again when a scroll through your diary makes you look like a professional partygoer. A pub lunch here, a festive cocktail there, a couple of work parties thrown in, and before you know it, you’re all booked up. We’re not complaining, though, as we're ready to embrace the festive period in all its glory. Plus, the Christmas party season really is the best excuse to go all out when it comes to dressing up. Sparkly earrings and platform sandals? Sure. Metallic gold boots for lunch? Why note! Top it all off with glitter manicures and a blow-dry, and we’re glad of the opportunity to indulge our inner partier. 

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(Image credit: @slipintostyle)

Ellie goes out all out in a rainbow dress, bright pink bag and bow adorned heels.

Of course, while it’s all rather exciting, each individual event usually requires a different outfit, even one that is made up of some of your favourite wardrobes staples. Fear not, though—we’re here to help. From a black-tie event to a knees-up with friends, we’ve sought inspiration from some of the most stylish ladies on the party circuit for original styling ideas that won’t see you turn up to an event sporting the same look as another guest.

So, sit back, consult that calendar and scroll through the gallery below for five Christmas party outfit ideas you're sure to rely on this season.

1. Dinner With Friends

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(Image credit: @chrissyford)

Style Notes: A slip dress never fails, and Chrissy shows how to take it to dinner by shoulder-robing a jumper (no one wants to get chilly at the end of the night) in the same shade. You could also add a blazer if you wanted to cover your arms.

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2. Black-Tie Event 

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(Image credit: @camillecharriere)

Style Notes: If the dress code is black-tie then it's time to pull out all stops. With no such think as OTT, you can go as dressy as you like. Keep it sleek, though, and remember an amazing black dress (whether it is a maxi or mini) never fails. 

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3. The Work Party

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(Image credit: @babba)

Style Notes: The work party is always a tricky one to navigate. You want to look smart, stylish and confident all at the same time. But it's also the perfect opportunity to get dressed up so sequins never fail. Instead of a dress, why not try a sleek two-piece?

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4. A Fancy Night Out

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(Image credit: @heartzeena)

Style Notes: Heading out for cocktails with your best friends somewhere extra fancy? Or heading to a festive soirée with a glam dress code? Take the opportunity to get fully dressed up—it's party season after all!

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5. Festive Lunch Date

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(Image credit: @frannfyne)

Style Notes: While a lunch out with friends or family (whether it is at a cosy pub with a roaring fire or a buzzy hot-spot with cocktails) means you can go a bit more casual than with other looks, it's still a great excuse to get dressed up. Consider a knitted co-ord and heels or, like Franny, opt for knee-high boots and a midi dress in deep tones.

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Up Next: The 24 Luxury Items I’d Recommend for a Thoughtful Forever Gift

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Freelance Fashion Editor

Harriet Davey is a freelance fashion editor who has been part of Who What Wear's extended team since 2017. She previously worked in print at Look magazine and has since worked across print, digital and social for many other titles, including British Vogue, Stylist, Grazia, Refinery29 and Marie Claire. Also a stylist, Harriet has had the pleasure of producing cover shoots and editorials along with commercial shoots for brands including Boux Avenue, Watches of Switzerland, Benefit Cosmetics and Revolution. To add to this, Harriet also works in live TV styling for ITV’s This Morning.

Back to Who What Wear. With hundreds of published stories on site, Harriet knows what the WWW reader wants. Keeping up to date with the latest It buys and runway trends, she can guarantee to keep you one step ahead of the most stylish people.

When not writing or styling, Harriet loves to go shopping (yes, more fashion). If she’s not in a local Hackney bar or restaurant, you can find her forever searching for her next holiday destination.