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    1. Fashion
    2. Winter Fashion

    I’ve Cracked the Code on Holiday Dressing—Here's What to Wear for Every Occasion

    You're welcome.

    Nikki Ogunnaike's avatar
    By Nikki Ogunnaike
    Published 17 November 2025 In Buying Guides

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    nikki ogunnaike wearing a pink and green fringed top; nikki ogunnaike wearing a red dress
    (Image credit: Getty Images)
    Jump to category:
    • FESTIVE
    • COCKTAIL OR SEMI-FORMAL
    • OFFICE-APPROPRIATE
    • BLACK-TIE OPTIONAL
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    Friends! If this is going to be you from now until December 24, have I got a newsletter for you. This week, I’m offering up some outfit ideas for the various party dress codes you may encounter throughout the next month or so.

    FESTIVE

    This is undoubtedly the most broad of all seasonal dress codes. When I see “festive” on the invite, my mind immediately thinks of colors (silver, blue, red, green, gold) and fabrics (velvet, satin, sequin) that scream “holiday.” Take, for example, this metallic brocade dress. The fabric rises to the occasion, but can be tempered if you’re worried about looking too on-the-nose with a pair of chunky black boots and an oversized work jacket.

    Hill House Home, The Ellie Nap Dress - Metallic Brocade

    Hill House Home
    The Ellie Nap Dress - Metallic Brocade
    $298
    $298 AT HILL HOUSE HOME

    Argent, Abra Work Jacket in Regenerative Cotton | Metropolis

    Argent x Citizens of Humanity
    Abra Work Jacket in Regenerative Cotton
    $368
    $368 AT ARGENT

    COACH®, Park Tall Boot

    Coach
    Park Tall Boot
    $295
    $295 AT COACH

    Mango , Combined Crystal Earrings - Women | Mango Usa

    Mango
    Combined Crystal Earrings
    $46
    $46 AT MANGO

    Le Specs, Velodrome Cat Eye Sunglasses, 54mm

    Le Specs
    Velodrome Cat Eye Sunglasses, 54mm
    $70
    $70 AT BLOOMINGDALE'S

    Maxwell Earrings in Moissanite

    Dorsey
    Maxwell Earrings in Moissanite
    $310
    $310 AT DORSEY

    COCKTAIL OR SEMI-FORMAL

    If you automatically think of a black dress when you read “cocktail” or “semi-formal,” why not try something else this season? A silky-chocolate brown, T-length dress is still code-appropriate. A leopard print clutch adds an unexpected dash of texture to the look.

    Staud , Phare Draped Silk-Blend Midi Dress

    Staud
    Phare Draped Silk-Blend Midi Dress
    $720
    $720 AT NET-A-PORTER

    Loeffler Randall , Bailey Leopard-Print Satin Clutch

    Loeffler Randall
    Bailey Leopard-Print Satin Clutch
    $350 AT NET-A-PORTER

    Coach , Sammy Watch

    Coach
    Sammy Watch
    $185
    $185 AT COACH

    1998 Leo Ankle Strap Sandal

    Jimmy Choo
    1998 Leo Ankle Strap Sandal
    $875
    $675 AT NORDSTROM

    Jh Essential Crossover Hoop Earring, Gold, Sterling Silver, 15mm|ezz98713

    John Hardy
    Essential Crossover Hoop Earring
    $695
    $695 AT JOHN HARDY

    Tiffany & Co. , Tiffany T Smile Bracelet in Yellow Gold

    Tiffany & Co.
    Tiffany T Smile Bracelet in Yellow Gold
    $1,325 AT TIFFANY

    OFFICE-APPROPRIATE

    Most office holiday parties are pretty low-key these days, so feel free to wear denim. The trick is to dress it up a bit on top—I’m taking inspiration from the many fashion people I’ve seen wearing a tuxedo jacket and shirt recently. Satin flats also lend a luxe touch.

    Zara , Tailored Tuxedo Blazer

    Zara
    Tailored Tuxedo Blazer
    $100
    $100 AT ZARA

    J.Crew, Jules Tuxedo Shirt in Tartan Cotton Poplin

    J.Crew
    Jules Tuxedo Shirt in Tartan Cotton Poplin
    $188
    $128 AT J.CREW

    Margaux Puffs

    Jenny Bird
    Margaux Puffs
    $168
    $168 AT REVOLVE

    levi, 501® '90s Women's Jeans

    Levi's
    501® '90s Women's Jeans
    $98
    $98 AT LEVI'S

    margaux-development, The Parra - Black Satin

    Margaux
    The Parra
    $375
    $375 AT MARGAUX

    COACH®, Jonie Bag

    Coach
    Jonie Bag
    $250
    $250 AT COACH

    BLACK-TIE OPTIONAL

    There are so few times in your life that you’ll get to wear a gown or proper tuxedo, so take this opportunity and really go the distance. Even if it’s not a mandate, why not? Life is short! Wear your finest.

    Solace London, Kesi Gown

    Solace London
    Kesi Gown
    $910
    $910 AT MYTHERESA

    Cult Gaia, Eviana Clutch

    Cult Gaia
    Eviana Clutch
    $398
    $398 AT SHOPBOP

    Swarovski, Lucent Cocktail Ring

    Swarovski
    Lucent Cocktail Ring
    $300
    $300 AT NORDSTROM

    Stuart Weitzman, Nudist Wrap 100

    Stuart Weitzman
    Nudist Wrap 100
    $315 AT STUART WEITZMAN

    Cartier, Panthère De Cartier Watch

    Cartier
    Panthère De Cartier Watch
    $4300
    $4,300 AT CARTIER

    Matrix Ear Cuffs

    Swarovski
    Matrix Ear Cuffs
    $179
    $179 AT NORDSTROM

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    Self Checkout
    Marie Claire Newsletter

    The ultimate daily digest for women of power, purpose, and style.

    By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
    Nikki Ogunnaike
    Nikki Ogunnaike
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    Editor-in-Chief

    Nikki Ogunnaike is the Editor in Chief of Marie Claire US. She has previously held roles at Harper's Bazaar, GQ, ELLE, Glamour, InStyle, and Vanity Fair. She authors the popular Marie Claire newsletter Self Checkout. You may also recognize Nikki from her time as the host of Snapchat’s Online, IRL and IGTV's The Run Through.

    Based in Brooklyn, New York, in her free time Nikki enjoys running half marathons, learning about wine, and watching reality TV without an ounce of shame. You can follow her at @nikkiogun.

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