Cool Girls Don't Do Basic Holiday Outfits—H&M Got the Memo

In my opinion, the coolest woman at the holiday soiree is rarely the one wearing the most obvious, on-the-nose party gown. She's the one who arrives in a perfectly slouchy satin blouse, an embellished skirt, or wearing a full suit with a tassel-adorned pouch bag—very much herself. It's a particular brand of effortless glamour that feels more fashion insider than festive dress code, and H&M's new holiday collection has it down to a science. For winter, the retailer is trading predictable partywear for artful decorations, playful textures, and silhouettes that wouldn't look out of place in a designer showroom.

Among the standouts are a gold sequined slip dress that begs for an evening out, a shimmering paillette skirt that would look just as good with a simple knit, and a cream beaded cape dress that offers a more directional approach. Elsewhere, romantic satin blouses, intricately embroidered military jackets, fringe-trimmed skirts to dance all night in, and a bit of vintage-inspired opulence. The color palette is equally as delicious: antique gold, soft ivory, champagne, muted bronze, and black, naturally. The result is a collection that feels luxurious without being overly formal, with pieces that can be mixed and matched easily.

From high-shine sequins and romantic satin to statement-making silhouettes, these are pieces that deserve far more than a single appearance on the holiday party circuit. Better yet, they deliver the kind of expensive-looking glamour typically reserved for a much higher price point. Ahead, shop the best of H&M's new holiday collection, handpicked by a fashion editor who knows a good party piece when she sees one.